Wednesday – There are no words…….

We have had a taste of what John must have felt when God opened up His revelation to him.  How do you put into mere words an overwhelming outpouring of the Holy Spirit, moving in deep, penetrating ways, literally transforming hearts with a powerful touch of His presence.  No words do it justice.

Robyn concluded our time here with the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with her perfume.  She discussed how extravagant it was for her to do so, how the disciples chastised her for wasting a valuable commodity, but how blessed Jesus was by her offering.  But that is exactly what Jesus did for us, pouring out His life for us in the most extravagant way, to heal us, redeem us and bring us back to Himself.  And just as the custom was for the Israelites to wash the feet of visitors coming into their home, and these precious women did for us when we arrived, we wanted to do the same for them to show them our love and appreciation, but also to emphasize to them the pouring out of Jesus for them and His unconditional love for each of them.  As each of us took lotion and scented oils, we knelt down before each woman, anointing her feel, blessing her, praying over her, asking the Lord to bring complete healing to them, spiritually, physically and emotionally.  At that moment, His Presence filled the room in a way I have never experienced.  As each woman was blessed, tears flowed; praises were lifted up.  Some wailed as years of abuse and pain were released.  There was freedom in that room!  An overwhelming sense of holiness and wholeness pervaded the entire area.  Each of us felt a touch of the Spirit that was so deeply moving and honestly inexpressable.

Several of the women shared after this extraordinary experience that they had never had family; most had no parents, and though they have found Family here at the center, they truly FELT the loving arms of family as we embraced them today.  Several told of feeling released from anger, desire for revenge, feelings of unworthiness………freedom.

If the purpose of this trip was to be here for only this day, it would have been worth it all.  God revealed Himself today in the most personal, powerful way; all of us were touched and awed by it.  Peace and the other helpers shared that they have never been so overwhelmed and felt so loved……Praise God for His Goodness and Mercy!

Now we pack to leave this place.  It’s probably good that we have a long journey ahead of us, for there is so much to contemplate from our experiences here.  We are leaving big portions of our hearts here; we have gained precious new sisters to continue to pray for.  We have seen God work in truly extraordinary ways.   As much as they say they have been blessed, we, too, have been enormously blessed.  We have experienced the Body of Christ, the sharing of community.  We have shared the deepest wounds and longings of our hearts, and we have prayed, praised and rejoiced together as His daughters.  There are few words in our language to describe such an experience…………..perhaps it can simply be summed up as inexpressable JOY.

Tuesday – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

As much as music is an integral part of life here, there has been no music school or formal instruction anywhere in the country, which is amazing given the musical talent we have seen here.  The musicians are self-taught or just learn from watching others.  Apollinaire, the incredibly talented worship leader of New Life Church, is a shining example of immense God-given talent coupled with a thirst for learning music and desire to play a number of instruments.  Just this past year he taught himself to play the saxophone, which we enjoyed during Sunday’s worship.  His passion is to not only to ignite a passion for music, to be used for God’s glory, but to equip musicians with the technical theory to master their craft.  He has recently opened a music academy, which we were privileged to visit this morning.  He proudly showed us pristine music rooms for keyboard and guitar, as well as general room for theory training.  There are currently 45 adults honing their skills there, and now there is a new music community for children forming.  Twenty are already registered with 15 more hoping to join.  The precious few instruments have not dampened their enthusiasm!  We were excited to be able to bring a new keyboard and guitar for them to use for the children’s program.  Apollinaire has been praying for any instruments that might be available from other countries (since none are available here).  What a great opportunity for any of us in the states to donate instruments that are no longer in use or are being replaced by newer ones.  If you have access to any instruments from those willing to donate, we can assure you that they will be immensely appreciated and put to great use here.

This afternoon was a highly intense time together as we delved into the story of the woman at the well.  As Robyn opened up the scriptures and shared how we, as the Samaritan woman, can attempt to hide our shame and seek love and fulfillment in places other than our Father, the message was clearly understood.  As several shared their own journey, the living water Jesus offered to the woman at the well was offered to those here.  The burden of guilt and shame was lifted by the truth that Jesus came to redeem and remove such bondage and truly set us free.  There is no more condemnation for those in Jesus!  What hope and relief; what joy!  For some there was a visible lifting of heaviness that they have struggled to carry alone, but all were clearly affected by this good news.  Praise, prayer, tears, joy………all in response to the full freedom Jesus offers.  Robyn also shared the story of the woman with the issue of blood who was healed from touching the hem of Jesus’ garment.  We acknowledged that we all have our own issues that we struggle to remedy on our own, only to discover that only Jesus can truly heal.

Our day was completed with dinner in Peace’s home, a warm gathering of what we now consider family as well as friends.  As we came around Peace to pray for her, for the ministry, and for the nation, we sensed His presence.  We are confident that God has been mightily at work here in Burundi, particularly through this ministry, and it is a privilege to stand with them in reaching out to those most in need.  The testimony of Claudia, one of the former students who is now working with other graduates in a co-op, confirmed His work and the promise of the future as she reported with great joy and pride that she, and the others, are doing well, have good clients and a sound business.  They are providing for their own needs and able to move forward……all because of this “family” that she found at the ministry center and the support of the sisters she came to know and love.  This is the promise of the future of Burundi………that what He has begun He is more than able to complete.

Monday – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Ps. 147:3

Dancing and singing – the universal language!  The morning was filled with a variety of these, from the entire group joined in song and dance, to Anna teaching a couple of the girls some songs in English and how to strum her guitar - the endless ways to communicate without knowing their language.  Natalie brought materials for the women to make a necklace out of a wooden tile covered in a variety of patterned material to string on a cord as a sign of friendship between them and our group – sister necklaces. Once made and tied around necks, they were proudly worn as a sweet symbol of our sisterhood in Christ.  The afternoon session delved deeper into the issues of woundedness as Robyn shared the story of Tamar and her abuse.  This definitely resonated with the women, as sexual abuse is rampant here.  The pain of identification was plainly visible, and as Robyn shared how God hates such abuse, is ever present with them and is infinitely aware of their pain and tears, there was an instant response.  It opened the door for some to share of their own experience and how God has walked with them through it.  They were so grateful for this openness which gave them hope of healing.  Walls were definitely penetrated today, and as the sessions continue for the next two days, we pray for them to experience His gentle, healing touch in deep, personal ways.

Karen and Heather also spent time with the women discussing women’s health, going over basic physiology and how God designed the woman’s body to work, His unique design.  The entire cycle of life was explained, and it opened the way for many questions that obviously they had been wondering about. Some questions were looking for assurances that what they experience is normal; they were unsure about what is usual and what needed attention.  It is apparent that they, as so many, have limited knowledge of their own bodies and how they work.  Pregnancy and childbirth were explained, again dispelling some fears/lack of information.  It seemed very reassuring to them to have nurses there to openly answer their questions, and that they had the freedom to ask.  Basic hygiene was reviewed, as well as nutrition.  It was a greatly informative time, and you could see that it was very beneficial to them.  At the end, the team presented each of them with a bag containing a washcloth, bar of soap, and scented lotion.  You would have thought that they’d been handed immeasurable treasures!  Their immediate response was to jump up and down in sheer joy, then burst into songs of praise to God for blessing them.  It was significant that their thanks went to God first….not to us, which is as it should be, but impressed each of us as to their awareness that God is their provider, and it is He who deserves thanks.  Peace translated their song to us – “Our God is so great!  And He is blessing us again!”  Oh, that we could all have and maintain that perspective.

Such a full, though emotionally intense day.  We shared hearts, hurts, tears, and laughter.  We hugged, kissed cheeks, and looked into one another’s eyes as women; as His daughters.  What a beautiful bond that is – what glimpses of hope, not only for these women, but for their country. 

New posts

Sorry for the delay in posting over the weekend but I have been having major problems with my computer. Please note below that Diane has written some incredible updates from Friday-Sunday.  I hope you will read these and try to envision what is happening during all of this without seeing the pictures (this have been my issues getting all the photos to upload, so sorry but this is Africa).  Thanks for praying, it has been a great weekend for us.  I know the team will have so much to share soon and when they return once they get it all processed.  John

Sunday – “Sing Praises to His Name!”

Imagine non-stop streams of passionate praise for two hours before the beginning of a message………gifted praise singers, self-taught, talented musicians, heartfelt praise!  That is Sunday worship at New Life Church.  Caught up in the beauty of Praising the Lord, we didn’t even notice the time (until later, anyway).  Carrie and Micki again shared in the worship with their beautiful voices, and as we sang together, it was a preview of heaven when we will all be together praising Him forever!  A visiting pastor from Mauritania shared the message, challenged us to return to our first love, turning away from “the other Jesus’” that we can create for ourselves.  It was a stirring message, and many came forward to receive Jesus .  The entire service lasted almost 4 hours………how many would have stayed for that length of time in the typical American church?  Yet, it was an amazing time of worship and praise, sharing and seeing God at work.

As we were preparing to go back to the center after lunch, we heard a choir singing outside our rooms.  Curious, we went out to see what they were doing.  They were a church choir from a neighboring town who are here to participate in the Jubilee Celebration of the 50^th year of independence for Burundi this weekend.  We enjoyed watching them dance and sing thanksgiving for these 50 years, and as we were about to the leave , they have moved in front of the conference center where we are staying, practicing another special dance and song.  Unable to resist,  John joined the front line of singers/dancers, attempting to follow their graceful moves – which brought huge smiles, laughter and great delight to onlookers.  At the end of the song, the director invited John, Micki and me to join the choir and follow along with them.  We feebly attempted to keep up with their movements – were the objects of many photos and onlookers – and their videographer who recorded the entire production.  We did not do them justice, but it was certainly fun to join in with them.  How gracious of them to invite us!  It ended with lots of hugs and smiles, with the director’s promise to send us a CD.  Now that should be one for the memory chest!

Then off to the center where 60 precious children quietly and patiently awaited us.  Such beautiful faces, bright eyes!  Once we arrived, they broke into song (this seems to be in the genes!), joyous voices of praise.  Micki then led them in some of the songs children sing in the US, and they chimed right in, actions and all.  Bright children!!  Anna prepared a Bible lesson on Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and as team members acted out the story, the children followed with wide eyes as they heard about the Amazing God who protected Daniel even from lions and honored his prayers.  Then each one made a lion mask.  Imagine these little ones quietly sitting on the floor and around the few tables they have, patiently putting the pieces together for the lion, helping one another, sharing materials with no conflict or chaos.  I’m trying to imagine that happening at home…………As usual, the moms were equally interested in making their own lion.  One mother was urging her 4 year old to hurry up with the glue stick so she could make hers!  Lions complete, we prayed together, shared the salvation message and spent time just loving on these precious children.  No one seemed that eager to leave.  It was such a sweet time with them and their mothers.  Such an encouragement to know that there are boys and girls hearing God’s Word, future spiritual giants for this country.  How we pray for them and the impact they can have on their nation.

Saturday – “Now I can feed my children!”

Just this year Tirzah helped the ministry begin a micro-loan program to give small loans of $48 dollars to widows and extremely needy single women so that they could begin a small business and support themselves.  There are currently 66 women in the program, and it has already proved to be quite successful.  All have begun businesses that are thriving and they have been current on paying back their loans.  Peace wanted us to meet some of these women in their work place, we went to a local market where several of the women have stands set up to sell vegatables and fruit.  One such woman is Jennifer, recently widowed in March, with eight children.  She is selling cassava and other vegetables.  When I asked her what having this loan meant to her, she said without it, she would not be able to support her children, provide food, and be able to pay school fees.  Imagine – with just a loan of $48 she is managing rent, food, school….and paying back the loan!  Four of her children were there with her, and it was a joy to see this dear family and pray with and for them.  Glorios was another woman, mother of 7 and grandmother to 6, she is selling potatos, beans, and avocados.  You should see the size of these avocados!  She was so proud to show us the method she has created to bring them in from growers before they are ripe, store them in a shed she created, and bring them out when they are ripe to sell in the market.  She also sells to other vendors, making an even better profit.  She sells 5 huge avocados for the equivalent of $.70!!  We so wished we could bring some of them home with us!  She, too, expressed her great thanks for the opportunity to set up this business; without the loan, it would have not been possible.    As we met with each woman, their story was the same…..”Praise God that now I can feed my children!  I can maintain this business, rent, and be sure that my children can attend school.  Praise God for His Goodness!”  And each one of them knows that this loan came because of Jesus’ love for them, not just a bank, but from the One who loves and cares.

Evening took us to Lake Tanganika, second largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest in the world.  Bordered by Tanzania, Congo and Burundi, it is a beautiful lake surrounded by sparkling beaches, where later in the evening, hippos often emerge from the Congo (though we haven’t spotted them yet).  Enjoying dinner at the beach, we breathed in the sweet breezes, walked along the beach and on the shores’ edge as the waves rolled in.  Such a tranquil scene!  As the sun set, we marveled at the beauty of this country, despite the horrors of the past and the difficulties of the present, reminded that despite all, God is here; His beauty is present, and He is still at work.

Friday – Created for Beauty

Arriving at the ministry center this morning was again joyous.  Greeted with warm smiles and hugs, we began the process of collecting the personal background of the women currently in the training program.  We want to be able to communicate more about their individual lives and how God is working in them, so we began an interview process one by one, one team member guiding the interview with one of the women with Peace to translate.  The pouring out of these life stories begins – heart breaking stories of pain, abuse, abandonment, struggle for survival.  Then how life has changed since coming to the center – the “but” stories as I like to call it, and these are what we are here for, the “but stories,”  not only knowing the life before the center but the “but then God brought me here….” Story of His transforming love.  We hope to collect as many of these as we can in the time we are here.  But it is more than just recording a story; it is engaged listening; affirmation of their value and worth as we listen. Then a time of prayer and encouragement following.  Intensely personal time just for them, something most of them have never experienced. While this is going on, several of the team members are out with the women in the sewing room, singing, sharing, laughing, connecting with the ministry helpers as well as participants.  In the afternoon we began the most intense times of our trip, the sessions on inner healing from trauma and abuse, led by Robyn.  Robyn began with creation, God’s perfect creation of the world and all that is in it, culminating with the crown of His creative work – man, from whom He created woman, His last creation of such great beauty!  He created woman with and for beauty; that was always His design.  But sin entered in and from that time, woman’s beauty has been under attack.  The enemy targeted, and still does target, women to rob them of God’s intended beauty.  These attacks come in numerous forms – abandonment, abuse, in any number of ways, anything that would seek to destroy her beauty.  But God, in His mercy, can restore this beauty, and through Jesus, He has made it possible to have a healed, restored life.  This was the groundwork laid during this first session, which will be followed up next week as we go deeper into the nature of woundedness and the path to healing.  So please do pray for these important, intensely personal sessions.

Later we attended the Friday night service at New Life Church.  We could hear voices of praise long before we entered their pavilion-styled church, which seats over 1,000.  Such praise and worship!  With full hearts and passion, vibrant worship flowed.  Anna, Lindsey, Carrie and Micki also took part in the worship, much to the congregations delight.  Our team was greeted warmly, and it was such a joy to be a part of their body.  Judy Mbugua, our leader from Kenya who led the dedication yesterday, was asked to share the message, and she encouraged and challenged us from God’s Word.

An amazing day – connecting with the dear women God has brought to the center, already feeling a special bond, anxious to spend more time with them and the believers here.

“Blessed are the Feet…”

Instant smiles, embraces, then spontaneous singing………that is how you are greeted in Burundi!  We could not have received a more beautiful reception!  With hugs and kisses to the cheeks, we met all the women and were introduced to the center to see where God is actively at work. As the ladies in the sewing training made their way back to their sewing area, the familiar “call and response” Burundi style of singing began with great joy and intensity.  “Ajabu….Ajabu…..Ajabu” was the repeated refrain from one of their songs of praise…”God is GREAT! God is GREAT!” One song rolls into another in a seamless flow of praise and thanksgiving, thanking God for His goodness, that we are His and that together, we are His family.  Then another round of song thanking Him for the friends who have come to be with them because of His love…………overwhelming and beautiful.

As we see the work the women are doing, including the beautiful dresses they are wearing that they made themselves, we see the pride and confidence that would not have been seen months ago when they first started their training. Not only are they quickly learning sewing skills, but they are growing in their knowledge of the Lord and who they are in Him. Our dear sister, Peace, who leads the ministry, introduced us to her helpers, sharing of how important each of them are to the work. 

Moving into the courtyard, more singing and dancing (love the way they truly celebrate in this culture!), and in an unexpected movement, many of the women move toward us, bending down, touching and dusting our feet.  Peace could see that we are totally taken by surprise by this and explained that they were symbolically washing our feet and blessing them for coming so far to be with them.  Imagine!  We have come to serve them and they are washing our feet……….could there be anything more humbling than this.  Later Peace said that this is the first time she has ever seen them do this – but they have been praying for us for so long and looking  forward to our coming that this is how they chose to show their appreciation. They found it hard to believe that we would actually come from so far; “how God must love us to have sent you,” they said.  We could not have been more grateful to be here with them than at that moment.

After this bonding morning, we returned to the King’s Conference Center where we are staying to prepare for the dedication ceremony and official opening of the ministry center’s new affiliation and name, now the Homecare Fellowship Center/Burundi.  Tirzah’s partnership in Africa has changed somewhat in organization, though retaining the same leaders we have been working with in Africa. The official registration of the network is now called Homecare Fellowship, which was founded by Judy Mbugua in Nairobi years ago.  It has grown now into many affiliations in a number of countries here, and will be the official registration for this ministry in Burundi.

Africa greatly honors ceremony and protocol.  This ceremony would be no exception. With lively music and dancing as the prelude , the official greetings to representatives of the mayor’s office, embassy, a number of pastors and other ministry leaders began. Then Micki and Carrie from our team sang a beautiful duet, which they truly appreciated.  John and Diane brought greetings on behalf of Tirzah, and Judy Mbugua, who had come from Nairobi for this special dedication, shared the keynote speech/challenge.  There is nothing timid about the way Judy Mbugua teaches!  Straight forward, with the conviction and power of the Holy Spirit, she took us to Exodus to examine five women in the story of the birth and early days of Moses.  As she talked about the importance of roles God designed for each of them and their place in preparing the deliverer of the Israelites, she challenged all women to examine their own role as they are presently placed in their environment.  Professional woman, wife, mother, single girl, woman of privilege or servant, each of the women in this account had a God-ordained role to play that affected the life of their nation and the world.  It is just as true today.  Her challenge was to all women to be the women God created them to be, fulfilling the role He designed just for her, to be a standard bearer for Christ, and stand for justice and righteousness in an age that is so lacking and in need of Truth.  It was a special charge to the women of Burundi to rise and be a strong force in the restoration of their country, but we all felt enormously challenged to consider how God wants to use each of us, not only here while we are in Burundi, but at home and anywhere He places us.

What an incredible day of rejoicing, connecting, and instantly feeling community with these dear sisters!  We’ve only just begun and are praying earnestly for the next days and all that the Lord wants to accomplish.  But we know one thing……we are so grateful to be here! We have already been humbled and blessed in ways we never imagined.  As the women lovingly touched our feet, we felt the touch of Jesus, saw His servant’s heart and sensed an outflow of His love not only on our feet, but over our entire being and hearts.  It is our prayer that they will experience the same through us.

 Diane for the team

We made it to Burundi

Well it is 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night and all of our team members are tucked into their beds (well they are suppose to be), with all of their luggage, great hearts and spirits.  It was a long trip but great connections and short layovers in DC and Brussels. Thanks for your prayers during this time of travel.  Now the fun starts tomorrow.  We have already seen Judy Mbugua and Dorcus plus other board members from HomeCare Fellowship in Kenya.  They are here for the big celebration tomorrow on the official start of HCF Burundi.  We are so excited with lots of celebrating tomorrow with greetings, speeches, local dancers, the list goes on and on, with Carrie and Micki singing a song, plus maybe some of the other musical folks will join in with us.

Peace and the ladies send their love back to all of you for sending us over to be with them and to share in this time with them and getting to know the new ladies better and to encourage them as they do the same for us. 

Several of our ladies told me tonight that they are so excited to finally be in Africa, their dreams and now to join in with what God is doing here in Burundi.  I am sure there will lots to share in the next 9 days.

Pictures will follow for sure.

John and the ladies who are in bed

Our Team:
Karen Betts, Natalie Bowen, Anna Davis, Heather Gallagher, Micki Phenix, Jo Lynn Ritter,  Lindsey Strong, Carrie Tucker, Marisa Wandeler,  Robyn Whitaker, John & Diane Crews

Some comments from team members as we begin the journey:
 

Hey There!

            My name is Lindsey Strong and I will be interning with Tirzah this summer! I cannot even begin to write down (or express!) all the things I am looking forward to this summer, but here are a couple!! I cannot wait to meet women of faith in another country: every time I have gotten the experience to worship with different tribes, tongues, and nations, it has been mind blowing! I also eagerly expect and hope to see the Lord bring healing and rejoicing, not only to the women of Burundi, but to our team as well.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!

Thanks for the prayers!

 My name is Anna Davis

What I am most looking forward to about Burundi is that for eight whole days, my sole agenda will be to work as the hands and feet of the Lord. I am looking forward to no distractions, no anxiety about things that need to get done, just undivided attention to the service of the Lord. Of course, I think that this is how life should always be, but it is so much easier said than done; every day life ironically gets in the way. I so hope that this absolute service to the Lord will transfer to life when I get home.

Also, caring for widows and orphans is so very near to the heart of God. In Scripture this is mentioned over and over. In James 1:27 it is even called pure religion. One of the reasons I think God cares so much about it is because it's sort of a metaphor for how He redeems his people. We were once orphans and widows, destitute, broken, and without hope. But in his faithfulness and love and mercy, He calls us His own and promises us an eternity as His. I am so excited to get to get to focus on something that God cares so much about. I am so very thankful that I have been given this privilege.

My name is Heather Gallagher

I am looking forward to experiencing a different culture and learning how they interact with us, each other and with God.  I am excited to see and hear different types of worship and prayer styles.  Most of all I want to see what true dependance on God looks like.  I want to hear amazing stories of God's redemptive/healing power.
Humbly I wonder what God will say to me and how He will work in/through me and through the women in Burundi.  I don't know quite what to expect, but even that is a little bit of a thrill to me!

My name is Marisa Wandeler 

This trip has truly been in my heart for many years. When I was 12, I told my parents that God would one day send me to Africa and He would change me there. I did not know when and I did not know why, but I was sure of His promise. And, sure enough He is faithful! I only know now that this trip will change me.  And my hope is that as I pray, serve, support, and love the women and children in Burundi, God will be glorified and He will use me to bless them. As I've prayed in anticipation for this trip, I've felt the very deep need for what we will be doing and my heart weeps daily for these women in Burundi and what they have been thru in their lives. I'm open to serve in any way they need me and I hope to hug, love, and pray for the women and children there simply to show that God loves them enough to send me there just for them.
Excited, humbled, and looking forward to never being the same again

Heading off to Burundi

On Tuesday, June 19th, a team of 12 will be heading to Burundi to work with HomeCare Fellowship, our partners in Burundi.  We are excited to meet the new ladies in the sewing, hairdressing and micro- enterprise programs and to see all of our wonderful friends and sisters that we have been missing.  Join us each day as we try and update you on all the exciting events that will be happening.

Please pray for us for the following:

1. Our 2 days of flying to Washington DC, Brussels and then Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi.
2.  Health and stamina for our team members, as most have never made this long of a trip before.
3.  Preparing those that we will be meeting during the next 9 days, and that we would effectively    fulfill God's plans for this time.
4.  Wonderful times of worship together and several opportunities for our gals to lead in worship at the church.

Thanks!   We welcome your comments and encouragement via the blog during the trip as well.