News from Burundi
We are now fast approaching the last quarter of 2010 much plans must be realized before our visit to SA in January. Burundi is going into the rain season, so with great excitement wave good bye to the dust roads which always reminds us not to smile at passing vehicles for fear of having that grinding taste between our teeth due to the dust cloud following the vehicles J
Every week we attempt to visit a different church in Gitega and the surrounding areas, all of which are churches from Ps Charles. When we preach at these village churches we are normally the guests of honour, I guess it is hard not to be noticed due to our complexion. Where possible Diane will start telling a Bible narrative using her visual felt board which I follow-up with a sermon. We visited one such church about 2 hours away from 
Gitega and it was a very special occasion indeed, that Sunday morning they were Baptising 30 people from their church. It was very special. The Baptism pool was dug out the week before and lined with sail, and filled with water which was carried from a stream and up the mountain to where the church is located. A financial gift from Bibles for Believers provided 24 people with their own new Bible. Also we were able to bless the pastor with a loud speaker.
We were also invited to an opening of a new church about 20 kms from Gitega. 
This was so special and the church is situated right next to the brand new tarred road going north to Muyinga. The main choir from the church in Gitega was also invited for the occasion and we had an awesome time being part of this very joyful opening.
A team from Norway came to visit the ministry of Ps Charles. Preaching in his church and encouraging the folk in Gitega and Bujumbura. We love them so much and have met Arne and Tomas on a previous visits. They are known as the Chocolate Rescue team, because of Diane’s sweet tooth (or teeth) she requested some chocolates, and the team made sure that she had a good share of their stash they came with. I enjoyed helping her eat these chocolates J mmmmmmmmm!
Ministry Update
We can hardly believe that our first Group module 1 pastors and leaders, are finishing their last lesson on 29 September. It was a great experience for me as I am still learning the Veritas material. Normally you only master a subject once you have trained someone else. I had to make much effort to prepare and present the material week after week, but the fruit are visible. As the 
pastors one by one started to understand how to interpret passages in context of the history, culture, literature, the book and the structure. We have much breakthrough during the training sessions where we can address issues which leads to legalism. We have also handed out Kirundi commentaries sponsored by Bibles for Believers to these pastors. The training included how to use these commentaries correctly and will be a huge benefit to the pastors in preparing messages with a resource which will help them understand the historical and cultural background.
Group 2 have started on Friday 10 September in Gitega. We run this class twice weekly. 15 pastors and leaders from 8 different denominations of which 4 pastors are the denominational leaders. God has really sent the leaders to us and we find the increased pace better, but will have to see if the leaders will be able to sustain this pace.
Group 3 will be started in a new province, Rutana about 1 ½ drive from Gitega. Ps Ruben and Augustine is helping us to collate the delegates in this province. These two pastors work with Scripture Union and have much connection amongst pastors interdenominationally. This is our heart to train leaders interdenominational which will help spawn more unity and love amongst the different churches. Please pray for this launch we want to train this group, 2 days consecutively every alternate week in order to complete module 1 before our visit in January.
Diane is really working hard in the kitchen helping to prepare meals and tea for the pastors during the 3 training days. Our helper Jeremiah helps cook the beans and assists in the kitchen. The Sunday school is well attended, the highlight is when they take their crafts home and parents have to find walls at home to display the work of arts. Diane also attended a day seminar in Gitega for Sunday school teachers which involves kids games, which will be used to mobilize different churches’ Sunday school ministries. Aim is that the children are happy and then parents will be happy and eventually the parents will come to church which will influence the whole community. Sunday School team will work together to initiate the games in Ps Charles’ church during October which will run-up to an outdoor event with other local churches also taking part.
We have received a donation from Bibles for Believers and want to place about 200 Bibles amongst the most rural churches in Burundi over the next month during our weekends. We thank God for this opportunity to bless Burundi with His Word. I must add earlier we received a R5000 donation from an anonymous sponsor for Bibles, which made it possible for us to distribute 116 Bibles to pastor Andrew’s churches in the province of Ngosi during August. 
At the time there were 13 churches gathered for a meeting and we were able to hand out 116 Bibles. I’ve posted some pics on the blog. Today I received a visit from Pastor Andrew, who gave a report that the believers are so encouraged after we left that many are now reading their Bibles and growing spiritually. God is adding to their number and they have now planted 20 churches in this province. I’ve made an appointment with him to return and visit the 7 new churches during October.
On the right is Francis. Some time ago he gave away his own Bible to his unsaved nephew. Today his nephew and his whole household have come to Jesus. But they did not want to return his Bible. On this day Francis received a new Bible from God.
Update on Ministry needs
Last month we listed some ministry needs, thank you for responding between one anonymous sponsor and Bibles for Believers we were able to meet all our financial needs. God knows you and your generous gift will not go unaccounted for before God, thank you!
Spiritual Thought
The Lord has really been great to us over the last 22 months since we arrived in Burundi. He has protected us through the elections and from serious health issues. God has provided faithfully every month for our every need through His special generous children. God has grown us through perseverance by holding onto His words through prayer, supported by all the prayer partners and we are starting to see God’s increase in the ministry. Thank you God for your overwhelming response, we praise your name which we will continue to proclaim until we hear the echo’s of your name amongst all nations. (Rev 7:9-10)
Prayer points
Please continue to pray as follow:
1. Peace for Burundi – renewed outbreak of rebels are creating unrest, pray for peace to be restored.
2. Pray for Gods Truth – the Gospel - to become known to all people in Burundi, from grass roots into the highest rank of government.
3. Kirundi Commentaries – pray for finance for these commentaries
4. Bernice – pray for her wellbeing and God’s hand of protection and for her studies.
5. Veritas training – pray for Group 2 in Gitega training Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 to 14:00 and for the launch in Rutana on 30 September.
6. Our Kirundi lessons are ongoing – please pray for perseverance and understanding, we see huge favor with the local where we use the Kirundi.
7. Pray for us – protection for our health, relationships, that no weapon from the enemy against us will prevail.
8. Divine appoints – ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into all divine appointments He has created for us and to discern His words of wisdom.
9. Vehicle – pray for the settlement of the balance of the loan.
10. Studies – New subject is World Religions
11. Kids Games – Many new children will come to know the Lord – this will allow their parents to come to know the Lord
Please stay connected with us on Face Book………
Much love
Anton and Diane
