It's hot, real hot in Bujumbura!

It’s HOT… real HOT!! We have spent the first few days in Bujumbura, staying with Doug and Deanna. The younger guys are staying a 10 minute walk away, at an orphanage called the Rainbow Centre. On Sunday when we first arrived, we had a church service in the afternoon at the Rainbow Centre. It is in a building without walls- it is amazing to worship God in the midst of the beautiful surroundings- mountains, birds, palm trees. Ed spoke that afternoon and Doug lead worship. This service was in English- the only one so far. By the evening- we were all so tired! It was a loonnnggg day!

On Monday, we started the day early. After breakfast we met with Zachee, Doug and Deanna’s close friend. He gave us a brief history of Burundi. It is such a beautiful place among so much conflict. After the meeting, we went to the market in town. It was so chaotic! There is nothing at home that I can compare this experience to. Imagine a place packed with people. It is impossible to walk through the market without running into people. Being in a group of 9 white people- everyone stopped and stared at us. They shouted “mzungu” at us, which means white. Everywhere we went people shouted at us! We went through the different sections in the market. Burundians were hacking away at the meat with machetes. The smell was so strong and got worse as we entered the area of dried fish. Fish sat out among tons of tables surrounded by flies. After we had seen most of the market, we picked up some colourful pails/buckets for the ladies at the AIDS centre that we visited later in the week. Some of the guys practiced carrying the bright coloured buckets on their heads. There were 75 buckets in total. We spent the rest on the afternoon organizing the clothes and the items in the bags that we had brought from home- while the other half of our team had a worship practice. We ended off the evening with a Burundian dinner at Doug and Deanna’s house. We had rice, ubugali (looks like play dough!), a cabbage salad with tomatoes and avacados, and tender beef in a sauce. It was very good! For dessert we had fresh mangos!

Tuesday we packed a few things and got on a bus and headed up-country. As we left the city, we noticed a gradual temperature change. The view was incredible as we headed up the mountains – lush green fields of tea, palm trees, flowers, cows, people standing on the hillsides, people walking with huge loads on their heads, bikes, trucks, buses full - very full of people. The bus driver was very confident, driving through curves and turns , potholes – deep potholes, wash outs, honking as needed! We picked up people from Harvest for Christ Ministry, who were joining us on the journey. We thought the bus was full when we started, but there was always room for one more. The air was so clean and fresh compared to the city, and the scenery was breath-taking. We stopped in the town of Igenda and got settled into a guesthouse, run by nuns. We each had our own room. Then we got back on the bus, and drove to the place where a new church is being built. The setting was so beautiful up on the side of the mountain, with a stream nearby that was ice cold! The story of how the church was being formed is incredible. No one had the money to buy a plot of land for the church. The Catholic church looks at the evangelical church as being lost- so they were against having a church in this land. A university student, Leon had a huge vision. His father had given him a cow as a gift. Cows are very expensive here. Leon traded his cow for a plot of land. He donated this land to build a church. How amazing is this? It was very encouraging to see his heart for God. The people seem so passionate here- in their singing, dance and worship. It has been a blessing to see this. We continued to help build the church. A group of us went for a long walk through the valleys, and hills to hull up some long pieces of bamboo for the church walls. Many people were thankful to see this… especially seeing a 70 year old man (Jake) doing this! We brought some tools with us which were donated by some people at home. They came in very handy. By the time we had to leave to attend 2 church services- we had half the church built.

Great to be with Doug & Deanna

It is great to be here. Doug and Deanna and the girls are doing well, and have been great hosts. They have a vital, multi-faceted ministry going here, and it is great to be a part of it- even if for such a short time.

We have hit the ground running. On the 4th, our first day here, we had a service at the church that Doug and Deanna have attended. The team lead in worship, and speaking. We were encouraged to see how God calls His people together. On the second day, we organized the materials for distribution, while some of the team practiced for a worship service that will take place on Friday.

The team is healthy, and excited to be here. Today, Tuesday the 6th, we head up-country. Danielle and Cheryl will be speaking at a women’s service, while the guys help to build a church. God is at work in the community of Ijenda. He has used Harvest for Christ to bring reconciliation to this community. The churches are meeting together and working together.

Continue to pray for health and safety, as we are traveling the next couple of days, and for God’s provision as we serve the people in a variety of settings.

Long night, short sleep, sitting and waiting..

The team has survived a night crossing of the Atlantic. Everyone seems to be in good spirits, in fact some of the younger members are passing the time " hacky sacking". We will be departing shortly for Nairobi. We will try and add new posts with pictures as we are able.

Team 2008 Getting ready to go

Cornerstone Community Church is preparing to send third team to Burundi...

In our ongoing effort to partner with people and ministries in Burundi, we are preparing to send a team of 8 to Africa in early May. The team will be visiting churches, an Aids Resource Centre, schools and families. Our intention is to encourage and support the development and relief work that Doug and Deanna Hiebert have been involved with during the past 4.5 years.

Thanks to Cornerstone for making this possible through the support shown during the fundraising lunch held on April 13. The funds raised will be used to defer the travel, food, accomodations, and ministry costs for the team during their stay.

The team has also been gathering a variety of materials to distribute during their visit. We are planning on taking blankets that were made by Henry and Erna Hubert. We are also taking along clothing, donated by Earth Wares Adventure Apparrel, and a variety of other material goods.

We will try and update this Blog as we have opportunity during our visit.