Thankfulness in the Challenges
Since my return in late September I have been amazed at the resiliency of the Burundian people as they walk through the daily challenges of their life. Their joy is contagious as you look at the smiles on their faces. It is a reminder of how blessed we are in the country we live in. In Burundi there are only 2 seasons: dry and rainy. Each brings it’s own set of challenges. First, lack of water then too much water changing from dust everywhere to puddles and mud at every turn. 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. Daily forecast is 85 degrees with a chance of rain. Some days the chance is high and others it is minute. Travel by foot is the most common because the rising cost of transportation increases weekly. The money is better spent on providing food for families.
Where does their joy and thankfulness come from ? Their faith in Jesus and trusting the Lord to provide for their needs. Watching the students at Ephphatha sign their prayers: hearing the blind students Kanura sing their praises; seeing the passion in the faces of those who are worshipping together is a reminder that they have more joy, love and faith in their heart than many of us who have access to every resource we need to live this life.
As you gather with your families and celebrate this season of Thanksgiving remember these precious people in Burundi and pray for the Lord’s continued protection, comfort and love on these dear ones! Imana Ni Nziza, God is so good!
God bless!
Susan May Co-Founder, Burundi Hope Project
Ephphatha’s New Campus
Rainy season and the poor drainage leaves no place for the students to participate in favorite outdoor activities. The solution? A joyful 1 km run to an open field at a nearby church to enjoy an afternoon of sport!
Kanura Students
Preparing for a drama presentation for a community outreach in December and laughing with each other
Miles of Smiles!
Update on Our Ministry Focus
Many thanks to those who are supporting the Health and Nutrition Program. Since our last update a new challenge of contaminated drinking water and outbreaks of malaria due to the standing water from the rainy season. Extra assistance to the Health and Nutrition Program can help! Here is an update:
General Food Budget Goal: $7500
Contribution to date: $1500
Nutritional Food Budget Goal: $10000
Contribution to Date: $5420
Health Care and Medical Cost Budget: $5000
Contribution to Date: $4567
Praise!
Burundi Hope was able to provide storage tanks for clean drinking and cooking water because of you! Every student at Ephphatha also has their own drinking cup to help prevent the spread of illness! Murakoze Cane! Thank you very much!
A partner ministry will be raising the funds for a new well, solar pump and water system. Pray fpr their efforts and the water challenges at Ephphatha!
