Never Thirst Again
This morning found us on the road out of Bujumbura toward Kabezi. Turning off the paved road, we bounced along a “road” probably better described as a path of uneven ruts, rocks, and crevices, twisting and turning through countryside until we reached the clay bricked, tin roofed building of the church. As soon as we got close to the church, children emerged from everywhere, running alongside us with curious smiles. Several hundred people, mostly women, were seated on rough-hewn benches inside the dirt-floored church, patiently awaiting our arrival. We began to unload a truck load full of bright yellow buckets with clean water filters attached, carrying them inside the church. Slowly, men began to fill the back of the church. The pastor introduced Christian and Peace, greeting us and warmly welcoming us to his congregation. We shared a few greetings and words of encouragement. Christian and John demonstrated how the filters worked and how to maintain them, showing how the filters could convert the muddy water they have had to use for everything from drinking to cooking to bathing into crystal clear water.
They were in awe! Peace drank the clean water, and they seemed convinced that this was real. She then shared how the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, like the water filter, and makes us new creations, clean and forgiven in His sight, as the filtered water is now clean and healthy and “new.” The pastor had carefully organized a list of recipients for this first distribution of filters. As he called out name by name, the team got to present them with their own filter with a blessing. It truly was a beautiful time! We had some time to meet other villagers who were waiting outside the church, along with a sweet group of children.
Marsha engaged a group in a modified version of “Simon Says,” while Jessica started up “Head and shoulders, knees and toes.” It’s amazing how much can be communicated even without knowing their language! The countryside is beautiful; cloud topped mountains in the background, Lake Tanganyika in the foreground; the lush greenery surrounded us was so serene and peaceful. What a contrast to the city. It was such a beautiful experience, being able to share the gospel as we shared the filters and further relationships with this village. Pray for those who heard the Good News today and for this dear pastor who loves his community and is leading them to Jesus.
As we returned to Bujumbura, we returned to Homecare for some special time with the staff. Jessica is a certified Pilates instructor, and she held a “class” for the staff and our team. Never have I heard such joyful laughter from our dear sisters as they endeavored to follow Jessica’s instructions! It was one of the best bonding experiences we’ve ever had with the staff as most of the team (a few of us with back/joint issues abstained) and staff struggled along together to perform various exercises. Fun!!
We had hoped to make a quick visit to the lake for another view of the city and surroundings, but as we approached our usual spot, we were quickly made aware that today was the first day of a national women’s conference being held at that place. Packed with cars, military guards, women in their identical dresses and other attendees, we had to make a u turn, only to be embroiled in a major traffic jam for what seemed hours (probably an hour in reality, but things were not moving.) By then it had gotten dark, so we went to a lovely outdoor restaurant further down the coast of the lake for dinner. What a full and fruitful day!! You’ll be seeing many pictures of the village, the people, and especially the children, for they were dear and clustered all around us. I doubt they’ve seen many Muzungus (white people), so we were definitely an attraction for them.
Tomorrow is Graduation Day in Matana! We will return for the graduation ceremony, praying over and sending out the 20 widows and orphans who have spent the last year growing in relationship with Jesus and learning good sewing skills. They will receive their diploma and look forward to starting their own businesses with brand new sewing machines and start-up supplies. Pray for these dear women as they start a new chapter in their lives of providing for their families and sharing Jesus with others around them, living out the life transformation that has occurred since they joined the Homecare family.