New Creations

We left this morning under cloudy and rain-threatening clouds as we headed out to Matana. Shortly, we were in a downpour that lasted for some while, making driving more challenging as we wound through the mountains. The rain obscured much of the lush scenery as we climbed higher into the area of tea plantations and deep valleys, but thankfully calmed as we arrived at the second ministry center in Matana.

We could hear joyful singing even before we got out of the cars as the first graduating group of widows and orphans were welcoming us. A sea of smiling faces greeted us as we centered the room as they continued to sing and praise, “thank you God, for protecting our friends and bringing them safely here.” 

After a time of singing and dancing, the team was introduced to the class, and they immediately embraced us as family. We moved outside to listen to testimonies from one of the widows and one of the orphans. Both expressed deepest gratitude for all God has done for them, for “bringing them out of the darkness into true hope” and preparing them for a good future. Beautifully articulating their life change, it was apparent that they had truly been transformed! They spoke with conviction and confidence in God who loves them, who declares them forgiven, valuable, restored, and His! They are very excited about their graduation on Friday; it will be such a special celebration, especially since this is the first class for Matana.

We also got to meet the newest member of the Matana Homecare family; three weeks ago, on Peace’s birthday, Lilian, assistant to center director, Jennifer, gave birth to a little girl, her 7th child. So naturally she was named Peace! Though Lilian had a few complications with the birth, she and little Peace are doing well and are surrounded with love and support from the Homecare ladies.

We then got to meet the incoming class of widows and orphans who have been in the discipleship training period since late July. We were reminded of the distinct change from when students first join the Homecare family and the end of their year training. They come in timid, unsure, wondering if they can truly trust these leaders who are telling them that they are loved and secure in Jesus. Such a contrast to the huge smiles, upheld heads and confident demeanor of those about to graduate, for they were timid and many unable to smile this last October.  

We had the joy of presenting each of the new students with their very own Bibles. This is always a special moment; most would have only dreamed of having a Bible of their own. SPECIAL THANKS to all of you who made the purchasing of these Bibles possible! We wish you could have been here with us to see how much this means to them! God’s Word for their very own! Now that rainy season has begun, they were especially glad to receive a large umbrella to help keep them dry as they walk to the center each day. We thought about how helpful these will be as we drove up into the mountains today in the rain as many men, women and children were walking on the side of the road in the pouring rain, mostly uncovered.

What a beautiful time of connection, experiencing the full circle of transformation from those just beginning their journey to those who have grown deeply in their understanding and relationship with Jesus.  

By the time the students were leaving the center, quite a crowd had gathered around us, mostly women and children. Seeing white people is uncommon here; they are very curious, but gracious. The children especially found us quite the curiosity! As we tried to communicate with them (with Peace’s translation) she told us that they wanted to know what white skin felt like, and they were a bit taken back with my white hair. I shook their hands and showed them that they could touch my arm, which met with quick touches and lots of giggles. When I bent down to show them my hair, they were eager to touch it, again with laughter. 

As we were visiting with the children, one boy was talking with Peace, asking about the Bibles he saw us giving to the students. She shared the gospel with him, explaining how Jesus came, died and rose again for him. Before we knew it, he had accepted Jesus as his Savior! What a joy! The children had turned to go to their homes when an older girl began talking to Peace about her nearby school, which she said had about 300 students. “We need Bibles!” she told us. How beautiful to see the hunger and thirst for God and His word even in the young people and the keen desire they have to know Him through the scriptures. Looks like we will have to pray for more Bibles!

After eating at the local guest house, we began our descent back to Bujumbura. The rains had stopped; the sun was shining down on the lush tiers of tea plants, groves of banana trees, and eucalyptus trees. Today was filled with joy, hope, celebration, and promise. We were witnesses to God’s promise that He makes all things new…totally new.