We
have a wonderful partnership with Harvest Ministries Now in the
village of Gahararo in Burundi. A special thanks goes out to Donatien
who remains our loyal partner in serving the people of the region.
A few years ago, the Batwa people of Gahararo had no place in their
society. The Batwa people were outcasts. It is amazing how things have
changed today! Since introducing our water system in the community, the
Batwa villagers are responsible for protecting the use of that water.
Providing the water system to the villagers shows great things, such as
how much the Batwa people were minimized in the past but are now able to
serve and be a part of their community.
In the school house we now have 32 children who are attending
Kindergarten this year! Many of them did not know how to express
themselves. They were too shy to even speak their name. We are proud to
say that today not only can they speak their name but the children have
also begun to have conversations with their classmates and ask
questions to their teacher. This is a huge accomplishment for us!
Along with our partners Harvest Ministries, we teach members of
associations to initiate small projects that can help them to develop
their lives and use their assets to the best of their abilities. After
watching their parents benefit greatly in the approach to savings and
credits (Nduza Nkuduze), nineteen students from the Gahararo community
made their own savings and credit group. The money they save comes from
work they do in their spare time, such as field work. These savings help
the villagers buy necessities like pens, soap and clothing.
The Batwa socio-economic center of Gahararo, in its initiative “Good
News Club”, has 1,200 children. Fifty-two of them come from Batwa
families. In order to present the gospel to the children, 50 Club
coaches go through a training of 24 lessons. In these lessons they learn
how to prepare a gospel lesson and how to present it; how to present
the gospel to the child and how to help them after conversion. There has
been great improvement in the preparation and presentation of the
leading lesson. In the last three months, twelve children have received
Christ as their Savior!
As you can see, we are really making a difference in Burundi! Thank you so much for your continued support!
Niles
