This has been a wonderful week serving in Muyinga, Burundi with ALARM and Watermark Church from Dallas, Texas. After greeting the team around 1 am. on Sunday morning, as they arrived in Bujumbura blurred eyed, the Lord was already revealing Himself. Everyone was in great spirits and excited for the coming week in Muyinga, a small town in northeastern Burundi, located about 10 km. from Tanzania. This area is currently saturated with witchcraft and idol worshipping. Needless to say, a great opportunity to share and touch the people of this province.
Over the past week, I have learned a great deal from this dedicated group of 12 individuals from a different area in the US. It is wonderful to see that no matter where we are in the world or where we are from, Christians are committing their time and energy to serve in the Lord’s name, giving their lives to serve Christ and share His Word and Truth, realizing and embracing the need and desire to share the Gospel in all parts of the world and in turn experiencing God work and transform lives in the process.
In Muyinga, two different conferences were being held at the same time; A Women’s Conference consisting of 46 women and a Pastoral Conference consisting of 60 men. This was a unique and encouraging week because the Burundian women attending the Women’s Conference seemed much more educated and knowledgable about the Bible. They were interactive from the first afternoon and were trusting of the American team visiting. Eager to learn more, the women were open to sharing personal stories and being vulnerable to one another, a unique opportunity and experience.
One of the highlights of the week happened at the end of the second day when the women received a Post-it Note and were asked to write down the name of an individual they needed to forgive. They were asked to take it to the Cross, which was drawn on a board in the front of the room. Not knowing whether this would be received well by the attendees, we were in awe of their participation and desire to give and receive forgiveness. As they rushed the Cross, it was as if they could not release their burden fast enough. While some acted quick, others contemplated this big step with deep thought. They did not take the decision lightly and when they finally went to the Cross you could see the pain along with the relief. The burden had been lifted and they were ready to move forward. This moment will remain in my memory as a permit imprint.
As tears of happiness filled my eyes, while my heart also felt the longing to forgive and ask forgiveness within my own life, I witnessed Christ’s work in each of our lives. It still amazes me how each day brings a new understanding of the love of our great Lord. He is continuously working within each of us.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
~ Matthew 11:28-30
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