Blessings in Burundi

Amohoro!   (Peace to you)

Nov. 7-17 my husband, daughter and I were able to visit Burundi, Central Africa through Sister Connection, an organization helping widows and orphans in that country.  We were able to meet our sponsored widow, Yereda, pictured next to me below.   

Burundi is recovering from years of civil war that left thousands widowed.  I had been in the country 10 years ago, and it was a joy to see the greater stability and peacefulness since that time. 

Stephanie and I at the SC office

Praying God's blessing on Yereda and her family.

Meeting Angelique, our sponsor child.

The joy and praise these lovely women had for the Lord was a delight to see and experience!   They shared stories of how they had been homeless, barely finding food to eat, and now because of a sponsor willing to help them, they have clothes to wear, regular meals, and a home to live in with their children.  

Our team worshipped and celebrated with different groups in various parts of the country, going on day trips to small villages through lush hillsides of tea plantations, bananas, and small garden plots.  Burundi is a small country next to Rwanda, and is about the size of New Jersey.  Travel distances are short, but the time can be long and bumpy due to the dirt roads!  

Our BSF study of Isaiah fit so well with this experience, for God cares deeply for the widow, the orphan, the poor and the oppressed.   (Isaiah 1:17; 10:1,2; 58:6-10)

The praises of these women echoed Isaiah 12:2,  "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation."
It was a joy to be together, and the love we share in the Lord transcended the differences in culture and language!

Your Notes:
Read Isaiah 12:1-6


1.  For what have you praised and thanked the Lord for recently?
2. Have you drawn "water from the wells of salvation?"  What does this mean?  Do you have the joy that knowing the Lord brings? 
3.  How are you "making known among the nations what He has done?"  Who do you know who needs to hear about the great and glorious things of God?