We got to experience a new
church and area today in the village of Kibongo in Matana province. This is the actual area where Peace and her
siblings grew up, and it was a joy for her and her sister, Phoebe, to be there
once again today. This was all new
territory for us as we turned off the winding mountain road to a red clay “path”
that led to the village. What is
generously called a road is a series of massive potholes which proved to be quite the challenge even to
our amazing new friend and driver, Fernand.
We’ve been on some rough roads before, but this was amazing. All along the way we passed (very, very slow)
people walking, then stopping, looking amazed and shocked as the sight of us
bouncing along. I thought perhaps it was
because not many cars venture this way, but soon learned that we were quite the
spectacle – no other “muzungus” (white people) had ever been here before! We finally made it to the church where we
were greeted by a crowd of curious and somewhat frightened children…..we must
have been a sight! What a welcome
awaited us! The church was packed out;
the concrete block walled, tin roofed sparce building was filled with such
heartfelt singing led by the most enthusiastic “praise team” I’ve ever
seen! About 20 young people danced in
perfect step with one another as they sang a song of welcome – it was apparent
that they had put a lot of effort in preparing for this. Praise and more praise! After the pastor’s message from Revelation,
he told the congregation that he had been talking with Peace and had told her
that many people here have never had a Bible.
What a JOY to be YOUR representative, all who support Hope4Burundi,
in presenting 50 Bibles today! The
pastor had compiled a list of those to receive them, and as they were
individually called to the front, they were overjoyed to receive their very own
Bible, clutching it to their chests. How
easily I/we can take the scriptures for granted, our easy access to them at any
time….and the ability to read it for ourselves!
At the close of the service,
there were endless hugs, handshakes, smiles and greetings as the pastor invited
us to meet with him and about a dozen key leaders of the church/community. We hadn’t anticipated this, but welcomed the
opportunity to meet with them and listen to what they had on their hearts. How gracious they were! How they love their community, though they
struggle so. Peace had brought one of
the water filters with us, and John was able to explain how it worked and the
benefits this clean water brings. We had
them get us some of their water which was pretty dirty and lots of stuff
floating in it. John showed them it was
ok by drinking an entire glass on the now clean water, they were amazed. They rejoiced at the prospect of having clean
water! Having any water is very difficult
for them, we learned. They are not near
any water source; it has to be hand carried from a spring down in a neighboring
valley, about an hour walk on rugged terrain.
This is usually done by women and children; arduous work. And then it’s not even clean…..
There are so many needs –
and so many possibilities here in Kibongo!
As the pastor said, their priority is first of all to share the
gospel. They have great physical needs,
educational and vocational challenges, but they know that real life is founded
first on knowing Jesus.
The openness and loving
embrace of these dear people of Kibongo was overwhelming. So much to consider, digest and process from
all we’ve experienced just in the past 24 hours! Will you please pray with us for this village?? Working in the rural areas is quite different
from Bujumbura, but it is a place of such beauty and promise. We sensed God’s heart for Kibongo – please
join us as we prayerfully consider how Hope4Burundi may be involved here in
the future.
As we started the descent
back toward Bujumbura the wind picked up dramatically, blowing red sand across
the road and down the valleys, trees bent low; we saw people struggling to stay
upright as they continued to walk on the edge of the road. But God was gracious in holding off an all
out storm that could have made driving treacherous. The winds of struggle are indeed strong here,
but so is God’s hand. How we pray for
winds of life, hope and promise to blow across this land.
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