The Promise of God

May 6th, 2008

Team: Buja B

A Chibitoke woman    

An outreach team accompanied a government minister and a truck to distribute insecticide treated mosquito nets to three small villages in an area known as Chibitoke where the president has humanitarian programs. The mosquito nets can decrease the mortality rate from malaria in children under five by 50%! The people were already gathered when the team arrived. The government minister introduced the group and then the leader of the outreach teams gave a Gospel message and called for those who wanted to receive Christ. Many raised their hands and prayed the sinner’s prayer. Afterwards, the team sang worship songs in Kirundi and the people just loved it! The worship was joyful and true. Wherever we go, we are bonded with the people through worship. Two team members shared testimonies. One of them, an 18 year old girl, told the crowd how she prayed for four years to be able to come to Africa with Times Square Church. She exhorted them to trust in God because he promised he would never leave them and would always take care of them. As she spoke her voice broke and she struggled to hold back the tears. The people were touched by her words. The government minister reminded them, after she spoke, that this young girl was evidence of the promise of God for their children and their children’s children. The villagers were then directed to form lines to begin the distribution of the mosquito nets. Each family received one mosquito net. 

Goodbye Burundi! We’ll see you in heaven!

May 6th, 2008

Goodbye to the people of Burundi

The first Times Square Church group, consisting of over 150 people, including Pastor Carter and Teresa Conlon, departed for home today. It was a bittersweet day for many of us who have grown fond of this beautiful nation and its people. As the buses were loaded for the drive to the airport, team members tried to express what they experienced here but words failed them. Most were overwhelmed by what God had done in and through them. 

We will always remember these sweet, friendly people and their beautiful, scenic country; the lakes and the mountains, the language, the smiles, the colors, the worship. We have been received warmly and sent off with so much love. It was an extraordinary God moment and we feel privileged to have lived history in the making. We look forward to hearing the praise reports of what God will do. 

This is indeed a new day for Burundi. The powers of darkness have been defeated. Jesus has come, and with him have come peace, faith, hope and most importantly the kind of love that forgives, perseveres and keeps no record of wrongs. To Him, to our God, be all the honor and glory for the transforming power that has touched this land forever. Goodbye Burundi! We’ll see you in heaven!