August Newsletter
Growing God's Kingdom
As I have been preparing to teach preschoolers at church about God's Kingdom I realized the simplicity of God's plan. Jesus came to this earth to help us realize how precious and special it is to be a part of His Kingdom. He taught His disciples who taught others which is why we know of God's word today. God has allowed us to accept His special gift. It is in our hands if we choose to do so.
Jesus adapted to His situations... if His followers needed to hear or see better he took to a boat and taught from the water. If He found himself in a crowded house He taught from the middle of the room making sure that all could hear and see. If they needed to be fed he made it possible whether it was spiritual food or physical food.
Serving the Lord always brings opportunities to adapt and meet the challenges no matter the place or the type of ministry. Sometimes the challenges are so overwhelming you begin to question and second-guess decisions. It is Satan's way of attempting to thwart the Lord's work. Your prayers and encouragement remind us all that God is a big, big God and already knows the outcome!
As I get ready to leave for Burundi please pray for the Burundi Hope Project as I spend 3 1/2 weeks with BHP leadership there and the 30-plus individuals who have key roles in the work the Lord has led us to do. The economy is taking a toll all over the but is especially hard on the families of the poorest nation in the world. We are thankful for our faithful supporters but funding does not stretch as far! Pray for discernment as we make hard decisions in program changes and how to continue to move them to sustainability.
School is just 3 weeks away! Copybook distribution has begun! It is a way that we can help families. Back to school in the US has started for most children and parents have filled their lists of extras. Teachers in Burundi don't have that list to help them with resources in the classroom nor do they have any funds of their own to use. The teachers and administration can't fathom parents being asked or expected to provide the long list of items needed for students to begin school. The list in Burundi is short: copy books and 3 colors of pens: black, red, and blue. This is where the Samuel Project steps in.
Schools and parents do not have extra funds to supplement the education of the students who are not only boarding students but also have special educational challenges which can be overcome given the proper tools. Teachers from both schools need specialized communication training whether it be learning sign language or how to read braille. The majority begin their teaching vocation with no special education background from school but learn it "on the job". Many are employed simply because they have a University level degree in a particular subject area or human development such as psychology. It's not only the students who are learning but also the teachers. It is why the schools try to do all they can to keep teachers long term who have invested in learning the extra skills needed to teach. If a teacher leaves their replacement is starting at ground zero in their ability to teach in their "Language".
I share this with you to give you a picture of why supporting the Samuel Project is so important. It is encouraging the teachers through needed resources as well as the students who receive encouragement from their teachers as a result of being able to provide a strong teaching curriculum. As students participate in the Afterschool program they see the value of what they are learning all surrounded by the premises of God's word. Reinforcing Psalm 139:14: "You are fearfully and wonderfully made."
GIHANGA SEWING HOUSE: Making progress!
Sewing machines have been purchased and delivered and temporarily being housed in one of the classrooms at Kanura School for the Blind. They are sharing the uniform job for Kanura with Mugere since there are only 3 weeks until school begins. Thankfully they will be working together as we navigate through the details!
This summer we have had the blessing of gifting families with baby items for their new arrivals. This sweet baby is Eliora, the baby of Isaac and Arletty ( now known as Mama Eliora). I can't wait to meet her in person!
Getting ready to head back to Burundi! Prayers appreciated as I head to Washington DC on Wednesday August 23 and return Sunday September 17. I will update as I amble pending internet and power challenges!
