What a Welcome

After a good nights rest and breakfast at KCC we headed over to the HomeCare Center to be greeted by the wonderful sound of music and singing as we drove into the center.  As we departed our cars the singing and dancing was everywhere as the ladies came to us with baskets of flower pedals and tossing them on us and our pathway, what a joy for each of us to experience this ceremony.  As we went into the sewing area there were about 50 ladies crowded into the small area singing and dancing as loudly as expected.  This went on for quite sometime which was a real joy to us guys.  During the next period of time the ladies greeted us, sharing how excited they were to have us come see them.  Many offered prayers and thanks for our safe arrival and time to come and be with them.  Peace asked a couple of the ladies to share their stories of what the sewing program had meant to them……only a couple…. no it went on as so many wanted to share the joy they have experienced as they have had a chance to be loved on and shown how much the Lord loves them just as they are.  Many talked about being able to learn a new skill that will help them feed their children now, send them to school and provide a place for them to live.  What a joy.

We then had a chance to meet with Pastor Albin and Desire who both shared about their ministries working with young men who live on the streets.  They both gave us some ideas that they are looking at as far as some possible directions for the boys.  They shared a bit if what they boys have gone through and they struggles that they encounter not having families, education or a ways of providing for themselves.

After a great lunch at a new restaurant in town we headed back to meet with some more boys and men of various ages.  At first there were about 10 men who showed up but about 15 minutes another van dropped off more, until we had about 45 men sitting and standing listening and sharing each of their stories.  Most were in their 20’s.  They had a chance to share what they would like to do and what opportunities they would like to see.  We listened and tried to take it all in.  We still have lots of questions and need to understand more.  Pray with us.

At dinner we had the opportunity to listen to Simon G who runs the Kings Conference Center where we stay.  He shared his story starting with his great grandparents being missionaries in this part of Central Africa back in the early 20’s and his journey up till now.  He also shared about Burundi and gave us some good insight into the country we are visiting.

Thursday we will be meeting with Pastor Marc and Apollinaire the Worship Leader at Life Church where Peace attends and we will go on Sunday.  At this meeting we are hoping to hear from the leadership on their men’s ministry and maybe where their men could help with the young men we men with yesterday.  Later in the afternoon we will head over to Apollinaire’s music school and see that new program.

Thanks for your prayers as more forward.  We miss you all and appreciate your prayers.