Back to Kampala
November 13, 2008Hi all
I am back in Kampala since last night trying to reflect and debrief. Lots to share since my last update.
I had my first Sunday service (2-11-08) at ” Transformation Church ” where Florent Bahizi is the pastor (see YEA website. Burundi). A humble, gentle, genuine, serving and loving guy. This planted church started in January this year with 6 people and grew to 50 new believers now. A little church with a big heart. They choose to have the vision to be a giving church. From what I experienced they give far beyond their natural abilities. In that first service 5 new people were baptised. They have a system before baptism , new believers follow once a week a 3 months course for the Biblical basics for which afterwards they receive a certificate. One person was previously a leader among street kids, stealing and living on the streets too. Another one stepped out of the rebel army. Powerful testimonies and transformed lives. Theare are lots of challenges facing this young church. After service I was immediately introduced to all the leaders and we had fellowship and chatted most of that afternoon. They proposed that I should come to the leadershp meeting the next Tuesday, which was a privelege and pleasure to attend. Actually the churches ‘building’ is a tent where all the activities take place. It is attached to a house under construcion, which the plot owner gave them permisson to use . Hopefully this will be for the next 3 years but the town council want them to move. They are in the middle of what has become a residential area, with big houses being built. There is a big gap between rich and poor. I’ve been told that many of the rich people benefitted from the war. The church owns a different plot now near the lake. It is in fact wetland and very bushy. They have a deadline to start the building process by January. They took me there and we prayed.
The people are very warm, openhearted; not reserved at all , gentle, and respectful towards others.
I spent a lot of quality time with Florent, visiting different ministries and their leaders in town. We also attended a ” lunch hour ” service in his mothers church “MINEVAM” from midday to 2am daily. Full packed, I estimate around 400 people . . could even be more.
Shops in town are poorly supplied, and what you find is twice as expensive as Kampala. Even local food, like Veg and fruit are doubled in price. Due to the war there isn’t much farming and productivity. An average worker’s wage is 25 euros (20 pounds). A doctor after 7 year university earns just 70 euros! ( less than 60 pounds!) This is to give an idea of the challenges people meet for daily living here.
There is a continued fear and tension of a repeated war. The rebel army is still active on the suburbs of town and the government does not do anything to stop their activities. On the road coming into or leaving town, you see many soldiers posted. This is to protect traffic, especially cargos with imported provisions, as they are targetted by the rebels.
Lots of young people hang around in the town center, most are jobless & hopeless. The abuse of alcohol and cannabis are common.
Most of the main roads are tarmac with good, built in drainage systems and in contrast to Uganda, clean. The suburb streets are paved and also have a built in drainage systems. There is less dust and with an absence of mud, it looks quite different to Uganda. The town itself is very flat, surrounded with beautiful views of the hills.
Drinking water is available from the tap - very clean and clear. Power is continuously on, which is a blessing and they are both cheap in use, which is definitely not the case in Kampala.
The baking idea failed, because there is no oven available and no equipment either. Even some supplies were out of stock and the ones that were there, were expensive. The main needs for the church to be effective with ministry, are a printer (which is already on its way). They have to print all discipleship courses , bible studies from the internet cafe .A projector and a cooker with oven are the other two things. The projector would need to be imported from Europe as they cost €1500 here (£1000 GBP). A cooker with oven - the cheapest is €260 in Kampala, but in Bujumbura it is not affordable. For the future, there is a possibility to stock provisions from Kigali as it is only 6 hours traveling by bus.
I was also in the worship services on Thursday evenings, very lively , free to move in the Spirit, clapping & dancing.
Last Sunday evening there was a farewell party organised for Alex and me at Florent’s house, with the leadership present. They expressed so much their appreciation, love, friendship etc… and said that the door is always open for us to come back. We shared a meal and it was such a good and fantastic time of fellowship. They have made every effort for us to feel comfortable and accepted, so that we feel part of them. They would love to see more pople come and visit. It is such an encouragement for them. To our surprise Alex and I were given a beautiful present.
I have many photos, I need to buy CD’s and send to Steve, I’ll try to title the photos on someone’s laptop first.
I have a burden for that little church and I love them. Godelive my host, is a friendly, sweet lady. She has done all she could for me to feel at home. I appreciate her hospitality a lot , and all that she did.
I will miss them.
Much love to you all and thanks for your prayers
Ingrid Verbiese
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