Friday – Glorious!

Friday – Glorious!

Last day at Homecare.  Hard to believe that it’s already time to return, but we are thankful that we have this morning to see the graduates and staff once more before we leave.  The graduates had already gathered at the center and they could not wait to sing praises!   

It is so humbling, and still hard to take in, that just the presence of those who come to support them is a supreme gift to them.  Repeatedly we hear that having caring people come reaffirms God’s love for them, tangible evidence of His grace and compassion. What an honor to be used in this way!

Several shared that this day, the day they receive their sewing machines and supplies, is in some ways more exciting than graduation day.  They will be officially “launched,” and they are eager to begin the journey.  After many offerings of thanksgiving and praise, it was time to present their machines.   

Several of the graduates have already formed co-ops of three, and they will be reporting back to Peace every month about their progress.  Some of them will return to village areas or work further away, but we are anxious to hear reports about their progress.  One of the older ladies in the group shared that she knew a man who already had a small sewing business but was having a hard time getting many customers.  He offered for her to come and sew with his machine until she could get hers (this has only been one week).  She immediately had a client and did such exceptional work that she returned with others who also wanted some of her creations.  She has already made a good return in just one week – with a borrowed machine!

We say our last good-byes, more hugs, more prayers, and then we have to leave to pack up and head to the airport.  We are flooded with emotion; our hearts are full; our emotions are both buoyed and drained.  It has been an intense week, but we have seen the Lord in indescribable ways!  We’ve experienced and seen His hand in every detail, and His promise to do “exceedingly above and beyond” has truly exceeded even the highest expectation and prayers.

We always challenge team members to think of three descriptive words to describe their mission experience, ones that will hopefully vividly capture the time in ways that will invite others to want to know more.  Right now, we are so full to overflowing that it may take a while to begin to pinpoint those words.  For each of us, it has been one of the most impactful experiences we’ve ever experienced, a depth of heart connection not often felt in a lifetime.  We are humbled, grateful, more healed, encouraged, and more intensely committed to seeing heart restoration in ourselves and others.

For now, I’ll say that it was glorious…….life-giving……..and intensely profound!  I think this time will take a while to “unpack.”  We absolutely felt the prayers lifted up for us and everyone we encountered; know that they were abundantly answered!  Please continue to pray for these women as they begin their new ventures, that they can maintain a sense of community, and for the staff and all the incoming new group who will begin very soon. Enormous thanks to Robyn, Jo Lynn and Micki.  How beautifully you ministered to every person you encountered in Burundi; to everyone at Homecare, one another….and to me.  THANK YOU.

Gratitude that the Lord prompted Elise Romain to want to intern for a month at Burundi Homecare.  What a JOY to have you with us!  Thank you for all you contributed to the CA/FL team, and ours.  You are an incredible young woman!  We continue to pray for you and your final days in Burundi.  We know that you will leave a very special mark on their hearts!

Most of all, all praise and thanksgiving to God!  He fulfilled every hope, prayer and dream for this special time, and then a whole lot more!  To God be the Glory!  Amen and amen.

Thursday – “ We Have Seen the Glory of the Lord”

Thursday – “ We Have Seen the Glory of the Lord”

Today was our final day of the retreat.  After the intense work of the past days, it was time to reflect and share in a special time of communion together.  Robyn shared beautiful insight into the meaning of communion following the Jewish wedding tradition.  When a couple became betrothed a year prior to the wedding, the bridegroom would take a glass of wine, drink some, offer it to his betrothed, and pledge not to drink of the wine until they are united in marriage, pledging his fidelity.  He would then go to prepare a home for them, perhaps not to see her for a year.  The bride to be would then go and prepare her wedding garments and other things for their life together.  They would have no guarantees that either of them would break the vow of not drinking it until they were officially married for that year.  It brings new meaning to Jesus’ promise that He would not drink of the wine (as in the final supper with the disciples) until we, His bride, were reunited with Him, and to remember all that He had taught, shared with them and done until that day.

Jesus is a faithful bridegroom; how faithful have we been as we wait for our Bridegroom?  When we celebrate communion, do we take the time to reflect on all that He has done for us, remembrances of His mercy and grace in our lives?  Today we took the time to remember His goodness in our lives, sharing specific times when God has shown Himself faithful.  A beautiful time of sharing.

Then we shared communion, one by one, reminded individually as we took the bread and the cup, that He came and died for us – personally – that He is awaiting the time when we are eternally united with Him, and that we are totally, unconditionally loved and cherished.  What amazing, precious truth!

We ended by taking the group to a place by Lake Tanganyika for lunch.  We wanted to enjoy this sweet community by sharing a meal together by the beauty of the lake, walking together along the beach, enjoying the serenity of the waves.  What a shock to learn that 5 of the 12 had never even seen the lake before!  The cost of transport (it is minutes away from Homecare Center and where we are staying), the lack of money to do anything once they might be there has given them no opportunity.  So very near – and yet, they had not seen it!  They were truly overwhelmed that we would take them there and treat them to a meal.  It seemed utterly extravagant and “beyond their dreams” as they said.  They felt they weren’t worthy of being treated so; one said this was only for ministers of Parliament or people like that.  How could they ever dream of doing that!

As we waited for our meal (not elaborate by any means by our standards – pizza, some salads) several shared (as they have done continually this week) about what a huge blessing this time has been.  One shared, “Now that I know my wounds and how to deal with them with the Lord, I want to go and see my children (in another country) and share this with them.  I know they are wounded; they need this, and I want to share it with them.” Another said, “We now truly realize that God deeply loves us so much He would send people like you to tell us these truths we have never heard before.  He really cares.”  Another, “Now we can share these truths with others.”  And perhaps the most touching, “We have seen the Glory of God this week.  Hallelujah!”

Revealing and unmasking deep wounds, opening them to His light, experiencing healing and hope – this is what this week has been all about.  One of the most impactful we have ever experienced.  Oh, how He loves us!!

Wednesday – The Truth Shall Set You Free

Incredible day!!  We began the day looking into our life stories to see where we have experienced shame that leads to contempt.  Robyn continues to do an amazing job of leading us into truth that challenges and transforms.  We took a hard look at the lies we have believed, how that has affected our lives, relationships with others, and relationship with God.  Challenging heart work.  And then we are invited to recognize those lies, break our agreement with them and accept God’s truth.  Did God ever work in our midst!  Every one of us was touched in a significant way.  Afterward there was a tangible feeling of release and freedom!  It was a natural response to celebrate our freedom, and that we did! 

 

We brought along some “interesting” but “just for fun” glasses and moved right into song and dance.  They have the chicken dance and line dance down pat!!  And then they broke into typical Burundi dances and singing…...JOY!!  Freedom in Jesus is meant to be celebrated!!

The creative expression this morning was to make a quilt square (with fabric markers and fabric) depicting shame and this afternoon to make one depicting the beauty we have experienced in and from God.  Both are important parts of our stories.  

Tomorrow is our last day together.  It has gone by so quickly!  We will celebrate community and communion together, rejoice in our bond in Jesus, and all that He has done this week.  Hallelujah!

Tuesday – Heart Work in Community

Tuesday – Heart Work in Community

Today was a very full day.  We began with learning more about how to be an intentional listener, how to listen with our heart as well as our ears.  And then we learned how to respond after someone shares from their heart.  It was an exceptional session, and we all learned much from it. 

Then we broke up into groups to put this into practice, allowing each person to share their own story and have opportunity for those in the group to truly listen and respond in a way that is real and gives validation to the one sharing.  This is hard work, heart and soul work, but the rewards are freeing, and today’s experience was no exception.  We also had a session on what it takes to have a healthy heart, the growing process.  This was enormously beneficial to all.  

After dinner, after a day of so much inner work, it was time for the balance of light heartedness, and tonight we got to exercise our creativity and make necklaces.  We brought bright, beautifully colored beads of various sizes with some examples to spur thought.  You should see what they created! There was laughter, joy, singing as they worked – what a delight!  That’s the way to create!  It was a great way to end the day.  

Tonight we are praying for deep rest for each of us and to be prepared for another very full day tomorrow.  Today we experienced community in a deep way; our hearts closer knit, our appreciation for one another strong.  We continue to pray for the enemy to be totally blocked from robbing any of the ground that has been won during this time, and for strength and openness to receive what God has for us tomorrow.  We so appreciate – and feel! – your prayers.

Here is the wonderful staff at HomeCare Burundi

(see below for names)

        Peace,Regina,Phoebe,Nelly,Goretti,Miriam,Esperanze,Faith,Letitia,Esther,Mary, Christine

Monday – The Retreat Begins!

Monday – The Retreat Begins!

After much prayer and anticipation, the Heart of Africa Leadership Retreat has begun! The twelve leaders from Homecare seem so extremely delighted to be here, together, spending time with each other as well as with us.  They have never had the chance to do this - ever!  God has given us a beautiful, serene setting.  Though it is right here in the city, it feels like we are well outside the hustle and bustle.

We had a wonderful beginning day, laying the groundwork for meaningful soul work.  The work begins.  We’ve also had beautiful interludes of worship, with both English and Kirundi songs. Back and forth, it is already a wonderful exchange.  After dinner, we wanted to balance the seriousness of the content with a time for light hearted joy, so we Texas gals taught them some gen–u-ine Texas dances!  We line danced, then did the chicken dance, leading into Cotton Eyed Joe.  Such fun and laughter!!  Of course, these ladies are natural dancers, and they caught on quickly.  It was great to let go and “just enjoy.”  Laughter and smiles are indeed great medicine!

Tomorrow and Wednesday will be very full days with two teaching sessions each, small group breakouts and inner work time.  Please continue to pray for each woman here, that the enemy will have no place in any way, that all his attempts will be repelled and that God will do what promises to be an incredible work in each of us.  We love being here with our sisters, and I know our bond will grow ever deeper as explore our hearts, souls and the depths of Jesus’ love for us.

PRAISE AND CELEBRATION! SUNDAY

PRAISE AND CELEBRATION!

SUNDAY

Roughly two thousand eager worshipers gather under a metal pavilion, lifting up the name of Jesus!  What a joy to enter into that praise with our sisters and brothers at Life Center!  Praise and worship lasts for several hours sometimes, but you don’t think of the time.  Praise flows into praise.  Apollinaire, the worship leader, does an amazing job of leading the body into God’s presence, reverently, sweetly.  Anticipation builds and crescendos into a celebration of praise!  You feel totally enveloped in His presence, in His joy.

Ironically, they were hosting an American pastor as guest speaker.  He is in Africa for a three- week tour, sharing in several countries, but this was his first time in Burundi.  He is part of Barnabas Ministries and shared about encouragement and persistence.  Response time is always one of thankfulness and celebration for all the Lord has done and will do. We were able to visit a little bit with Apollinaire and some of those at Life Center we have come to know.  It is always so good to reconnect!  The CA and FL team had to leave church to head to the airport for their journey home.  They have had a wonderful experience here, most being here for the first time.  We pray for their safe return home and all that they have seen and heard here will forever burn in their hearts, and that they will share it with many others.

We were able to have lunch by the lake today, and it was so refreshing to sit by the beach, watching and listening to the crash of waves, which were particularly high today.  What beauty!  Just being there for a while was so tranquil and renewing.  Walking along the sand we are reminded of His power and His creative beauty.

Tonight we pray in great anticipation for the week ahead.  The leadership retreat begins tomorrow.  We will have the 12 women of the staff staying together at the Swiss Mission.  They have never had the opportunity to have any kind of extended time together or retreat, so there is so much anticipation for this.  There will be deep heart work in the next few days as we each look inside our personal stories, share with one another and seek healing and refreshment from the Lord.  The prayer is that by doing so, they will be better equipped to hear, respond and minister to those who come to Homecare with huge wounds and in despair.  We are confident that Lord is going to be with us in a mighty way; we are excited!  We also know the enemy would love nothing more than to disrupt and prevent His work being carried out, so please stand with us against any of his attempts.  We know His plans are good; His plans will not be thwarted, and we are here, asking Him to use us fully so that we may all experience Him in a fresh way – the ultimate goal, that He is glorified.

We made it to Burundi

Thursday-Saturday We are finally here......

It’s is SO good to be back in Burundi!  We arrived safely in Bujumbura Wednesday night Burundi time.  A slight drizzle in the air made it a welcome, cooler arrival as we settled into our “home away from home” where we will be for the next 10 days. Friday morning we went to Homecare Center, anticipating a joyous reconnection with our dear sisters.  We are overlapping a few days with our Tirzah team from CA and FL, who were already at the center, so we quietly entered during a time of prayer.  But once the prayer was finished, the jubilant welcome began!!  Singing, dancing, hugging…….yes, we are at Homecare!!

Testimonies began.  It is always so amazing to see that these women cannot help but praise God for His marvelous work; they can’t refrain from sharing all He has done!  We listened, heard their hearts, and joined in with a response of sheer gratitude.  The anticipation of graduation fills the air. They are SO excited, so filled with pride of accomplishment.  We couldn’t wait for Friday.

Friday, graduation day, is finally here!  It was held at the Anglican center where we had it last year, and it is a lovely venue for such an occasion.  One section filled with the graduates, with another whole section filled with special guests, friends and encouragers who came to celebrate with and for them, we joined with the teachers, former graduates and even some who will be entering into the program in the new session.  Peace opened the program with prayer and thanksgiving.  I had the honor of sharing a word from Is. 61 that the Lord prompted me to share about our redemption, renewal and being a new creature, the same portion that Jesus quoted as the reason He came.  There were several testimonies from students, then a wonderful skit with different students portraying staff members and dramatizing what it is like for a student to go through the process of coming to Homecare.  They had that down pat!  Then dancing, always with interludes of singing led by precious Mary.  The time came for presenting their diplomas.  As each woman came forward, it was a time of recognition of personal achievement, but most of all, the going forth of a new found confidence based on who they are in Jesus, encouraged, equipped and looking forward to all He has for them.  BEAUTIFUL!  What a joy and privilege to share this important moment with them!

Today, Saturday, we went to the Swedish Mission where we will have the staff retreat starting Monday.  We’ve never seen this place before, so didn’t know what to anticipate.  As we drove through a gate and followed the road lined by mimosa-like trees, we all gasped at the same time!  Getting out of the car, laid out before us, was a seeming oasis filled with beautiful trees, flowers, with butterflies flitting from one bush to another.  A refreshing breeze was flowing off Lake Tanganyika, filled with the fragrance of plumbego blooms.  We all felt a collective  “Ah,” a sensation of being in an intimate, sacred place.  What a beautiful gift the Lord has provided for this most special group of women!  We toured the facilities and felt such a confirmation that this was indeed His plan, place, and confidence that His blessings will flow next week.  We are excited!!

So now we prepare for the upcoming week, look forward to what is always a highlight of being in Burundi, worshiping at Life Center Church tomorrow.  We are so thankful to be here, encouraged, expectant, and anticipating amazing things next week.

From what we have gleaned, the CA and FL team has had an amazing time here.  They will head back to the US tomorrow, and we’re thankful that they have had the opportunity to connect with this amazing group of women, hear their hearts, and experience Burundi.  An experience they will not forget!

Thank you for all your prayers for our preparation, travel here and first wonderful days.  Please pray for next week.  It is going to be a time of deep spiritual exploration, soul searching, as well as a time of rest, refreshment…….and fun.  They will be full days, so please pray for physical, emotional and spiritual strength for each of us, that God will prepare all our hearts and minds so that we are ready for all He has for us.  We know it will be glorious!!

Jo Lynn. Micki, Robyn and Diane