Burundi Team C Update (7/13/09)

Update from David Robinson, Sun July 12:

It has been rather awkward using the french keyboard at Mi-parec in Gitega, with the a in the place of the q and the w in place of the z. The english keyboard goes much faster. Team C left Gitega this morning to worship in 3 separate churches; Randall Brown, Jeff Morrison and I at Kibimba, the Kellums with Debbie Brown at (I can't remember the church) and the rest of the team at Kabaguzo. It was, for me, exciting to be again at the birthplace of the Burundi Friends Church, exciting for Randall Brown to be there where he had taught and where his father had built the roof on the church; and it was exciting for the great, great grandson of Arthur Chilson to bring greetings to the congregation his ancestor had started.

About an hour into the service, Pastor Josias leaned over to me and asked if I would preach. Of course I would be honored to preach at such a historic place! I usually am always ready, so off I went, using 2 Peter 2:9-10. I had a great time with Josias translating. I hope the congregation approved as much as their faces showed. As usual in Burundi the service ended with many of the congregation gathered kneeling around the altar in prayer for their church and their own witness. One young man stood in desire to receive Christ as his Savior and one came forward to counsel him. Though tired after the long (or short) 2 weeks, I am elated and thrilled to be in the ministry for Christ. We have brought blessing and honor to this church for their faithfulness to the gospel. From four churches there are now about 100, in 10 quarterly meetings, with at least one church in each of the 16 provinces of Burundi. It is such a thrill to consider the fact that from the heart of America has come the Friends Church for the heart of Africa.

We are now in a nice Christian Conference center here in Bujumbura about ready to go to our farewell dinner with the Kellums and our great hosts, Fidele, Pontien and Metod. We leave early from here to Nairobi, then to London, Chicago and home on Tuesday evening. God is good and we thank you all from the depths of our hearts for your prayers. You have been with us on this journey. Marikoze cane! (I think that's the way you spell it). Thank you very much.