Hello again. I want to tell you something very cool. Colton was at the CRIB house and Isaac and I had gone to get some household things at the Chinese shop. From what we gather from our friends here, if it's available, it's most likely to be found here. The quality of most of the items is equivalent to what you would get at a dollar store. So we were picking out these mugs, 6 to a pack. The package was very dusty and greasy, with even the mugs inside the package being dirty. The store by Canadian standards is not a place you would go shopping.
Normally the cook would wash our dishes, (we've been told that if we do them, that means that he doesn't do a good enough job.) but he wasn't around when Isaac and I got home. As I'm washing the mugs, all of a sudden I get a flashback of a dream that I had years ago. And guess what!? It's the Chinese store!!! I knew instantly that's what it was. It was very vivid. My guess is that I had that dream about 5 yrs. ago, and never would have remembered it had it not been from the Lord. It's confirmation that God has us right where He wants us! That's the best place in all the world to be. Man that's exciting to us!!
Continuation of our first days here before we had internet:
Day 3: We met Deo, Rosa's husband today. Deo & Rosa and Everiste & Anick each, with their families, live in a house that is located on the CRIB compound. Rosa is just over 8 months pregnant. She's super nice.
On Friday morning Maryanne picked us up and we went to Club du lac, which is a resort. It's right on the beach and it's beautiful. Colton, Boss David, who is Pastor Ray and Maryanne Bale's 5 yr. old son and Doo-Doo, who is an 18 yr.old boy that the Bale's have taken under their wings spent hours swimming in the beautiful pool while Maryanne, Isaac and myself sat under a tiki hut having Burundian coffee. Pastor Ray was still in the Congo, officially opening an other
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sabe Village - part two
Pastor Ray, Maryanne and Boss boarded a plane here in Bujumbura about 2 hours ago. They’re flying to Ottawa, where Pastor Ray’s parents lived. His mom passed away in June of this year, and on Sunday he received a call saying his dad had been found dead that morning in an armchair, presumably having suffered a heart attack. Please pray for them.
There’s no school again today, due to the fact that Burundi is commemorating the death of another past president. We really don’t mind though, a little R&R is very welcome.
We took the opportunity to go to Sabe village again with Honda and Libby. I will try to post pictures today; there are some other “mzungu’s” in some of the pictures, namely Andrew and Christine from England; he teaches at secondary, she teaches at primary; there’s Luke and Caleb, 2 guys from Niagara, Ontario who graduated from high school in June and are both at primary as well. The well dressed Africans in the pictures are some of Honda and Libby’s 60 plus boys that they’ve rescued off the streets of Bujumbura and have been transformed by Jesus Christ. There’s also sweet Donah, who’s from Uganda; she teaches at secondary. The kids wearing the soccer jerseys are the poorest of the poor, sporting the brand new jerseys that were donated by the head of a soccer club in England. This guy, a non-Christian, is coming out in April.
We went into the village today. No World Vision program could prepare you for what we witnessed today. Last week when we were there, we stayed at the edge of the village, and I stood there with tears rolling down my face. Today we went in, and there were no tears; tears may come once the shock has worn off.
The sewage system (holding tank) is only effective if it is utilized. Using the street is much faster and more convenient. The stench made Isaac’s stomach sick. The houses I wrote about last week, saying they’re the size of a small bedroom were the ones on the edge of the village. Today we saw many homes where I don’t know if a grown man could stretch out in; children with seemingly perpetually runny noses wearing short rags on the top part of their bodies with nothing at all on the bottom part. We saw the men sitting in the shade whiling the day away, leisurely sipping on their yellow banana hooch, gradually, wilfully blinding themselves.
We saw their tiny “market” consisting of perhaps 5 makeshift tables with the wares, mostly questionable to bad quality vegetables and fly covered little fish displayed. These are awful images. But the ones that get to you are the ones that are etched on the inside of your eye lids; when you close your eyes you see the big, empty, staring at nothing eyes of some of the children. Where is the happiness of childhood in these eyes; the curiosity of an ever inquisitive mind, the occasional glint of mischievous behaviour? Where is the hope in these big, black eyes?
Enter ‘Restoration Of Hope’. The Lord has given Honda a massive vision for this place. Believe me, apart from the Lord, one would think, ‘where do you start’, but we serve a God of all possibilities!! And when the Lord calls He makes a way.
The village is about the size of a residential block or smaller, housing about 400 dwellings. Like I said previously, it’s home to 1700 people. ‘Restoration of Hope’ is renting a large shed that is situated about 30 seconds from the entrance of the village. A congregation from England is paying for the rental of this property; a one time gift from an English lady paid for the water installation. Honda has plumbed in fresh, safe drinking water to this location in the last while. There are 6 taps where people come with their little jugs twice a day to get water. There is no electricity. Both times that we’ve gone so far Honda brings in a generator and the rescued street boys give haircuts; about 200 heads, male and female, get shaved each time. Meanwhile, some of Honda’s other boys organize kid’s games on the compound. It’s a wonder that these malnourished children have the strength and energy to run.
In one corner is a tiny chicken coop that Honda wants to grow into a big operation that will yield a few 1000 eggs per day. One chick costs $2500 francs - about $2.50 CND.
Honda and Libby, Lord willing, are planning on starting a school in January. Initially they will limit it to about 60 students. They’ve held 2 crusades here to date, with 153 people having accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour!!!
We are praying about how the Lord wants to use us in these peoples’ lives. Even though we pray the people that we touch will feel the love of Jesus through us, or that they will see the love of Jesus when we look into their eyes, this does not fill their distended bellies, or improve their hygiene, or provide much needed medicine or clothing. Will you please pray about how God wants to use you as well? Christmas is coming up; perhaps instead of buying gifts for family and friends, you want to contribute to the realization of the vision that God has given to Honda. If so, please email us at: ircfroese@gmail.com

Colton and Josiah, son of Honda and Libby.
Honda is Burundian, Libby is from England.

Children taking care of children.

The “barbers” are risking infection from var-
ious things.

The smartly clad soccer players.

What a joy to see the children having fun!!

Camera distraction

Libby showing up to where the flood waters reached
In April. Her daughter, Abigail (Abby) in front,
Andrew on the left.

Immediately to Isaac’s right is the entrance to the village.

Sewage holding tank with stairs going up on the
Other side of the tank.

A wealthier hut with a wooden door instead of a rag
Sheet for a door.

A tiny portion of the UN compound in the background.
This village is literally almost on their doorstep. The ab-
sence of their involvement here is mind blowing. But be-
Cause this village is about 17 yrs. Old, it obviously
Doesn’t fall under refugee status and doesn’t meet the
UN criteria for aid.

Preparing lunch, and it’s not just Bugali today!!

I wish you could see the flies feasting here.

Home sweet home.

Many people, adults and children alike, ask you to take
A picture of them.

This is a wide distance between the two houses. In
Many instances you have less than half of this.

A village senior. This lady would be considered very
Old, especially for this village, but for Burundi as a
Whole, as the female life expectancy is 46 and the male
43.

There were trucks like this lined up for many, many
Blocks about 100 feet from the dire poverty; laden with
Supplies, presumably for the UN since their property
Is all around, perhaps for a flour mill that ships in wheat
From Tanzania, and once ground up, gets shipped back
To Tanzania.

All the trucks have dried thorn bushes like this pulled
Through the bumper to discourage people from
Grabbing on when they are on their bikes for a free,
Life-threatening and all too often life taking ride.
The thorns are about 1 inch long. Also, this way
It’s much more difficult to get on board to hitch a ride.

The water station that houses 6 taps with fresh water.

This boy is in obvious need of medical attention.

Restoration of Hope Centre

Colton having fun with the boys.

The tiny chicken coop that by Gods’ grace will grow into a
Huge operation of producing a few thousand eggs per day
To help support the village.

Bethany, the eldest of Honda and Libby’s 3 children holding a
Distended bellied child.

How precious. If this picture could speak to you, it would say that
This and the next scene, more than any others, where the most heart
wrenching. These two cherub faced darlings are just being children,
Cradling a very filthy teddy bear. The tenderness of this moment…

What can I say? He was just lying there. He didn’t look well.

Some children scream in terror when they see a white person because
When they misbehave, the adults say that the ‘mzungu’ will come and
Eat them. Most, however, want to hold your hand or just touch you;
some carefully inspect your white skin that won’t rub off.

The middle one was the one lying down a few pictures up.

Isaac joining in the fun and games.

Luke, Caleb and the Astington’s with Isaac and Colton.

Look at the distended tummy of the little one on the right.

This new little one was completely naked under the cloth.

Sweet!!
Thus concludes a taste of what life is like for a large part of the Burundian population. A vast majority of the people of this capital city of 700,000 are very poor; however, they are the rich compared to most of the country of 8 million.
Does your heart hurt?
Rosel
P.S.(This was written last week Wednesday, the 21st , but due to not having internet access quite frequently, things get a little behind. Sorry for the delay.)
P.P.S. So apparently you'll have to imagine the pictures, as today is an off day again with the internet, but because it's taken so long already, I'll at least post the text.
There’s no school again today, due to the fact that Burundi is commemorating the death of another past president. We really don’t mind though, a little R&R is very welcome.
We took the opportunity to go to Sabe village again with Honda and Libby. I will try to post pictures today; there are some other “mzungu’s” in some of the pictures, namely Andrew and Christine from England; he teaches at secondary, she teaches at primary; there’s Luke and Caleb, 2 guys from Niagara, Ontario who graduated from high school in June and are both at primary as well. The well dressed Africans in the pictures are some of Honda and Libby’s 60 plus boys that they’ve rescued off the streets of Bujumbura and have been transformed by Jesus Christ. There’s also sweet Donah, who’s from Uganda; she teaches at secondary. The kids wearing the soccer jerseys are the poorest of the poor, sporting the brand new jerseys that were donated by the head of a soccer club in England. This guy, a non-Christian, is coming out in April.
We went into the village today. No World Vision program could prepare you for what we witnessed today. Last week when we were there, we stayed at the edge of the village, and I stood there with tears rolling down my face. Today we went in, and there were no tears; tears may come once the shock has worn off.
The sewage system (holding tank) is only effective if it is utilized. Using the street is much faster and more convenient. The stench made Isaac’s stomach sick. The houses I wrote about last week, saying they’re the size of a small bedroom were the ones on the edge of the village. Today we saw many homes where I don’t know if a grown man could stretch out in; children with seemingly perpetually runny noses wearing short rags on the top part of their bodies with nothing at all on the bottom part. We saw the men sitting in the shade whiling the day away, leisurely sipping on their yellow banana hooch, gradually, wilfully blinding themselves.
We saw their tiny “market” consisting of perhaps 5 makeshift tables with the wares, mostly questionable to bad quality vegetables and fly covered little fish displayed. These are awful images. But the ones that get to you are the ones that are etched on the inside of your eye lids; when you close your eyes you see the big, empty, staring at nothing eyes of some of the children. Where is the happiness of childhood in these eyes; the curiosity of an ever inquisitive mind, the occasional glint of mischievous behaviour? Where is the hope in these big, black eyes?
Enter ‘Restoration Of Hope’. The Lord has given Honda a massive vision for this place. Believe me, apart from the Lord, one would think, ‘where do you start’, but we serve a God of all possibilities!! And when the Lord calls He makes a way.
The village is about the size of a residential block or smaller, housing about 400 dwellings. Like I said previously, it’s home to 1700 people. ‘Restoration of Hope’ is renting a large shed that is situated about 30 seconds from the entrance of the village. A congregation from England is paying for the rental of this property; a one time gift from an English lady paid for the water installation. Honda has plumbed in fresh, safe drinking water to this location in the last while. There are 6 taps where people come with their little jugs twice a day to get water. There is no electricity. Both times that we’ve gone so far Honda brings in a generator and the rescued street boys give haircuts; about 200 heads, male and female, get shaved each time. Meanwhile, some of Honda’s other boys organize kid’s games on the compound. It’s a wonder that these malnourished children have the strength and energy to run.
In one corner is a tiny chicken coop that Honda wants to grow into a big operation that will yield a few 1000 eggs per day. One chick costs $2500 francs - about $2.50 CND.
Honda and Libby, Lord willing, are planning on starting a school in January. Initially they will limit it to about 60 students. They’ve held 2 crusades here to date, with 153 people having accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour!!!
We are praying about how the Lord wants to use us in these peoples’ lives. Even though we pray the people that we touch will feel the love of Jesus through us, or that they will see the love of Jesus when we look into their eyes, this does not fill their distended bellies, or improve their hygiene, or provide much needed medicine or clothing. Will you please pray about how God wants to use you as well? Christmas is coming up; perhaps instead of buying gifts for family and friends, you want to contribute to the realization of the vision that God has given to Honda. If so, please email us at: ircfroese@gmail.com

Colton and Josiah, son of Honda and Libby.
Honda is Burundian, Libby is from England.

Children taking care of children.

The “barbers” are risking infection from var-
ious things.

The smartly clad soccer players.

What a joy to see the children having fun!!

Camera distraction

Libby showing up to where the flood waters reached
In April. Her daughter, Abigail (Abby) in front,
Andrew on the left.

Immediately to Isaac’s right is the entrance to the village.

Sewage holding tank with stairs going up on the
Other side of the tank.

A wealthier hut with a wooden door instead of a rag
Sheet for a door.

A tiny portion of the UN compound in the background.
This village is literally almost on their doorstep. The ab-
sence of their involvement here is mind blowing. But be-
Cause this village is about 17 yrs. Old, it obviously
Doesn’t fall under refugee status and doesn’t meet the
UN criteria for aid.

Preparing lunch, and it’s not just Bugali today!!

I wish you could see the flies feasting here.

Home sweet home.

Many people, adults and children alike, ask you to take
A picture of them.

This is a wide distance between the two houses. In
Many instances you have less than half of this.

A village senior. This lady would be considered very
Old, especially for this village, but for Burundi as a
Whole, as the female life expectancy is 46 and the male
43.

There were trucks like this lined up for many, many
Blocks about 100 feet from the dire poverty; laden with
Supplies, presumably for the UN since their property
Is all around, perhaps for a flour mill that ships in wheat
From Tanzania, and once ground up, gets shipped back
To Tanzania.

All the trucks have dried thorn bushes like this pulled
Through the bumper to discourage people from
Grabbing on when they are on their bikes for a free,
Life-threatening and all too often life taking ride.
The thorns are about 1 inch long. Also, this way
It’s much more difficult to get on board to hitch a ride.

The water station that houses 6 taps with fresh water.

This boy is in obvious need of medical attention.

Restoration of Hope Centre

Colton having fun with the boys.

The tiny chicken coop that by Gods’ grace will grow into a
Huge operation of producing a few thousand eggs per day
To help support the village.

Bethany, the eldest of Honda and Libby’s 3 children holding a
Distended bellied child.

How precious. If this picture could speak to you, it would say that
This and the next scene, more than any others, where the most heart
wrenching. These two cherub faced darlings are just being children,
Cradling a very filthy teddy bear. The tenderness of this moment…

What can I say? He was just lying there. He didn’t look well.

Some children scream in terror when they see a white person because
When they misbehave, the adults say that the ‘mzungu’ will come and
Eat them. Most, however, want to hold your hand or just touch you;
some carefully inspect your white skin that won’t rub off.

The middle one was the one lying down a few pictures up.

Isaac joining in the fun and games.

Luke, Caleb and the Astington’s with Isaac and Colton.

Look at the distended tummy of the little one on the right.

This new little one was completely naked under the cloth.

Sweet!!
Thus concludes a taste of what life is like for a large part of the Burundian population. A vast majority of the people of this capital city of 700,000 are very poor; however, they are the rich compared to most of the country of 8 million.
Does your heart hurt?
Rosel
P.S.(This was written last week Wednesday, the 21st , but due to not having internet access quite frequently, things get a little behind. Sorry for the delay.)
P.P.S. So apparently you'll have to imagine the pictures, as today is an off day again with the internet, but because it's taken so long already, I'll at least post the text.
Bubanza Crusade - Part 2
Long over due again.
We had three wonderful friends from Canada visit us for 10 days. Marvin and Rachael, together with Andrea were a breath of fresh air. We love you guys!!
So, part 2 of the Crusade:
The church wasn’t nearly big enough to hold everyone, so the event was held outside which proved to be problematic at times due to short but intense rains. We were under a canopy of tarps and palm branches resting on bamboo sticks. The edge of the mountain was about 20 feet from where we sat. The view was beautiful; there was a deep valley/ravine separating us from other majestic mountains - real mountains, like in B.C., not just ’wannabe’ mountains. (Mind you, all Burundi mountains are the real kind of mountains.)
People had walked/hiked from a distance of up to 15 km. from all directions. First introductions where made - the visiting team as well as all the local pastors representing their churches.
Eddy, who is Honda’s administrator did most of the interpreting for us, and time and again he said how the various choirs were singing songs of condemnation. He said this is very common in rural churches, where worship is often not worship, but judging. The choirs can sing beautifully, and often times are very, almost painfully long winded. They always have synchronized movements throughout the entire song - often times quite funny to watch. Whether it was mixed adult or childrens’ choirs, babies were on the backs of the choir members, bobbing back and forth. The ground was saturated from the rains, and so all the dancing was on slimmy, red mud. Most are bare foot anyway, no need to worry about their expensive Lacoste or Adidas getting ruined.
Many, many responded to the alter calls, and the angels in heaven rejoiced!!
Isaac spoke on the Holy Spirit, and I spoke about who we are in Christ Jesus according to Eph.1:3-14. In the evenings people were able to watch ‘Pilgrim’s Progress” and another Christian movie. The first evening Honda figured there were close to 1500 people, the second night there were more. They stretched out a white sheet on tall branches, thus enabling viewers on both sides.
The second night after preaching, Isaac very suddenly felt very sick. We had just entered the church to have supper, and Isaac knew he needed to get out - now!! We excused ourselves in the nick of time. After vomiting a few times he was completely well again. We fully believe this was a spiritual attack, as Isaac had previously felt a heaviness and darkness in his spirit. But praise be to Jesus - He who is in us is more powerful than he who is in the world!!!
I know I’ve written very little of the spiritual things, but really, when Jesus sets free the captives, that’s the bottom line. We were blessed beyond measure by being able to pray for, encourage and walk along side a beautiful people.
Isaac, Colton and I were all changed on that mountain.
Our dear friend Alli, the one that runs the sewing/mechanic project with ex-prostitutes and child soldiers, has a guy working for her by the name of Deo. Deo is her “right-hand-man” at the project; he’s an extremely soft spoken, gentle spirited father of six. He had malignant cancer from 2002 - 2004, with a huge visible lump on the side of his throat. He was hospitalized, and the doctors gave him just a little while to live. However, God told him that he was healed, and so Deo would tell people this, all the while having this lump on his throat. Well, Jesus completely healed him, and that was 6 years ago!!!
Deo’s wife, Divine, age 30 (Mama Queen - oldest daughter’s name is Queen), was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago; it is now all over her body. She is very sick, and in need of prayer. The way things work out here is if you have someone working for you, you are responsible for the medical bills that the employee and his family accrue. Well, needless to say, the bills are stacking up, and Alli is left almost by herself to pay for them.
Burundi does not have any kind of cancer treatment, so before Christmas Deo and Divine took a bus to Kampala, Uganda 6 times for chemo. Alli said it’s not a pleasant ride at the best of times, never mind when you’re so sick. Hospitalization in a government facility is not expensive by our standards - not even $10.00 per night, but this does not include any medicines, painkillers, tests, nothing. Also, hospitals do not feed the patients, so all food has to be brought in by family/friends. The custom here is that there are many people with the sick almost constantly, so these people also have to be fed. So for the most part, Alli is feeding 5 - 6 people daily on top of all the medical bills. We have come to know and love Deo and Divine, and have been so blessed by them.
If Jesus prompts you to help out with the bills, please email us at: ircfroese@gmail.com
Blessings!!!
We had three wonderful friends from Canada visit us for 10 days. Marvin and Rachael, together with Andrea were a breath of fresh air. We love you guys!!
So, part 2 of the Crusade:
The church wasn’t nearly big enough to hold everyone, so the event was held outside which proved to be problematic at times due to short but intense rains. We were under a canopy of tarps and palm branches resting on bamboo sticks. The edge of the mountain was about 20 feet from where we sat. The view was beautiful; there was a deep valley/ravine separating us from other majestic mountains - real mountains, like in B.C., not just ’wannabe’ mountains. (Mind you, all Burundi mountains are the real kind of mountains.)
People had walked/hiked from a distance of up to 15 km. from all directions. First introductions where made - the visiting team as well as all the local pastors representing their churches.
Eddy, who is Honda’s administrator did most of the interpreting for us, and time and again he said how the various choirs were singing songs of condemnation. He said this is very common in rural churches, where worship is often not worship, but judging. The choirs can sing beautifully, and often times are very, almost painfully long winded. They always have synchronized movements throughout the entire song - often times quite funny to watch. Whether it was mixed adult or childrens’ choirs, babies were on the backs of the choir members, bobbing back and forth. The ground was saturated from the rains, and so all the dancing was on slimmy, red mud. Most are bare foot anyway, no need to worry about their expensive Lacoste or Adidas getting ruined.
Many, many responded to the alter calls, and the angels in heaven rejoiced!!
Isaac spoke on the Holy Spirit, and I spoke about who we are in Christ Jesus according to Eph.1:3-14. In the evenings people were able to watch ‘Pilgrim’s Progress” and another Christian movie. The first evening Honda figured there were close to 1500 people, the second night there were more. They stretched out a white sheet on tall branches, thus enabling viewers on both sides.
The second night after preaching, Isaac very suddenly felt very sick. We had just entered the church to have supper, and Isaac knew he needed to get out - now!! We excused ourselves in the nick of time. After vomiting a few times he was completely well again. We fully believe this was a spiritual attack, as Isaac had previously felt a heaviness and darkness in his spirit. But praise be to Jesus - He who is in us is more powerful than he who is in the world!!!
I know I’ve written very little of the spiritual things, but really, when Jesus sets free the captives, that’s the bottom line. We were blessed beyond measure by being able to pray for, encourage and walk along side a beautiful people.
Isaac, Colton and I were all changed on that mountain.
Our dear friend Alli, the one that runs the sewing/mechanic project with ex-prostitutes and child soldiers, has a guy working for her by the name of Deo. Deo is her “right-hand-man” at the project; he’s an extremely soft spoken, gentle spirited father of six. He had malignant cancer from 2002 - 2004, with a huge visible lump on the side of his throat. He was hospitalized, and the doctors gave him just a little while to live. However, God told him that he was healed, and so Deo would tell people this, all the while having this lump on his throat. Well, Jesus completely healed him, and that was 6 years ago!!!
Deo’s wife, Divine, age 30 (Mama Queen - oldest daughter’s name is Queen), was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago; it is now all over her body. She is very sick, and in need of prayer. The way things work out here is if you have someone working for you, you are responsible for the medical bills that the employee and his family accrue. Well, needless to say, the bills are stacking up, and Alli is left almost by herself to pay for them.
Burundi does not have any kind of cancer treatment, so before Christmas Deo and Divine took a bus to Kampala, Uganda 6 times for chemo. Alli said it’s not a pleasant ride at the best of times, never mind when you’re so sick. Hospitalization in a government facility is not expensive by our standards - not even $10.00 per night, but this does not include any medicines, painkillers, tests, nothing. Also, hospitals do not feed the patients, so all food has to be brought in by family/friends. The custom here is that there are many people with the sick almost constantly, so these people also have to be fed. So for the most part, Alli is feeding 5 - 6 people daily on top of all the medical bills. We have come to know and love Deo and Divine, and have been so blessed by them.
If Jesus prompts you to help out with the bills, please email us at: ircfroese@gmail.com
Blessings!!!
Bubanza Crusade - Part 2
Long over due again.
We had three wonderful friends from Canada visit us for 10 days. Marvin and Rachael, together with Andrea were a breath of fresh air. We love you guys!!
So, part 2 of the Crusade:
The church wasn’t nearly big enough to hold everyone, so the event was held outside which proved to be problematic at times due to short but intense rains. We were under a canopy of tarps and palm branches resting on bamboo sticks. The edge of the mountain was about 20 feet from where we sat. The view was beautiful; there was a deep valley/ravine separating us from other majestic mountains - real mountains, like in B.C., not just ’wannabe’ mountains. (Mind you, all Burundi mountains are the real kind of mountains.)
People had walked/hiked from a distance of up to 15 km. from all directions. First introductions where made - the visiting team as well as all the local pastors representing their churches.
Eddy, who is Honda’s administrator did most of the interpreting for us, and time and again he said how the various choirs were singing songs of condemnation. He said this is very common in rural churches, where worship is often not worship, but judging. The choirs can sing beautifully, and often times are very, almost painfully long winded. They always have synchronized movements throughout the entire song - often times quite funny to watch. Whether it was mixed adult or childrens’ choirs, babies were on the backs of the choir members, bobbing back and forth. The ground was saturated from the rains, and so all the dancing was on slimmy, red mud. Most are bare foot anyway, no need to worry about their expensive Lacoste or Adidas getting ruined.
Many, many responded to the alter calls, and the angels in heaven rejoiced!!
Isaac spoke on the Holy Spirit, and I spoke about who we are in Christ Jesus according to Eph.1:3-14. In the evenings people were able to watch ‘Pilgrim’s Progress” and another Christian movie. The first evening Honda figured there were close to 1500 people, the second night there were more. They stretched out a white sheet on tall branches, thus enabling viewers on both sides.
The second night after preaching, Isaac very suddenly felt very sick. We had just entered the church to have supper, and Isaac knew he needed to get out - now!! We excused ourselves in the nick of time. After vomiting a few times he was completely well again. We fully believe this was a spiritual attack, as Isaac had previously felt a heaviness and darkness in his spirit. But praise be to Jesus - He who is in us is more powerful than he who is in the world!!!
I know I’ve written very little of the spiritual things, but really, when Jesus sets free the captives, that’s the bottom line. We were blessed beyond measure by being able to pray for, encourage and walk along side a beautiful people.
Isaac, Colton and I were all changed on that mountain.
Our dear friend Alli, the one that runs the sewing/mechanic project with ex-prostitutes and child soldiers, has a guy working for her by the name of Deo. Deo is her “right-hand-man” at the project; he’s an extremely soft spoken, gentle spirited father of six. He had malignant cancer from 2002 - 2004, with a huge visible lump on the side of his throat. He was hospitalized, and the doctors gave him just a little while to live. However, God told him that he was healed, and so Deo would tell people this, all the while having this lump on his throat. Well, Jesus completely healed him, and that was 6 years ago!!!
Deo’s wife, Divine, age 30 (Mama Queen - oldest daughter’s name is Queen), was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago; it is now all over her body. She is very sick, and in need of prayer. The way things work out here is if you have someone working for you, you are responsible for the medical bills that the employee and his family accrue. Well, needless to say, the bills are stacking up, and Alli is left almost by herself to pay for them.
Burundi does not have any kind of cancer treatment, so before Christmas Deo and Divine took a bus to Kampala, Uganda 6 times for chemo. Alli said it’s not a pleasant ride at the best of times, never mind when you’re so sick. Hospitalization in a government facility is not expensive by our standards - not even $10.00 per night, but this does not include any medicines, painkillers, tests, nothing. Also, hospitals do not feed the patients, so all food has to be brought in by family/friends. The custom here is that there are many people with the sick almost constantly, so these people also have to be fed. So for the most part, Alli is feeding 5 - 6 people daily on top of all the medical bills. We have come to know and love Deo and Divine, and have been so blessed by them.
If Jesus prompts you to help out with the bills, please email us at: ircfroese@gmail.com
Blessings!!!
We had three wonderful friends from Canada visit us for 10 days. Marvin and Rachael, together with Andrea were a breath of fresh air. We love you guys!!
So, part 2 of the Crusade:
The church wasn’t nearly big enough to hold everyone, so the event was held outside which proved to be problematic at times due to short but intense rains. We were under a canopy of tarps and palm branches resting on bamboo sticks. The edge of the mountain was about 20 feet from where we sat. The view was beautiful; there was a deep valley/ravine separating us from other majestic mountains - real mountains, like in B.C., not just ’wannabe’ mountains. (Mind you, all Burundi mountains are the real kind of mountains.)
People had walked/hiked from a distance of up to 15 km. from all directions. First introductions where made - the visiting team as well as all the local pastors representing their churches.
Eddy, who is Honda’s administrator did most of the interpreting for us, and time and again he said how the various choirs were singing songs of condemnation. He said this is very common in rural churches, where worship is often not worship, but judging. The choirs can sing beautifully, and often times are very, almost painfully long winded. They always have synchronized movements throughout the entire song - often times quite funny to watch. Whether it was mixed adult or childrens’ choirs, babies were on the backs of the choir members, bobbing back and forth. The ground was saturated from the rains, and so all the dancing was on slimmy, red mud. Most are bare foot anyway, no need to worry about their expensive Lacoste or Adidas getting ruined.
Many, many responded to the alter calls, and the angels in heaven rejoiced!!
Isaac spoke on the Holy Spirit, and I spoke about who we are in Christ Jesus according to Eph.1:3-14. In the evenings people were able to watch ‘Pilgrim’s Progress” and another Christian movie. The first evening Honda figured there were close to 1500 people, the second night there were more. They stretched out a white sheet on tall branches, thus enabling viewers on both sides.
The second night after preaching, Isaac very suddenly felt very sick. We had just entered the church to have supper, and Isaac knew he needed to get out - now!! We excused ourselves in the nick of time. After vomiting a few times he was completely well again. We fully believe this was a spiritual attack, as Isaac had previously felt a heaviness and darkness in his spirit. But praise be to Jesus - He who is in us is more powerful than he who is in the world!!!
I know I’ve written very little of the spiritual things, but really, when Jesus sets free the captives, that’s the bottom line. We were blessed beyond measure by being able to pray for, encourage and walk along side a beautiful people.
Isaac, Colton and I were all changed on that mountain.
Our dear friend Alli, the one that runs the sewing/mechanic project with ex-prostitutes and child soldiers, has a guy working for her by the name of Deo. Deo is her “right-hand-man” at the project; he’s an extremely soft spoken, gentle spirited father of six. He had malignant cancer from 2002 - 2004, with a huge visible lump on the side of his throat. He was hospitalized, and the doctors gave him just a little while to live. However, God told him that he was healed, and so Deo would tell people this, all the while having this lump on his throat. Well, Jesus completely healed him, and that was 6 years ago!!!
Deo’s wife, Divine, age 30 (Mama Queen - oldest daughter’s name is Queen), was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago; it is now all over her body. She is very sick, and in need of prayer. The way things work out here is if you have someone working for you, you are responsible for the medical bills that the employee and his family accrue. Well, needless to say, the bills are stacking up, and Alli is left almost by herself to pay for them.
Burundi does not have any kind of cancer treatment, so before Christmas Deo and Divine took a bus to Kampala, Uganda 6 times for chemo. Alli said it’s not a pleasant ride at the best of times, never mind when you’re so sick. Hospitalization in a government facility is not expensive by our standards - not even $10.00 per night, but this does not include any medicines, painkillers, tests, nothing. Also, hospitals do not feed the patients, so all food has to be brought in by family/friends. The custom here is that there are many people with the sick almost constantly, so these people also have to be fed. So for the most part, Alli is feeding 5 - 6 people daily on top of all the medical bills. We have come to know and love Deo and Divine, and have been so blessed by them.
If Jesus prompts you to help out with the bills, please email us at: ircfroese@gmail.com
Blessings!!!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Birthday Blessings
I had the absolute best birthday of my life!! (By the way, 29 and holding for those of you that are wondering. :)) Not!!!
It started with ’Happy Birthday’s’ from my 2 favorite boys, and a brilliant variety of freshly picked flowers from our garden, all beautifully arranged. Over breakfast Colton presented me with the drawing he had made for me; another one of his incredible creations, this one being the head of a lion.
Like always, we were at school before 7, and before we were even in the gate, kids were already chorusing ‘Happy Birthday Miss Rosel.’ (yes, I’m Miss, just like other married Mzungu teachers - it’s easier and faster than Mrs. The locals are Madam.) During staff devotions Isaac and Olive had some very powerful words of blessing for me. This was the high light of the day for me, because God poured so much into me.
The kids were reminding me for about 2 weeks that my birthday was coming up; they were so excited about it. I received probably 50 or more cards, and some small offerings of gifts like a little package of ‘Maria” cookies, and such. My favorite/most interesting/unique gift? A gooey, melting, sticky mess of a 2/3 eaten KitKat chocolate bar!! Now you need to understand that real chocolate bars are very rare out here, and they are stored in the meat fridges in stores to prevent them from melting. They are crazy expensive, and we never buy them. So, I had a dilemma on my hands; was I going to let all that good ‘chocolatetiness ‘ go to waste? I mean, this was the real McCoy!!! Not just flavoured wax!! True, the thought of Carol opening the wrapper with probably unwashed hands, and consuming over half of it minutes earlier wasn’t appealing to me, but honestly!!! Chocolate! And… it was a gift…! What to do…?
Well, I did the only thing any chocolate starved chocolate lover would do… I ate it! With great enjoyment!
At break time sweet Madam Olive surprised me with a party. She truly is a wonderful friend; I love her so much.
Isaac is a very gifted artist as well, and he too drew a picture of a lion’s head for me, only this one isn’t docile like Colton’s is; this one looks lethal with his teeth bared and his head back as he lets out a fierce growl. God had spoken to Isaac a few days before my birthday about something that He wanted to impart into me, and this picture was inspired by that. I’m planning on getting the 2 pictures I received from Isaac and Colton matted and framed in Canada. I’ve received many brilliant drawings from both of them, but these two have a very special meaning.
Isaac also got me a fabulous ‘igetengi’ - which is the 3 piece outfit commonly worn by women here. It’s simply 6 yards of fabric cut into 3 equal size lengths - one for wrap around skirt, one for wrap around the wrapped around skirt or to drape over one shoulder, and the last pc is the headpiece. You wear a shirt of your choice with it. I have a number of African outfits - gifts a lot of them. And yes, I plan on wearing my African clothes in Canada.
In the evening Isaac and Colton and I went out for supper by ourselves - a rare occasion to go out.
We had celebrated with some of our closest friends the Sunday before my birthday, which was also a huge blessing. Olivia (wonderful you!!) suggested that we go around the table and each one say 3 things that each one loves about me, and 3 things they like about me. Wow!! If you want to really bless someone on their special day, this is great. Thankfully, Astrid wrote as people spoke, and I have 2 wonderful pages to remind me that I am loved and special.
Because of not having had internet at our house now for over 2 months, I did not get to my emails/Facebook messages for a while, but a big thank you to all who remembered me on my birthday.
It was a truly blessed day!!!
It started with ’Happy Birthday’s’ from my 2 favorite boys, and a brilliant variety of freshly picked flowers from our garden, all beautifully arranged. Over breakfast Colton presented me with the drawing he had made for me; another one of his incredible creations, this one being the head of a lion.
Like always, we were at school before 7, and before we were even in the gate, kids were already chorusing ‘Happy Birthday Miss Rosel.’ (yes, I’m Miss, just like other married Mzungu teachers - it’s easier and faster than Mrs. The locals are Madam.) During staff devotions Isaac and Olive had some very powerful words of blessing for me. This was the high light of the day for me, because God poured so much into me.
The kids were reminding me for about 2 weeks that my birthday was coming up; they were so excited about it. I received probably 50 or more cards, and some small offerings of gifts like a little package of ‘Maria” cookies, and such. My favorite/most interesting/unique gift? A gooey, melting, sticky mess of a 2/3 eaten KitKat chocolate bar!! Now you need to understand that real chocolate bars are very rare out here, and they are stored in the meat fridges in stores to prevent them from melting. They are crazy expensive, and we never buy them. So, I had a dilemma on my hands; was I going to let all that good ‘chocolatetiness ‘ go to waste? I mean, this was the real McCoy!!! Not just flavoured wax!! True, the thought of Carol opening the wrapper with probably unwashed hands, and consuming over half of it minutes earlier wasn’t appealing to me, but honestly!!! Chocolate! And… it was a gift…! What to do…?
Well, I did the only thing any chocolate starved chocolate lover would do… I ate it! With great enjoyment!
At break time sweet Madam Olive surprised me with a party. She truly is a wonderful friend; I love her so much.
Isaac is a very gifted artist as well, and he too drew a picture of a lion’s head for me, only this one isn’t docile like Colton’s is; this one looks lethal with his teeth bared and his head back as he lets out a fierce growl. God had spoken to Isaac a few days before my birthday about something that He wanted to impart into me, and this picture was inspired by that. I’m planning on getting the 2 pictures I received from Isaac and Colton matted and framed in Canada. I’ve received many brilliant drawings from both of them, but these two have a very special meaning.
Isaac also got me a fabulous ‘igetengi’ - which is the 3 piece outfit commonly worn by women here. It’s simply 6 yards of fabric cut into 3 equal size lengths - one for wrap around skirt, one for wrap around the wrapped around skirt or to drape over one shoulder, and the last pc is the headpiece. You wear a shirt of your choice with it. I have a number of African outfits - gifts a lot of them. And yes, I plan on wearing my African clothes in Canada.
In the evening Isaac and Colton and I went out for supper by ourselves - a rare occasion to go out.
We had celebrated with some of our closest friends the Sunday before my birthday, which was also a huge blessing. Olivia (wonderful you!!) suggested that we go around the table and each one say 3 things that each one loves about me, and 3 things they like about me. Wow!! If you want to really bless someone on their special day, this is great. Thankfully, Astrid wrote as people spoke, and I have 2 wonderful pages to remind me that I am loved and special.
Because of not having had internet at our house now for over 2 months, I did not get to my emails/Facebook messages for a while, but a big thank you to all who remembered me on my birthday.
It was a truly blessed day!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Christmas in May
We had the blessing of going up country with Drs. Aline and Euloge and Evariste to distribute Christmas Shoe Boxes.
Dr. Aline is the country director of African Revival Ministries, and as such has connections with many wonderful organizations, ‘Compassion’ being one of them.
We started the morning by going to A.R.M. headquarters and completely filling up 2 large SUV vehicles with 300 beautifully wrapped packages. We headed out to the beautiful mountains where the cooler weather greeted us mercifully. After a long, winding, and very bumpy road, we finally arrived at our destination - a Bat’wa village - situated high up in the fog and clouds and rain.
We were immediately greeted by local ‘dignitaries,’ and ushered into the tiny building that was bursting at the seams with people, waiting with anticipation. Upon our arrival, the tiny choir of about 8 people started singing as we were ushered into the building to take our seats at the front of the church. After introductions and greetings, Dr. Euloge preached. He spoke on Jesus being the best gift of all, and many people accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. After this I (Rosel) had a short message about God being their provider, not man.
At this point the adults were asked to vacate the small building to make room for the 300 children. You should have heard the noise and excitement as their eyes alighted on the huge stacks of presents at the front. We separated the boys and girls, and then further separated them by age. Our piles of presents were organized into age/gender specific piles as well. We started with the smallest ones, and worked our way up to the oldest kids. They were instructed to not open their gift until every one had received theirs.
We literally tripped over presents and bodies as we worked in our cramped quarters; finally, everyone was clutching a box of blessings to their chest.
Ready, set, OPEN!!!
Imagine children that have nothing… nothing…. tear into those shiny parcels!!! The noise of the excitement was almost deafening as they began to wave little trucks and pretty dolls and bags of candy and pencil crayons and socks and stuffed animals in the air. Radiant joy!
Our team just stood at the front and watched all these precious ones. At one point I looked at our team and I’m not sure who was beaming more, the givers or the recipients, with the exception that we just quietly took it all in.
After some time I noticed that there were children that were still clutching their unopened box to their chest, as if the pretty package was the gift itself; they didn’t understand that they had to open the present for the true gift that was inside. I knelt down and showed them that they had to rip the paper off and see what’s on the inside. This yielded much more happiness and satisfaction when they saw the contents of the package.
How often, I wonder, do people accept Jesus just for fire insurance, and they never unwrap more of who He is, or of what He has to offer them.
Without a doubt, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is the absolute best gift there is. But, let’s not stop there; He has so many added gifts for us, if only we pursue a vibrant relationship with Him.
Dr. Aline is the country director of African Revival Ministries, and as such has connections with many wonderful organizations, ‘Compassion’ being one of them.
We started the morning by going to A.R.M. headquarters and completely filling up 2 large SUV vehicles with 300 beautifully wrapped packages. We headed out to the beautiful mountains where the cooler weather greeted us mercifully. After a long, winding, and very bumpy road, we finally arrived at our destination - a Bat’wa village - situated high up in the fog and clouds and rain.
We were immediately greeted by local ‘dignitaries,’ and ushered into the tiny building that was bursting at the seams with people, waiting with anticipation. Upon our arrival, the tiny choir of about 8 people started singing as we were ushered into the building to take our seats at the front of the church. After introductions and greetings, Dr. Euloge preached. He spoke on Jesus being the best gift of all, and many people accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. After this I (Rosel) had a short message about God being their provider, not man.
At this point the adults were asked to vacate the small building to make room for the 300 children. You should have heard the noise and excitement as their eyes alighted on the huge stacks of presents at the front. We separated the boys and girls, and then further separated them by age. Our piles of presents were organized into age/gender specific piles as well. We started with the smallest ones, and worked our way up to the oldest kids. They were instructed to not open their gift until every one had received theirs.
We literally tripped over presents and bodies as we worked in our cramped quarters; finally, everyone was clutching a box of blessings to their chest.
Ready, set, OPEN!!!
Imagine children that have nothing… nothing…. tear into those shiny parcels!!! The noise of the excitement was almost deafening as they began to wave little trucks and pretty dolls and bags of candy and pencil crayons and socks and stuffed animals in the air. Radiant joy!
Our team just stood at the front and watched all these precious ones. At one point I looked at our team and I’m not sure who was beaming more, the givers or the recipients, with the exception that we just quietly took it all in.
After some time I noticed that there were children that were still clutching their unopened box to their chest, as if the pretty package was the gift itself; they didn’t understand that they had to open the present for the true gift that was inside. I knelt down and showed them that they had to rip the paper off and see what’s on the inside. This yielded much more happiness and satisfaction when they saw the contents of the package.
How often, I wonder, do people accept Jesus just for fire insurance, and they never unwrap more of who He is, or of what He has to offer them.
Without a doubt, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is the absolute best gift there is. But, let’s not stop there; He has so many added gifts for us, if only we pursue a vibrant relationship with Him.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Food Distribution at Sabe Village
If you’re a regular blog follower, you’ll recall some of my previous entries pertaining to Sabe Village. It houses almost 1500 people; prostitution is common to provide food for the empty bellies waiting at home. Drunkenness is also very common; can’t say I blame them. (The home made banana beer is known to cause blindness, but at least it numbs their sorrows for a few hours.) What with the life they’ve lived for many, many years, with no glimmer of hope in their lives. I mean, if they aren’t living for Jesus, why even get up in the morning??
This might sound depressing; it is. These people live in almost unthinkable conditions. Their tiny plot should house probably no more than 4 families if they would have average Canadian size yards. But there are 400 families crammed into that space. The houses are about 1 foot apart from each other. They are the size of a small washroom - perhaps 4”x6”; I don’t think any bigger. The walls are made of sticks covered with mud; the roof - any plastic garbage bag or other ‘usable’ garbage.
They have no washroom facility; you really watch your step when you walk in the village.
There is a swamp a few feet beside the outside row of huts with standing green water; perfect mosquito breeding grounds. Malaria has claimed many lives.
Till September 2010 there was no school, but Honda and Libby hired 2 local teachers, who now teach a few age groups. Not perfect, but so much better than nothing. The kids can’t go to public school because they don’t have money to buy a school uniform. A locally made uniform costs about $10.00.
The kids have no toys; none. Little boys improvise with clay bricks instead of pushing big yellow Tonka trucks around in the dirt. Or they take an empty jug and tie something on to it and drag it around.
Well, as I said earlier, I’ve written about Sabe before and some family members have sent money for the village on a number of occasions. Last week someone sent enough to buy almost 2 tonnes of food. So, last Friday afternoon, together with some of our friends we packaged 1000 kgs. of beans, 1000 kgs. of bugali flour (a staple in Burundi, made from maize, or from cassava root), 200 kgs. of salt, and 1200 bars of locally made soap.
On Saturday morning it was off to the village. Honda had already alerted the villagers about our visit the day before. He organized everything really well, and had given the women a ticket which they had to present upon receiving the food. This prevented them from going through the line more than once. (Though one in particular tried again and again to get more.)
What a joy to see how grateful these moms where. Food for the children!! For their family!! They started singing and dancing. After another prayer by Honda, the women balanced their treasure on their heads and left, all the while singing and smiling for the mzungu with the camera.
I am very happy to tell you that the UN has responded to the plight of these people, and on Monday, 2 days ago, the UN moved the entire village to higher ground.
After being flooded out again a few weeks ago, finally someone realized that something had to be done on a much larger scale than was possible for Honda and Libby.
They are now temporarily residing in 12 very long UN tarp tents, one beside the other; men on one side, women the other. This arrangement we were told is for three months till a permanent location can be found.
We found out about the impending move 2 or 3 days prior to the food distribution.
Pray that an ideal location will be secured for the village. Each family is to receive a plot about 15 meters squared. Subsistence farming on this land will provide for the people.
I’m so very thankful that these people are getting a bigger reason to get up in the morning… Who knows, perhaps the banana beer will no longer blind their eyes, physical nor spiritual….
This might sound depressing; it is. These people live in almost unthinkable conditions. Their tiny plot should house probably no more than 4 families if they would have average Canadian size yards. But there are 400 families crammed into that space. The houses are about 1 foot apart from each other. They are the size of a small washroom - perhaps 4”x6”; I don’t think any bigger. The walls are made of sticks covered with mud; the roof - any plastic garbage bag or other ‘usable’ garbage.
They have no washroom facility; you really watch your step when you walk in the village.
There is a swamp a few feet beside the outside row of huts with standing green water; perfect mosquito breeding grounds. Malaria has claimed many lives.
Till September 2010 there was no school, but Honda and Libby hired 2 local teachers, who now teach a few age groups. Not perfect, but so much better than nothing. The kids can’t go to public school because they don’t have money to buy a school uniform. A locally made uniform costs about $10.00.
The kids have no toys; none. Little boys improvise with clay bricks instead of pushing big yellow Tonka trucks around in the dirt. Or they take an empty jug and tie something on to it and drag it around.
Well, as I said earlier, I’ve written about Sabe before and some family members have sent money for the village on a number of occasions. Last week someone sent enough to buy almost 2 tonnes of food. So, last Friday afternoon, together with some of our friends we packaged 1000 kgs. of beans, 1000 kgs. of bugali flour (a staple in Burundi, made from maize, or from cassava root), 200 kgs. of salt, and 1200 bars of locally made soap.
On Saturday morning it was off to the village. Honda had already alerted the villagers about our visit the day before. He organized everything really well, and had given the women a ticket which they had to present upon receiving the food. This prevented them from going through the line more than once. (Though one in particular tried again and again to get more.)
What a joy to see how grateful these moms where. Food for the children!! For their family!! They started singing and dancing. After another prayer by Honda, the women balanced their treasure on their heads and left, all the while singing and smiling for the mzungu with the camera.
I am very happy to tell you that the UN has responded to the plight of these people, and on Monday, 2 days ago, the UN moved the entire village to higher ground.
After being flooded out again a few weeks ago, finally someone realized that something had to be done on a much larger scale than was possible for Honda and Libby.
They are now temporarily residing in 12 very long UN tarp tents, one beside the other; men on one side, women the other. This arrangement we were told is for three months till a permanent location can be found.
We found out about the impending move 2 or 3 days prior to the food distribution.
Pray that an ideal location will be secured for the village. Each family is to receive a plot about 15 meters squared. Subsistence farming on this land will provide for the people.
I’m so very thankful that these people are getting a bigger reason to get up in the morning… Who knows, perhaps the banana beer will no longer blind their eyes, physical nor spiritual….
Friday, April 22, 2011
Indescribable Love
Good Friday - in this country it goes by almost unnoticed it seems; it's business as usual for most people. Makes me sad. May we truly reflect on the indescribable love of both; the Father in giving His Son, and the Son as He paid the price to reconcile sinful man to God.
We're doing well; Colton and I are currently enjoying a 2 week Easter break. Isaac is busy as usual between CRIB, school, Chrissie's, Pastor Ray's, and others.
Next week we are planning on going to Kigali, Rwanda with a good buddy of ours. Scott, who hails from Vermont, has been in Buj. since October of last year. He is setting up an organization for drilling wells for the villages. We're driving up with him, and staying at another good friend, Olivia's (from Colorado) auntie and uncle. So thankful for God's provision.
Planning on visiting the genocide memorials....
We're starting to think more and more about all the things that we have to say bye to in just over 2 months.
I seriously can't imagine being in the west again - I don't know how we'll be able to process everything without going crazy. I mean, I know how, with God's help obviously, but it will be so awfully hard to see/do life in absolutely filthy rich Canada. Excessiveness, waste, greed... I am really dreading that. I think God's going to have to physically hold my mouth shut often times. I know the temptation could be to just try and turn that part of me off completely and go with the flow, but I know that would be like a slap in the face for every person that lives without on this continent. I'm close to tears even now as I think of the extreme contrast. What we're gonna need is balance, and right now I have no idea what that will look like. Oh Jesus help us.
We had a grenade attack with heavy shooting at a communication tower 2 blocks from our house about three weeks ago - closest that it's been to our house up to this point.
Haven't had internet at our house for about the same amount of time... with the exception of a few rare times. However, don't let that stop you from emailing us. It's so encouraging to receive emails when we are able to access them.
Happy Easter!!!! Jesus is Alive!!
We're doing well; Colton and I are currently enjoying a 2 week Easter break. Isaac is busy as usual between CRIB, school, Chrissie's, Pastor Ray's, and others.
Next week we are planning on going to Kigali, Rwanda with a good buddy of ours. Scott, who hails from Vermont, has been in Buj. since October of last year. He is setting up an organization for drilling wells for the villages. We're driving up with him, and staying at another good friend, Olivia's (from Colorado) auntie and uncle. So thankful for God's provision.
Planning on visiting the genocide memorials....
We're starting to think more and more about all the things that we have to say bye to in just over 2 months.
I seriously can't imagine being in the west again - I don't know how we'll be able to process everything without going crazy. I mean, I know how, with God's help obviously, but it will be so awfully hard to see/do life in absolutely filthy rich Canada. Excessiveness, waste, greed... I am really dreading that. I think God's going to have to physically hold my mouth shut often times. I know the temptation could be to just try and turn that part of me off completely and go with the flow, but I know that would be like a slap in the face for every person that lives without on this continent. I'm close to tears even now as I think of the extreme contrast. What we're gonna need is balance, and right now I have no idea what that will look like. Oh Jesus help us.
We had a grenade attack with heavy shooting at a communication tower 2 blocks from our house about three weeks ago - closest that it's been to our house up to this point.
Haven't had internet at our house for about the same amount of time... with the exception of a few rare times. However, don't let that stop you from emailing us. It's so encouraging to receive emails when we are able to access them.
Happy Easter!!!! Jesus is Alive!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Let the little children come to me. Jesus
You gotta sit down for this; mind you, you probably are.
In the last week and a half 32 children have become Christians!!!!! How sweet is that!!?? And every one of them filled with the Holy Spirit and praying in tongues!!
Of these 32, 11 are Hindu and Muslim. All the kids are famished for the Word of God, and very eager to grow in their new found faith. They come into my room every single break time now just to pray and learn more. I have 20 + kids at a time, coming of their own volition. The Spirit of God comes on me and I start preaching. When I’m on duty on the playground, the kids gather around me and we form a circle and pray. I asked the kids to start praying that many of the Secondary kids are going to become Christians.
What an incredible sight - these youngsters earnestly calling out to God for the lost!!! Most of the kids are in grade 5 and 6.
Every soul that comes to Jesus is priceless, but I must confess that the Muslim and Hindu kids - seeing the Spirit on them - wow!!! What joy!!! You know, these kids could undergo severe persecution at home. In extreme cases girls are killed by their dad; boys I believe are generally disowned.
There are about 10 kids that were Christians before already, but they wanted, and received the in-filling of the Holy Spirit.
We’re praying for more children to come and experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Oh, by the way, in my previous blog about 3 or 4 weeks ago, I asked you to pray for 2 girls that both of them would receive Jesus. Prayers answered!!!! Shortly after I blogged, kids came into my room and said that one of them was scared and had cried when other kids had said the world was going to end because of the tragedies occurring in Japan. What a golden opportunity to speak truth into her. Praise Jesus!
Please pray for all the kids as they continue to grow in their relationship with the Lord. Pray for me as well, that God will continue to guide and direct me. And please pray for Isaac, Colton and myself because the spiritual warfare is not easy - the enemy is losing ground and he doesn’t like it one bit. Stand with us for a bigger harvest.
We had an all time low in temperature this week since our arrival in Buj 21 months ago. When we got up at 5:45 it was a mere 22.7 degrees!!! Brrrrr
You must have all watched footage of the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake. One of the teachers at King’s is from that city. She did not lose any loved ones personally, but knows many that did. Please continue to pray for that situation there as well.
I dreamed that I was eating farmer sausage; boy, I dream good! (at least if it was Pioneer Brand ;-)) I wish I woulda’ continued dreaming; I definitely would have enjoyed a large slice of chocolate/rum cheese cake for dessert.
There is a great increase in rebel activity in the last number of weeks. There is much violence in the province of Bubanza, which is about ½ an hour from us. This is were we went a year ago with Honda to do the crusade.
But the blood shed is also very close to our home. Not even a mile from our house there is a large, very rough neighbourhood called Kanyosha. This is where our friend Deo (the husband of Divine who died of cancer last June), together with his 6 kids lives. A while ago we had gone for a visit to his house in the evening. A few hours later, just down the street from Deo’s house, there was a grenade attack. It killed 3 young children - siblings - and a women. The parents of the children were injured.
About a month ago, another friend Deo (Deo and Rosa - CRIB), lost a cousin in the same neighbourhood, together with 3 other men. These are just people/situations that we know of; there are many where we don’t know the details.
We often hear gunshots during the day, but it’s night time that they are the worst. At night time you don’t hear just 4 or 5 ‘pops’; sometimes it goes on and on. I lie there in the dark and imagine the people lying in a pool of blood….., and I pray. It’s hard to believe, but Isaac and Colton usually sleep through it all, except if it’s pretty close.
Please pray for this country.
In the last week and a half 32 children have become Christians!!!!! How sweet is that!!?? And every one of them filled with the Holy Spirit and praying in tongues!!
Of these 32, 11 are Hindu and Muslim. All the kids are famished for the Word of God, and very eager to grow in their new found faith. They come into my room every single break time now just to pray and learn more. I have 20 + kids at a time, coming of their own volition. The Spirit of God comes on me and I start preaching. When I’m on duty on the playground, the kids gather around me and we form a circle and pray. I asked the kids to start praying that many of the Secondary kids are going to become Christians.
What an incredible sight - these youngsters earnestly calling out to God for the lost!!! Most of the kids are in grade 5 and 6.
Every soul that comes to Jesus is priceless, but I must confess that the Muslim and Hindu kids - seeing the Spirit on them - wow!!! What joy!!! You know, these kids could undergo severe persecution at home. In extreme cases girls are killed by their dad; boys I believe are generally disowned.
There are about 10 kids that were Christians before already, but they wanted, and received the in-filling of the Holy Spirit.
We’re praying for more children to come and experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Oh, by the way, in my previous blog about 3 or 4 weeks ago, I asked you to pray for 2 girls that both of them would receive Jesus. Prayers answered!!!! Shortly after I blogged, kids came into my room and said that one of them was scared and had cried when other kids had said the world was going to end because of the tragedies occurring in Japan. What a golden opportunity to speak truth into her. Praise Jesus!
Please pray for all the kids as they continue to grow in their relationship with the Lord. Pray for me as well, that God will continue to guide and direct me. And please pray for Isaac, Colton and myself because the spiritual warfare is not easy - the enemy is losing ground and he doesn’t like it one bit. Stand with us for a bigger harvest.
We had an all time low in temperature this week since our arrival in Buj 21 months ago. When we got up at 5:45 it was a mere 22.7 degrees!!! Brrrrr
You must have all watched footage of the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake. One of the teachers at King’s is from that city. She did not lose any loved ones personally, but knows many that did. Please continue to pray for that situation there as well.
I dreamed that I was eating farmer sausage; boy, I dream good! (at least if it was Pioneer Brand ;-)) I wish I woulda’ continued dreaming; I definitely would have enjoyed a large slice of chocolate/rum cheese cake for dessert.
There is a great increase in rebel activity in the last number of weeks. There is much violence in the province of Bubanza, which is about ½ an hour from us. This is were we went a year ago with Honda to do the crusade.
But the blood shed is also very close to our home. Not even a mile from our house there is a large, very rough neighbourhood called Kanyosha. This is where our friend Deo (the husband of Divine who died of cancer last June), together with his 6 kids lives. A while ago we had gone for a visit to his house in the evening. A few hours later, just down the street from Deo’s house, there was a grenade attack. It killed 3 young children - siblings - and a women. The parents of the children were injured.
About a month ago, another friend Deo (Deo and Rosa - CRIB), lost a cousin in the same neighbourhood, together with 3 other men. These are just people/situations that we know of; there are many where we don’t know the details.
We often hear gunshots during the day, but it’s night time that they are the worst. At night time you don’t hear just 4 or 5 ‘pops’; sometimes it goes on and on. I lie there in the dark and imagine the people lying in a pool of blood….., and I pray. It’s hard to believe, but Isaac and Colton usually sleep through it all, except if it’s pretty close.
Please pray for this country.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
New Creations in Christ
Spring is around the corner for the western world - yeah! Daylight savings begins today we were reminded by a friend over lunch today. Enjoy!!
I have the huge privilege of teaching Christian Education to 3 grades, and very often I also incorporate Christian teaching into the art lessons that I teach from grades 1 - 6.
One project that I did recently with some of my kids was making a bamboo scroll. I spent much time prayerfully selecting the verses that Jesus wanted to have me teach them. So once I had compiled them and designed all the scroll ‘pages’ to match with the verse the kids would write on them, I started by having the kids memorize the verses in fun ways. Following that I thoroughly explained the meaning of each verse.
I get very passionate when I present the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit was so present. My heart’s desire is to see the students come to an experiential relationship with Jesus, and as I expounded on the verses, you coulda’ heard a pin drop. I ended by telling them that if they wanted to respond to what they had just heard, they could come and talk to me in my room any time during break time.
Well, in grade 3 there were 2 Muslim boys that responded with great sincerity, as well as 2 other boys that had already accepted the Lord. What I’ve learned is that sometimes kids think they have to accept Jesus again when their understanding of the gospel is deepened. I tell them that when they first opened the door of their heart to Jesus, He came in and closed the door behind Himself, and that He hasn’t gone out. This reassures them about their salvation.
Back to the 2 Muslim boys. Wow, there is hardly a greater joy than to see the Father snatch children from the clutches of satan. Isaac and I spend every morning in prayer for the kids (especially Muslim), school, etc., and to see God drawing these precious ones to Himself is so terribly exciting. I fully believe that there is not one Muslim student at The King’s School by coincidence. The parents want the English education, but God has so much more for them. I believe these 2 boys are going to influence many people for the kingdom of Jesus in the Muslim world.
I made sure that the boys understood and believe who Jesus is and what He’s done for them.The boys and myself held hands as God’s kingdom grew by a few more chosen ones!!! What incredible joy to witness this!!
Right after we prayed and rejoiced, I told the boys that now that they were Christians, God had just given them a very special gift. I explained what speaking in tongues is, and I asked if they wanted to start using that right away, to which they eagerly responded with a ‘yes’. I laid my hands on them, prayed, and almost immediately these boys where conversing with the Father in that heavenly language. Praise Jesus!!! Wow! Is there anything more fulfilling than that?
The following week another Muslim boy (grade 4) walked into my room. I went through the same steps as with the other boys, and him and I knelt down and this child also had his name written in the Book of Life!! He comes into my room now sometimes just to talk, and once we both just worshiped God together in tongues.
The 2 grade three boys came to The King’s School after school had started in Sept., and so they did not receive a Bible when Gideon’s distributed them last school year. I was able to bless them both with a Bible, and I love how they have special smiles for me when they see me now.
A few days later a grade 4 girl came into my room, and God performed one more miracle! This one was shy about praying in tongues. I told her that was okay, that she could do it alone at home, and that I’d love to know once she did. The very next day she excitedly came to tell me that she had!! How sweet is that!?!
I so love how kids believe and accept the Truth so readily. I think we as adults often underestimate their ability to understand and respond to Jesus. And I also think that sometimes we perhaps subconsciously think that there is a ‘junior’ Holy Spirit for children. Wrong!!! Jesus knew explicitly well what He was talking about when He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Young children tend to have an unadulterated understanding of who Jesus is, void of religion and man’s traditions. I love that!! No wonder they can hear and respond to the Father’s voice when they hear Him calling their name.
So I want to ask you, please pray for the precious souls that have given their lives to the Master.
There are 2 other girls, both Muslim, that we’re praying for. I believe that Jesus is really touching them through the conversations we have a few times a week during break time when they come to hang out with me in my room. Please include them in your prayers, and I can hardly wait to give you the good news…..
I have the huge privilege of teaching Christian Education to 3 grades, and very often I also incorporate Christian teaching into the art lessons that I teach from grades 1 - 6.
One project that I did recently with some of my kids was making a bamboo scroll. I spent much time prayerfully selecting the verses that Jesus wanted to have me teach them. So once I had compiled them and designed all the scroll ‘pages’ to match with the verse the kids would write on them, I started by having the kids memorize the verses in fun ways. Following that I thoroughly explained the meaning of each verse.
I get very passionate when I present the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit was so present. My heart’s desire is to see the students come to an experiential relationship with Jesus, and as I expounded on the verses, you coulda’ heard a pin drop. I ended by telling them that if they wanted to respond to what they had just heard, they could come and talk to me in my room any time during break time.
Well, in grade 3 there were 2 Muslim boys that responded with great sincerity, as well as 2 other boys that had already accepted the Lord. What I’ve learned is that sometimes kids think they have to accept Jesus again when their understanding of the gospel is deepened. I tell them that when they first opened the door of their heart to Jesus, He came in and closed the door behind Himself, and that He hasn’t gone out. This reassures them about their salvation.
Back to the 2 Muslim boys. Wow, there is hardly a greater joy than to see the Father snatch children from the clutches of satan. Isaac and I spend every morning in prayer for the kids (especially Muslim), school, etc., and to see God drawing these precious ones to Himself is so terribly exciting. I fully believe that there is not one Muslim student at The King’s School by coincidence. The parents want the English education, but God has so much more for them. I believe these 2 boys are going to influence many people for the kingdom of Jesus in the Muslim world.
I made sure that the boys understood and believe who Jesus is and what He’s done for them.The boys and myself held hands as God’s kingdom grew by a few more chosen ones!!! What incredible joy to witness this!!
Right after we prayed and rejoiced, I told the boys that now that they were Christians, God had just given them a very special gift. I explained what speaking in tongues is, and I asked if they wanted to start using that right away, to which they eagerly responded with a ‘yes’. I laid my hands on them, prayed, and almost immediately these boys where conversing with the Father in that heavenly language. Praise Jesus!!! Wow! Is there anything more fulfilling than that?
The following week another Muslim boy (grade 4) walked into my room. I went through the same steps as with the other boys, and him and I knelt down and this child also had his name written in the Book of Life!! He comes into my room now sometimes just to talk, and once we both just worshiped God together in tongues.
The 2 grade three boys came to The King’s School after school had started in Sept., and so they did not receive a Bible when Gideon’s distributed them last school year. I was able to bless them both with a Bible, and I love how they have special smiles for me when they see me now.
A few days later a grade 4 girl came into my room, and God performed one more miracle! This one was shy about praying in tongues. I told her that was okay, that she could do it alone at home, and that I’d love to know once she did. The very next day she excitedly came to tell me that she had!! How sweet is that!?!
I so love how kids believe and accept the Truth so readily. I think we as adults often underestimate their ability to understand and respond to Jesus. And I also think that sometimes we perhaps subconsciously think that there is a ‘junior’ Holy Spirit for children. Wrong!!! Jesus knew explicitly well what He was talking about when He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Young children tend to have an unadulterated understanding of who Jesus is, void of religion and man’s traditions. I love that!! No wonder they can hear and respond to the Father’s voice when they hear Him calling their name.
So I want to ask you, please pray for the precious souls that have given their lives to the Master.
There are 2 other girls, both Muslim, that we’re praying for. I believe that Jesus is really touching them through the conversations we have a few times a week during break time when they come to hang out with me in my room. Please include them in your prayers, and I can hardly wait to give you the good news…..
Monday, February 21, 2011
Oreos and Pomegranates
February 14 - Happy Valentine’s Day
Some recent BurundiHappenings: (or soon to be happenings)
We are getting some lovely visitors.
Feb 28 - March 6 - Dave and Edith from our church (Calvary Chapel) are coming to spend some time with us.
In April (dates pending) my (Rosel) brother John, together with his wife Carol and their daughter Becki are coming for a very short visit. They are going to Uganda to be present when the water gushes out of the well that will be drilled on the property that was donated to Ramona’s Reach for the orphanage that will be built on the 5 acres of land. Love it - Ramona lives on……..
Colton’s new year wish/prayer was that a cousin would come to visit us this year. There was positively nothing of the sort even on the radar as far as we knew. So you can imagine the rejoicing in this house when I read, out loud, the email from Carol announcing their plans to come for a visit.
We are very excited to welcome our guests.
Colton is now taller than me. He likes that.
There was a green, venomous snake found in one of the classrooms at Primary last week. And killed.
Two weekends ago I got bitten by our friend’s pet monkey - Pete - on the inside of my right hand wrist. Our friend released Pete last week. Sad - I liked Pete; apparently he liked me to - or not….
The weekend after that I got bitten by another friends’ dog on my right foot. She cut deep. It’s still painful when I apply pressure on the wound. I didn’t know I was venturing close to her pups….
This last weekend I didn’t get bitten by anything. Actually, come to think of it, the flu bug!
We have what we thought was a long dead tree branch that holds up one end of our clothes line. Colton was outside when he excitedly called Isaac and myself to come out and look at something. There, at the top of that used-to be-dead branch were lovely green clusters of leaves at the ends of young, tender new twigs. Reminds me a lot about God and mankind - He transforms the dry, dead parts into something that again is full of life and vitality. But sometimes that too takes a long time…
February 21
Well, I’ve tried posting this and every time I try it doesn’t work.
So….
My dog bite is healing nicely.
Only one week from today that our first visitors arrive… yippie!!
Isaac often works long days; between both schools, Chrissie’s, CRIB, Pastor Ray’s new house (new for them), other teachers’ houses, etc, it’s often well past six when he finally comes home.
Recently he had to rescue Colton’s home room teacher from in the washroom; lucky for her, it was after school. Doorknobs are awful quality here, which in this case was the problem as well. She had to yell for a guards attention through the window, who then had to go to the teachers house to tell one of the teachers to call Isaac about the predicament. All in a days’ work… J
Debbie, the head teacher, has lovely parents that come to visit every 3 - 5 months from the UK. John and Hazel, bless them, have brought us 2 small pkg. of Oreos twice when they come for a visit. You should see the ceremony we make out of the event when we consume these wonderful morsels of nostalgia inducing treats. Mmmm!
Colton took the plastic wrapper of one of the pkgs. and taped it to his bedroom wall….
Funny, the kinds of things that make a person miss another era in one’s life.
Will return - going for a walk with sweet Ali…
Colton and I just returned from a walk around the neighbourhood with Ali. I spotted a tree laden with pomegranates so we decided to knock on the gate to inquire if we could buy some. They were very surprised to see 3 mzungus at their gate, and yes, we could have a few fabulous fruits. As we were walking down the street, I verbalized the fact that I loved walking and eating a freshly picked tropical fruit - certainly not something we would be doing in Canada at this time of year. Just saying…
Some recent BurundiHappenings: (or soon to be happenings)
We are getting some lovely visitors.
Feb 28 - March 6 - Dave and Edith from our church (Calvary Chapel) are coming to spend some time with us.
In April (dates pending) my (Rosel) brother John, together with his wife Carol and their daughter Becki are coming for a very short visit. They are going to Uganda to be present when the water gushes out of the well that will be drilled on the property that was donated to Ramona’s Reach for the orphanage that will be built on the 5 acres of land. Love it - Ramona lives on……..
Colton’s new year wish/prayer was that a cousin would come to visit us this year. There was positively nothing of the sort even on the radar as far as we knew. So you can imagine the rejoicing in this house when I read, out loud, the email from Carol announcing their plans to come for a visit.
We are very excited to welcome our guests.
Colton is now taller than me. He likes that.
There was a green, venomous snake found in one of the classrooms at Primary last week. And killed.
Two weekends ago I got bitten by our friend’s pet monkey - Pete - on the inside of my right hand wrist. Our friend released Pete last week. Sad - I liked Pete; apparently he liked me to - or not….
The weekend after that I got bitten by another friends’ dog on my right foot. She cut deep. It’s still painful when I apply pressure on the wound. I didn’t know I was venturing close to her pups….
This last weekend I didn’t get bitten by anything. Actually, come to think of it, the flu bug!
We have what we thought was a long dead tree branch that holds up one end of our clothes line. Colton was outside when he excitedly called Isaac and myself to come out and look at something. There, at the top of that used-to be-dead branch were lovely green clusters of leaves at the ends of young, tender new twigs. Reminds me a lot about God and mankind - He transforms the dry, dead parts into something that again is full of life and vitality. But sometimes that too takes a long time…
February 21
Well, I’ve tried posting this and every time I try it doesn’t work.
So….
My dog bite is healing nicely.
Only one week from today that our first visitors arrive… yippie!!
Isaac often works long days; between both schools, Chrissie’s, CRIB, Pastor Ray’s new house (new for them), other teachers’ houses, etc, it’s often well past six when he finally comes home.
Recently he had to rescue Colton’s home room teacher from in the washroom; lucky for her, it was after school. Doorknobs are awful quality here, which in this case was the problem as well. She had to yell for a guards attention through the window, who then had to go to the teachers house to tell one of the teachers to call Isaac about the predicament. All in a days’ work… J
Debbie, the head teacher, has lovely parents that come to visit every 3 - 5 months from the UK. John and Hazel, bless them, have brought us 2 small pkg. of Oreos twice when they come for a visit. You should see the ceremony we make out of the event when we consume these wonderful morsels of nostalgia inducing treats. Mmmm!
Colton took the plastic wrapper of one of the pkgs. and taped it to his bedroom wall….
Funny, the kinds of things that make a person miss another era in one’s life.
Will return - going for a walk with sweet Ali…
Colton and I just returned from a walk around the neighbourhood with Ali. I spotted a tree laden with pomegranates so we decided to knock on the gate to inquire if we could buy some. They were very surprised to see 3 mzungus at their gate, and yes, we could have a few fabulous fruits. As we were walking down the street, I verbalized the fact that I loved walking and eating a freshly picked tropical fruit - certainly not something we would be doing in Canada at this time of year. Just saying…
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Christmas Season 2010
Hello everyone;
Hope you’ve had a great start to 2011.
Some recent Burundi happenings:
The pre-Christmas season was easier this year because we knew better what to expect, and by far the bigger reason is that we know a lot more people and were with them a lot over Christmas. A brief run down of what it looked like:
Astrid organized a cookie exchange with some expats. Interesting how the biggest challenge is not which delectable treat to settle on based on preference, but on availability of ingredients. Choices are very limited.
Our school Christmas program was again very good. The absolute best thing is that so many Muslim and Hindu families come to watch their children. I am repeatedly reminded what it says in Isa 55: 10-11: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Dec. 24 - morning. A family member sent $400.00 for Sabe Village, so after consulting with Honda and Libby (the friends that are the hands and feet of Jesus in that awful place) it was quickly decided where exactly the money would go. Last year we had the honor and privilege to help them with the distribution of some Christmas goodies to the children of Sabe. This year, however, they had no idea how this would be possible due to a lack of funds. Well, with this $400 we bought 20 crates of Fanta, 1200 “doughnuts” (pieces of deep fried dough), and a big box of lollipops. What a joy to see these kids come running to meet you!! With distended bellies and skin covering their fragile limbs the thought crosses your mind that the money could perhaps be used to buy nutritious beans instead, but when you see the sheer delight of those little ones receiving an “extra”, it just changes everything. We were able to bless about 600 children that morning.
Dec. 24 - afternoon. Straight from Sabe Village we headed to the beach down the street to meet our precious Canadian friend Ali, together with Deo and his kids. (Remember Divine that died of cancer in late July? Deo is the husband. We met Deo and Divine through Ali ) We spent a great afternoon enjoying each others company. Those kids are great; they really felt the loneliness of Christmas without their mom.
Dec. 24 - evening - As is our tradition, we opened some gifts. Another wonderful friend, Olivia, went home to Colorado in Nov., and she offered to bring back some stuff for us, so we took this opportunity to ask her to bring some items for Christmas for Colton. He was so surprised!!! So much fun to watch his reaction.
Dec. 25 - Christmas day - morning. After breakfast Colton opened a few small gifts. At 9:00 am we again went to CRIB to watch all the kids rip into their presents. Every year they have all their presents flown in from England - so this is a sight to behold as they dive into the gifts. After helping the kids with figuring out how this game or that ‘thing’ works, installing batteries, Isaac setting up the soccer nets they received, etc., Dave and Sheena (England), who are the house parents at CRIB, invited us and the other guests in for tea.
Home for Christmas lunch - not your typical Christmas spread. We had vegetable beef soup and flour tortillias. We just simply couldn’t cough up $167.21 US for a 3 kilo turkey. (I almost went cross-eyed when I saw that price!!!)
Dec. 25 - afternoon til evening. Olivia, together with the wonderful folks that live with her, invited us, Travis and Astrid, Ali, Deo and his kids, and a few other people over. Felt so blessed to have these people in our lives.
Dec. 26 - Ali over all day, Tim and Jeannette - friends from South Africa - dropped in, as well as Astrid with a visitor of theirs.
Dec. 27 - Dec 29. Astrid, co-founder of Sozo Ministries (see my fb likes) had asked if we wanted to part take in a three day church leader training seminar that Sozo was doing. Isaac is not on the school holiday schedule and therefore had to work, but Colton and I attended, and are now qualified to train and teach PowerClubs with Kids in Ministry International.
We again witnessed a beautiful working of the Holy Spirit during this seminar as God became very real to one of the attendees and had a super encounter with the Almighty. During a teaching on the Holy Spirit, she for the first time was filled with the Holy Spirit. At first she said that she thought she was having a heart attack - it was so powerful, and also foreign to her. I immediately whispered to Colton, “spiritual warfare, pray.” One pastor, Colton and myself quickly went over to her and started to pray for her. Within moments the power of God was so heavy on her…. I sat with her for about two hours and prayed as the Lord was “on” her. What a joy to see some of the fruit that God did in that time.
The seminar was in a one room mud and brick church, dirt floor, tin roof, walls only partially completed due to a lack of funds. We had wonderful respite from the heat, as it rained all three days for a majority of the time. Astrid and the translator where often drowned out by the absolutely beautiful sound of the rain hammering on the tin roof. We just gathered around them closely and continued. Colton helped with worship on African drum and guitar. There were no doors, so we had an audience for most of the three days; by the third day they didn’t just stay in the very back, sitting on the partially completed wall, but came in and sat on the wooden planks. We surrounded the people and prayed into their lives; man, I’m telling you - that’s life!!!
On the third day in the afternoon we went out into the neighborhood and did an actual PowerClub. We had 4 groups; Colton and my group, together with a few local pastors and other locals from Bujumbura had about 100 kids and adults combined that attended. We just walked around for about 5 minutes and our entourage just grew out of curiosity. It’s very rare to see mzungus in that part of town - it’s very poor and incredibly crowded. So the mzungu factor, I believe, played a huge factor in being able to see about 85 adults/kids come to Jesus!!!!! Curiosity leading to salvation - love it!!
These were long days - Astrid picked us up at about 8:00 am or sooner, and the latest we got home was well past 6:00 pm. Tired but so pumped to see God move so powerfully.
Dec. 31 - New Years Day. Months ago some of us already started talking about going down to Makamba province for New Years. This is where Travis and Astrid are starting a children’s village for orphans, and they are in the process of acquiring land right on the lake for this mission and vision that God has given them. They are not 4 km, as I said earlier on a Facebook entry, but only 2 km. away from the Tanzanian border. They’ve rented a small house in the village that serves as the field office and 10 of us flooded their tiny compound with 4 tents; 5 in total with their existing one.
The villagers are all returning genocide refugees from Tanzania. They have almost nothing; literally. It’s not uncommon to see children naked up country, apart from a rag that serves as a shirt, but in this area there were so many children with no clothes or just a rag for a shirt. Many, if not most or all, had ever seen a mzungu before. (About a month ago Pastor Ray told us that there are probably no more than 200 mzungus in this country of 9,000,000)
When we were leaving and had to stop on the road due to one of the vehicles having trouble, we were completely surrounded by faces. At one point I counted and there were 11 looking in my side window alone!!!! The ’front’ row literally had their faces pasted against the window. If you don’t think that’s possible, experiment with some friends. We often have 5 - 6 at any or a few of our windows, but that felt a little claustrophobic.
We had 24/7 soldier security. Three, armed with their AK-47’s at night, and 1 or 2 during the day, on top of other security. When Travis and Astrid (Withrow) are at the house this is the norm.
The Withrow’s left on Sat., but the rest of us stayed till Sun., the 2nd. Isaac, Colton, myself, Ali, and 4 other friends decided to hike to Tanzania. We were escorted by two armed soldiers, the border chief, the town chief and others. And of course our entourage of curious mzungu watchers grew as we went along.
The scenery was beautiful; the dirt road turned path turned trail was right along Lake Tanganyika, surrounded by huge mountains. We were allowed to take only very limited pictures because we crossed the border without visas, and the border chief seemed a little jumpy when I asked if I was allowed to take pictures. We received very warm welcomes everywhere we went - immigration office, police “station” etc., but no photos. HAHA!!
Enough for today.
Hope you’ve had a great start to 2011.
Some recent Burundi happenings:
The pre-Christmas season was easier this year because we knew better what to expect, and by far the bigger reason is that we know a lot more people and were with them a lot over Christmas. A brief run down of what it looked like:
Astrid organized a cookie exchange with some expats. Interesting how the biggest challenge is not which delectable treat to settle on based on preference, but on availability of ingredients. Choices are very limited.
Our school Christmas program was again very good. The absolute best thing is that so many Muslim and Hindu families come to watch their children. I am repeatedly reminded what it says in Isa 55: 10-11: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Dec. 24 - morning. A family member sent $400.00 for Sabe Village, so after consulting with Honda and Libby (the friends that are the hands and feet of Jesus in that awful place) it was quickly decided where exactly the money would go. Last year we had the honor and privilege to help them with the distribution of some Christmas goodies to the children of Sabe. This year, however, they had no idea how this would be possible due to a lack of funds. Well, with this $400 we bought 20 crates of Fanta, 1200 “doughnuts” (pieces of deep fried dough), and a big box of lollipops. What a joy to see these kids come running to meet you!! With distended bellies and skin covering their fragile limbs the thought crosses your mind that the money could perhaps be used to buy nutritious beans instead, but when you see the sheer delight of those little ones receiving an “extra”, it just changes everything. We were able to bless about 600 children that morning.
Dec. 24 - afternoon. Straight from Sabe Village we headed to the beach down the street to meet our precious Canadian friend Ali, together with Deo and his kids. (Remember Divine that died of cancer in late July? Deo is the husband. We met Deo and Divine through Ali ) We spent a great afternoon enjoying each others company. Those kids are great; they really felt the loneliness of Christmas without their mom.
Dec. 24 - evening - As is our tradition, we opened some gifts. Another wonderful friend, Olivia, went home to Colorado in Nov., and she offered to bring back some stuff for us, so we took this opportunity to ask her to bring some items for Christmas for Colton. He was so surprised!!! So much fun to watch his reaction.
Dec. 25 - Christmas day - morning. After breakfast Colton opened a few small gifts. At 9:00 am we again went to CRIB to watch all the kids rip into their presents. Every year they have all their presents flown in from England - so this is a sight to behold as they dive into the gifts. After helping the kids with figuring out how this game or that ‘thing’ works, installing batteries, Isaac setting up the soccer nets they received, etc., Dave and Sheena (England), who are the house parents at CRIB, invited us and the other guests in for tea.
Home for Christmas lunch - not your typical Christmas spread. We had vegetable beef soup and flour tortillias. We just simply couldn’t cough up $167.21 US for a 3 kilo turkey. (I almost went cross-eyed when I saw that price!!!)
Dec. 25 - afternoon til evening. Olivia, together with the wonderful folks that live with her, invited us, Travis and Astrid, Ali, Deo and his kids, and a few other people over. Felt so blessed to have these people in our lives.
Dec. 26 - Ali over all day, Tim and Jeannette - friends from South Africa - dropped in, as well as Astrid with a visitor of theirs.
Dec. 27 - Dec 29. Astrid, co-founder of Sozo Ministries (see my fb likes) had asked if we wanted to part take in a three day church leader training seminar that Sozo was doing. Isaac is not on the school holiday schedule and therefore had to work, but Colton and I attended, and are now qualified to train and teach PowerClubs with Kids in Ministry International.
We again witnessed a beautiful working of the Holy Spirit during this seminar as God became very real to one of the attendees and had a super encounter with the Almighty. During a teaching on the Holy Spirit, she for the first time was filled with the Holy Spirit. At first she said that she thought she was having a heart attack - it was so powerful, and also foreign to her. I immediately whispered to Colton, “spiritual warfare, pray.” One pastor, Colton and myself quickly went over to her and started to pray for her. Within moments the power of God was so heavy on her…. I sat with her for about two hours and prayed as the Lord was “on” her. What a joy to see some of the fruit that God did in that time.
The seminar was in a one room mud and brick church, dirt floor, tin roof, walls only partially completed due to a lack of funds. We had wonderful respite from the heat, as it rained all three days for a majority of the time. Astrid and the translator where often drowned out by the absolutely beautiful sound of the rain hammering on the tin roof. We just gathered around them closely and continued. Colton helped with worship on African drum and guitar. There were no doors, so we had an audience for most of the three days; by the third day they didn’t just stay in the very back, sitting on the partially completed wall, but came in and sat on the wooden planks. We surrounded the people and prayed into their lives; man, I’m telling you - that’s life!!!
On the third day in the afternoon we went out into the neighborhood and did an actual PowerClub. We had 4 groups; Colton and my group, together with a few local pastors and other locals from Bujumbura had about 100 kids and adults combined that attended. We just walked around for about 5 minutes and our entourage just grew out of curiosity. It’s very rare to see mzungus in that part of town - it’s very poor and incredibly crowded. So the mzungu factor, I believe, played a huge factor in being able to see about 85 adults/kids come to Jesus!!!!! Curiosity leading to salvation - love it!!
These were long days - Astrid picked us up at about 8:00 am or sooner, and the latest we got home was well past 6:00 pm. Tired but so pumped to see God move so powerfully.
Dec. 31 - New Years Day. Months ago some of us already started talking about going down to Makamba province for New Years. This is where Travis and Astrid are starting a children’s village for orphans, and they are in the process of acquiring land right on the lake for this mission and vision that God has given them. They are not 4 km, as I said earlier on a Facebook entry, but only 2 km. away from the Tanzanian border. They’ve rented a small house in the village that serves as the field office and 10 of us flooded their tiny compound with 4 tents; 5 in total with their existing one.
The villagers are all returning genocide refugees from Tanzania. They have almost nothing; literally. It’s not uncommon to see children naked up country, apart from a rag that serves as a shirt, but in this area there were so many children with no clothes or just a rag for a shirt. Many, if not most or all, had ever seen a mzungu before. (About a month ago Pastor Ray told us that there are probably no more than 200 mzungus in this country of 9,000,000)
When we were leaving and had to stop on the road due to one of the vehicles having trouble, we were completely surrounded by faces. At one point I counted and there were 11 looking in my side window alone!!!! The ’front’ row literally had their faces pasted against the window. If you don’t think that’s possible, experiment with some friends. We often have 5 - 6 at any or a few of our windows, but that felt a little claustrophobic.
We had 24/7 soldier security. Three, armed with their AK-47’s at night, and 1 or 2 during the day, on top of other security. When Travis and Astrid (Withrow) are at the house this is the norm.
The Withrow’s left on Sat., but the rest of us stayed till Sun., the 2nd. Isaac, Colton, myself, Ali, and 4 other friends decided to hike to Tanzania. We were escorted by two armed soldiers, the border chief, the town chief and others. And of course our entourage of curious mzungu watchers grew as we went along.
The scenery was beautiful; the dirt road turned path turned trail was right along Lake Tanganyika, surrounded by huge mountains. We were allowed to take only very limited pictures because we crossed the border without visas, and the border chief seemed a little jumpy when I asked if I was allowed to take pictures. We received very warm welcomes everywhere we went - immigration office, police “station” etc., but no photos. HAHA!!
Enough for today.
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