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.