Tuesday Generosity

Tuesday:  Generosity

Today we visited the Burundi coffee processing plant to see how Burundi’s major crop is prepared.  The delicious aroma greets you before you can enter the door!  It was interesting to see how the beans go through roasting, cooling, and grinding.  The packages are still prepared by hand; one person scoops the coffee into the bag, another seals it, and then it’s ready to be distributed.  We were able to get bags of coffee that were still warm. That’s what I call fresh!

The rest of the day was spent with the women at the training center.  It was our last chance to worship and pray with them, a very special time indeed.  Testimonies, scripture, worship and praise and prayer have bonded us together as only He can.  We ended with a time of prayer in groups of three; the power of the Holy Spirit was quite evident in that place.

The ladies had made several items for the group.  They are doing good work, and they were happy that we were so pleased with the shirts and skirts.  Be prepared to see some out of the ordinary outfits from our team members when they return home!  The colors and patterns of the cotton here are so vivid; truly striking.

It’s hard to believe this is our last night in Burundi.  Peace and Emmanuel graciously hosted a wonderful dinner at their home, inviting the team, pastors, a minister of Parliament, PAWCA workers, and other friends.  What sweet fellowship!  We have been showered with love and generosity wherever we have gone.  The people here have absolutely spoiled us with their kindness and topped it off with presenting each team member with a parting gift, such generosity in contrast to their needs.  We are so very touched and humbled.

Each of us has been challenged, inspired, and moved by everything we have seen and heard here.   This is the heart of Africa.  We see the heart of Jesus in the believers we have met.  We see their struggles and have begun to identify with their pain, but we also have shared in their joy…the joy of the Lord!  Our prayer is that we can faithfully share their story when we return, to generate a movement of prayer for this country and provide greater support for the ministry of PACWA.  It is truly amazing to see what has been accomplished in only one year!  How Great is our God!