Sunday – It’s a Small World After All

It is always amazing to find common connections with people anywhere you go around the world, especially in the Christian community, but it was unexpected to meet a fellow Texan at the market yesterday.  We were waiting as teammates finished their shopping when an American woman approached us, saying she heard us speaking English.  She and her husband had just moved to Bujumbura from Dallas to work with the UN.  During our conversation we discovered that they were believers and anxious to connect here with Christians, so it was a joy to introduce her to Peace and share with her about the ministry and how we were here because of Tirzah’s partnership that helps Homecare minister to women and children.  She was very interested in what we shared, and as she and Peace exchanged information, it was exciting to think of a new friendship forming. 

We knew that a church in the North Houston area worked in a rural area in Burundi and that they would be here about the same time as our team, but it was another one of those “divine connections” to see their team at church today and have their pastor share the message…..more Texans!  It reminds us that we are indeed linked, and it doesn’t take long to find His connection no matter where you are.

Pastor Mark at the Life Center invited both of our teams to come to the front of the church so that the congregation (1,000+) could pray over us.  What a humbling experience!  It’s one of the things we appreciate so much here, the emphasis and commitment to prayer.  How we can learn from them, and why we so enjoy partnering with nationals all over the world, because we are meant to share and learn from one another. 

This afternoon we got to enjoy God’s beauty at Lake Tanganyika.  With the mountainous backdrop, gentle breezes and rolling waves along the sandy shore, it is a picture of peaceful tranquility.  We enjoyed watching the sun set behind the mountains and reflected on God’s creation so freely given for all to enjoy. Young and old, poor and rich, we all have access to His glory expressed through nature, His creativity and power on display.  They all declare Him!

https://app.box.com/s/nk7jjyguz85mqizhnxyq

All the team continues to do well and thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant worship this morning.  What joy and energy!  They truly celebrate Jesus, and we’re thankful that got to experience that together.

Tomorrow China will be sharing sewing techniques and ideas with the sewing co-op and sewing teachers, so pray for her and them as they share ideas.  We will continue to interact with the students about to graduate and hope to meet with some of the recent graduates as well.  Again, sharing, listening, and learning from each other.  As we get to know one another increasingly better, we better appreciate and celebrate the connection we have as His “family.”