Aug 2011 News -- Rhythym of Work and Prayer

Iwacu Nimeza (Home is Best)

In this news letter you can read about:

· Veritas – 150 pastors x 10 Denominations x 4 Provinces = 12 months

· ACAT training in SA

· Kirundi Bible and Commentary distribution

· Distribution of book bags at Rubabi School

· Resource centre for Pastors in Gitega

· Studies

· Plans for the next quarter

Introduction

The last few months have been filled with many adventures and experiencing God’s hand in our daily lives. Burundi has been good to us and after 2 ½ years we feel at home and consider our lives in SA to be in the distant past.

Have you ever heard someone saying, “I’ll get round to it”? Well our news letter from Burundi has been long overdue. Some people even asked if we have removed them from our distribution list….Not at all! We are just taking time getting round to it! In all seriousness, we apologize for the silence from Burundi, but all is well and we are walking in the blessing that comes from serving God according to His plans.

Veritas

After our return from SA in February, I completed the training of the Module 1 group in Rutana province. Tim van Aarde and Ruben Safari helped me launch the Veritas training in the North of the country. In May we started 2 new Module 1 groups in Kirundo and Ngozi provinces. The decision to start in these two more remote areas was a step of faith. Just the travelling alone takes 3 hours one way. Our monthly budget had to grow by faith to meet the additional resources we needed to train and travel. God always provides where He is sending His workers (Matt 6:33). The training for module 1 will be completed in the next few weeks.

When we look at the training numbers it speaks for itself. 150 pastors trained from 10 denominations in 4 Provinces over 12 months. Really, God has given us favour and open doors relationally in most denominations in Burundi. Currently there is 4 second generation Module 1 groups in progress and facilitators still have to be trained in Rutana, Kirundo and Ngozi.

ACAT training in SA

An opportunity presented to us by Dutliff Snyman during our visit to SA in February, came to realization. We casted a vision with Liberty Church, Royal Staple (Pty) Ltd. and OMS to select 6 Burundian leaders from 3 different denominations and send them for training in SA with Africa Cooperative Action Trust (ACAT). The 1^st and 2^nd week of training comprised of Leadership skills to plan, write, lead, organize and control sustainable development projects. The 3^rd week training focused on more practical aspects of farming, homestead gardens and developing the rural poor.

We also shared the vision with our friends at Hauge Micro Finance who were on a short visit to Burundi. Arne Sylta (Chairman of Hauge) took the vision back to Norway and together with Hauge Aid and Mission send another 3 Burundians for the training. Diane accompanied the team of 8 Burundians and 1 Kenyan to SA for 3 weeks during June. I remained in Burundi and continued our training commitments.

The feedback was overwhelming and one and all enjoyed SA (despite the chilly winter temperatures!) and many confirmed that their minds were opened to the fact that Burundi can develop the rural poor. The most results we have seen to date is from Full Gospel Church where Ps Bolivard, Odette and Diane are training their people every Wednesday in preparation for the rain season.

We are so thankful to Royal Staple (Pty) Ltd., ACAT and Hauge (and other sponsors not mentioned) for your contribution into the nation of Burundi. The rural poor, which I call the forgotten people, are not without hope because God hears their cry (Ps 72:12). Diane and I have in relationship with Royal Staple (Pty) Ltd. created an informal partnership with ACAT for the use of the training material.

Diane will monitor from Burundi the progress of this justice ministry and implementation of the ACAT material. I am also glad to report that ACAT supports “Farming God’s Way” which is a fantastic tool in the hands of the rural poor. Diane have started to implement this training alongside me in Kirundo. We will also complete another demonstration garden in a rural area called Mashitsi, close to Gitega, during August.

Kirundi Bible and Commentary distribution

The Bibles continue to reach the poorest believers in Burundi and here are some pictures taken of a donation we made of 32 Bibles to a Pastor in Kirundo. He was overjoyed as we handed the Bibles over to them.

Also God provided that we could assist all the pastors participating in the Veritas training in the North with a Kirundi Commentary. This is a big need amongst the pastors and we call for more finances to share this valuable resource with more pastors.

Distribution of book bags at Rubabi School

We had a specific sponsor who wanted us to bring a blessing specifically to the children of Burundi. Of course Diane loves to bless the children! She bought 314 school bags and 12 pairs of shoes and some bags of sweets. Her vision was to find a poor rural school and hand out as many of the school bags, taking the opportunity to share scripture from the Bible to show the children that God loves them so much.

Resource centre for Pastors in Gitega

Diane and I still have another (at least ) 2 ½ years in Burundi and time will tell if the timeframe fits in with Gods’ clock. We would like to leave behind a legacy which will help Burundians. A resource centre where pastors can come and prepare sermons with the tools we load on the computers, electronic libraries and internet. A place where pastors from different churches will have access to internet, restaurant, meetings etc.

Internet in Burundi is very expensive and the Internet cafe’s which exist is not well managed and notoriously not of much service. In Gitega this situation is exasperated due to the distance away from the capital. Therefore good internet in Gitega will be an answer to (my) prayer at least.

The main purpose for us is not to receive any portion of the profit or shares in a potential Internet cafe business. Rather we have earmarked a Burundian Christian couple, Peter and Fidelity. They are church planters and Fidelity also works amongst Muslims and started a ministry called “Cousin Ministries” to help converted Muslims to make a life outside this religion. Therefore, over time we would like to train them up to help run an Internet Cafe and own and manage the restaurant side of the business.

I have shared this vision with Hauge Business, our friends in Norway. They are very supportive and have a Kingdom purpose to invest in business in Burundi. Please pray for this venture? The offices will double up as a room for the pastors training and Diane will use the garden to prepare her demonstration of homestead gardens, “Farming God’s Way” and a Chicken shed. (I think we will have to change our names to Farmer Brown’s soon…lol).

The Business has many possibilities to bless Burundi. There is the possibility to also use the Internet café as a hub to connect with Heritage Television (Christian television station owned and managed by Burundian Business man) with the purpose to draw youth into online meetings via internet streaming. Discussions and sharing of ideas can bring about transformation in the minds of the young people. When this pilot becomes successful, we could branch out to other provinces. All this will develop the infrastructure for pastors to have access to a much needed resource centre where they can prepare and research their messages and teachings. The main focus remains for this project to be self sustainable.

Studies

My studies with The South African Theological Seminary (SATS) has been an amazing journey. Over the last semester I was able to complete 6 subjects. The finish line is in sight, and in December I will enroll for my final subject before receiving my Bth (Bachelor in Theology) at the graduation which will be held in April 2012. For the next few months I will be able to take a much needed breather from studying since 2007. The Study Of God has taken me into a greater appreciation for my Creator and Saviour, helped me seek to serve rather than to seek position, to know that only being seated with Christ (Eph 2:6) is contentment, not accept complacency but to fulfill my life purpose to follow Christ and to reach out to the rural poor with hope in my hands. Going deeper in God’s Word is the only way to go further in God’s ambition for our lives. Then Life is actually an adventure ride!

Plans for the next quarter

During the month of August we will wrap-up the Veritas Module 1 training in Kirundo and Ngozi. In September we have to make a brief visit to SA for Bernice’s 21^st celebration, with a theme of Black, Pink and Bling. We are so excited for our Daughter who have matured into a lovely young lady. We also hope to connect with friends, family and anyone who would like to meet with us.

In October we plan to start the Internet Café in Gitega. Finally we will also start with Veritas Module 2 training in Gitega and Rutana provinces for the next 6 months. Please consider sponsoring the Training books 150 @ $5 each = $750

Diane will continue with Children’s and Justice ministry using the ACAT and “Farming God’s Way” tools. We are excited for the work and starting to follow a rhythm which involves praying and working. God is faithful.

Spiritual thought:

Poverty is a prison - Ecc 4:14 “For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor” (ESV).

The context of this passage is the worthlessness of fame and success of a king who falls from power even though he was raised from poverty, which is being associated with being imprisoned. After becoming king he refused to listen to warning which resulted in folly as an intelligent young man could rule better than he could.

The key word is prison which describes poverty as a physical place, the same word is being used to describe Joseph’s imprisonment, a place of being bound physically (Gen 39:20) and confessing an oath having a spiritual bond (Num 30:2). Also Isaiah prophecy’s about the messiah, that he would liberate the captives and open the prison (Isa 61:1). Therefore poverty is a prison and many people are kept in poverty because of their cultural values and practices which binds them in a poverty mindset.

Only God can break people out of poverty both in mind and in the physical (Ps 146:7), by having the correct view of God. A view that affirms that He wants to protect and care for the poor and will set us free from this prison. But it requires us to trust in Him.

Ps 113:7 “He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump” (ESV).

The Psalms are most often regarded as the book of prayer for the poor. God is portrayed as the saviour of the poor, their hope and liberator. Ps 113:1-6, In all places and all time God is worthy to be worshipped by those who serve Him. Although He is enthroned in heaven He is mindful and concerned about His people on earth. (v7) God helps those who are suffering and gives new life and purpose to those who lost all hope.

The poor has been conditioned to look to man for provision. Generally amongst the poor dependencies have been created on Governments, Europeans (in Burundi context), and NGO’s as their only source. God is the sole provider of the strength and talents we have to create wealth (Deut 8:18). God is the source of our lives. The challenge is to make this absolute truth a practical application in our lives, through prayer and work.

Thank you

Again Diane and I want to bless all the faithful supporters of the ministry with Matt 6:4, that God who sees your giving in secret will reward you. Also to the prayer supporters your prayers are so pleasing to the Master’s ears (Matt 6:6).

Prayer points:

Please continue to pray as follow:

1. Peace for Burundi – pray for continued political stability in the country. The security has been compromised by a small band of people who seek to bring instability.

2. Pray for Bernice – studies 3rd year of her Bed degree.

3. Pray for us – protection for our health, relationships, that no weapon from the enemy against us will prevail.

4. 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.

5. Vehicle – We have sold our vehicle in SA to pay for this loan.

6. Studies – that I may finish well this year, this is my final year for Bth. Thank God for His faithfulness the end in sight.

7. Veritas Training – Thank God for His divine provision, also pray for ongoing provision for the books required.

8. ACAT & FGW training – Diane for implementation.

9. Kirundi Commentaries and Bibles – pray for more funding for this need.

Please stay connected with us on Face Book………

Much love

Anton and Diane

Burundi News - Feb 2011 arrival

Picture Table Mountain - Burundian asked me why no houses are build on top of the mountain? I said he should rather ask a local in CapeTown.

Imana Ibahezagire (God Bless you)

News from Burundi

Our trip to SA took us via Jozi to Scottburgh and Stellenbosch. We really enjoyed connecting with Bernice, extended family, friends and church (Diane says Hallelujah!). When you come back to your own country and especially your church, then one looks past all the wrinkles and tend not to major on all the minors. We truly loved our stay being pampered and treated to meals, great company and even free holiday accommodation in KZN (God Bless you guys).

Diane and I arrived back safely in Burundi on the 20th of Feb. When we arrived to our house in Gitega we were immediately baptised back into life in Burundi. The last team who visited us coined the phrase: “Burundi is a process” and I have to confirm the process is ongoing. We had no water reserves in our tank, but the rain we collected the same afternoon assured that we could continue the house hold until the water was restored.

We came back exhausted....as expected, however it was great to be able to share with many families what God is doing in Burundi and how we are so thrilled to be a part of this journey. During our visit we had more than 35 meetings (excluding family) sharing about our journey. Albeit that I felt a little overwhelmed with the direction God was taking us this year, which will cause us to expand the ministry to the North of the country...greater investment of time, resources and trust in God. This means that I was speaking by faith what God is leading us into this year, but not necessarily understanding how God is going to-do it. Now I feel more confident, although still very dependent on how God is going to materialise all the work we are setting out to-do.

Ministry update and needs:

The 4 tracks of ministry we have been speaking to everyone about in our last news letter and in our face to face presentations can be summarised:

1. Training pastors and leaders – (2 Tim 2:2) with Veritas material. We will complete the Rutana province group in April. The desire is to start the training in the two most Northern provinces in the country in Ngosi and Kirundo. We will launch the training in these areas end of March with the intention to start training in April. We will most probably train in these areas twice per month starting in Ngosi on a Thursday and Friday then crossing over to Kirundo and training Monday and Tuesday. We will train 2 days consecutively to help reduce the travelling to these regions and reduce the fuel we will need. The total monthly cost for fuel, accommodation and training will be ($1138 – $350 existing ministry budget) = $788 per month shortfall. The training will take 4 to 5 months. Now since we have been sharing about the upcoming training this year God has already provided a gift which will secure the training for the 1st month being April. From the end of August we will begin training module 2 in Gitega and Rutana province. Pls seek God on partnering with us in this training, which is directly impacting the Kingdom of God.

Our first facilitators were trained up in Gitega during December and we were so excited to receive report back that 4 new groups have started. This is the first fruit of the ministry!

2. Children’s ministry – (Matt 19:14) Diane’s heart is for the Burundian children and they love her so much. Her vision is to intensify the children’s teaching by shifting the school from Sunday to Saturday mornings and having longer time with the children and more activity. Also to cast her activity to 3 other churches of Ps Charles in Gitega.

3. Bibles for Believers – (Rom 10:17) Last year we distributed almost 700 Bibles to believers. This is not our main focus but as we meet different Churches God has given us Bibles in our hands for His people. Distribution will continue as long as we have the Word of God in our hands.

4. Justice ministries – (Jam 2:14-17) Burundi being one of the most physical poorest countries in Africa needs God’s intervention. This is a picture of Diane's maize and bean garden, Burundi is so fruitful. We will continue to implement Sustainable development programs in our circle of influence with pastors and leaders across denominations. The greatest need is Sustainable Food security solutions supported by Sustainable business development and Cooperative initiatives. After the visit last year of Dutliff Snyman, he made connection with Africa Cooperative Action Trust (ACAT). The intention is to train up key leaders and implementers from Burundi to KZN (read more at http://www.acatkzn.co.za/). The training with Acat will primarily focus Sustainable development. Pls write to me if you would like more info.

Other ministry needs are the debt on the vehicle and new Visa applications. We are paying off monthly our vehicle, which remains with an outstanding balance of $6200. Visas, we will be renewing our 2 year visa for Burundi during March which will amount to $600 for a multiple entry.

Spiritual thought:

Whist studying the epistles of Paul I was captivated by his shear perseverance in the face of many challenges. 2 Cor 11:23-28 he gives a brief account of the amount of suffering he had to endure for the sake of the Gospel. His endurance and spirit amazes me! What fueled his commitment was not based on his comfort, or job satisfaction per say, or on working relationships or any other employee benefits. Phil 1:12 Paul found his motivation in advancing the Gospel and 2 Tim 1:11-12 his commitment to God’s call and purpose for his life.

Our commitment to God’s purpose for our lives cannot be based on the fruit or difference we expect to see or on the opinion of other people but we have to 1^st be committed to God’s call on our lives. This will lead you in a life of passion which is focused on Him and we only find this understanding at His feet. What an example we have in His son Jesus Christ when He said (Jn 14:31) my will is to do what God wants me to do. Jesus was committed to the Father’s call and it cost Him His life. I’m compelled because of His great love to demonstrate my love and gratitude to God through allowing my life decisions to be govern by His direction.

Thank you

Diane and I want to relay our deepest thanks to all the financial supporters and prayer partners who specifically sacrifice your time and resources to partner with us in God’s Kingdom work. We stand before God and give Him glory. We continue to join Paul in his prayer to the Philippians 4:18-19 that your sacrifice is an acceptable sacrifice to Him and that he will meet all your needs according to His will. I cannot promise you how and when God will reward you, but this we know, God always fulfils His promises and he deserves the best of our lives. Let’s make it count for the Kingdom in 2011.

Prayer points:

Please continue to pray as follow:

1. Peace for Burundi – pray for continued political stability in the country.

2. Pray for Bernice – studies 3^rd year of her Bed degree.

3. Pray for us – protection for our health, relationships, that no weapon from the enemy against us will prevail.

4. 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.

5. Vehicle – pray for the settlement of the balance of the loan ($6200).

6. Studies – that I may finish well this year, this is my final year for Bth. The two current subjects are General letters and Christian Ethics.

7. Training – God’s divine provision,

8. Visas – for application and provision. Favor with officials.

Please stay connected with us on Face Book………

Also on our Blog you will find Twitter updates and real time news flashes for Burundi…..http://van-burundi.blogspot.com/

Much love

Anton and Diane

Dec 2010 - Vision 2011

Amahoro ( Peace)

News from Burundi

We arrived at OR Tambo on Monday 20 December, with the soccer world cup life size photos reminding us of this event plastered against the walls of the airport corridors. Happy faces representing our rainbow nation. Everything seems so clean bright and efficient, with passport control flooded with visitors from abroad. Just a few hours ago we were in Bujumbura with mosquitoes buzzing around both of us excited to come back to SA. But we know our routes are growing in Burundi as we have to condition ourselves to greet people differently in SA and the Kirundi and French words slipping out here and there.

December month was a supper busy time for us filled with great happenings, here is some highlights:

A small team from Liberty Church of 3 people came to visit and minister. Dutliff, a successful businessman with good experience of travelling Africa and having stayed a few years in Uganda arrived a week before the other two team members. Dutliff a food scientist specializing in formulating food additives for animals, was an absolute blessing and wanted to come and investigate the nutrition situation of young children. So we visited many hospitals and some private clinics to help with the investigation. We appreciated Dutliff’s insight into the African culture and always had a posture to learn. He even met with an Aids association and teached them how to make peanut butter. As well as adding value in formulizing Ps Charles’s vision for Rubabi.

Iloma and Hannes arrived end of November and the team used the time to visit and encourage village churches, made crafts with the local Sunday school and we planted a Farming God’s Way garden in the north of the country in Ngosi. In my last blog I explain the philosophy of FGW and the impact it is making in the rest of Africa, now it is Burundi’s turn. After hours we watched the full training DVD’s of FGW and we set off to Ngosi to go train a village where one of Ps Charles’s pastors met us, Ps Andrew. We divided the training amongst us and training FGW. Dutliff was very instrumental in the practical aspect of the training, laying out the Garden and teaching the people for the 1^st time. It was really so successful that 6 unbelievers came to Christ that day just by attending the training. Diane and I are very thankful to this team we were so encouraged with their visit and all the gifts they brought with was Holy Spirit inspired.

Thank you to Bible for Believers who continue to sponsor Bibles. When we were in Ngosi we used the opportunity to also hand out Bibles. At the one church after handing out Bibles we asked if anyone had a testimony. One man stood up, with a smile that shines from his face, he started to explain that he was earnestly seeking God for a Bible, just 3 days before he had a dream that some white people and one black man (our interpreter Aron) will come visit the Church and give him a Bible. We were so encouraged knowing that God has confirmed beforehand that we will come and that our coming is in the centre of His will. Praise God!

Our next visitors was two Veritas directors Ivan Skinner (green shirt in the pic) and David de Wet (Blue shirt). They came to assess the training we have done this year and to train 10 facilitators to help train module 1. Veritas training has been instrumental, we have literary seen Pastors preaching change. We also had a short ceremony to hand out the 27 certificate to the Pastors who completed module 1 training and asked for some testimonies. Some were very amusing and others very serious but all of them highlighted the fact that God’s call for this training is 100% necessary and relevant. One Pastor explained that the training has helped him understand the difference between absolute and relative truths. How to understand the message in context of the culture and history without merely preaching his own ideas of the passage and presenting his sermon confidently within a well prepared structure. As a result he said his church is growing daily. People are flocking to come and listen to his teachings and their lives are changed by God’s Word. Truly the power of the Word of God is within the understanding of His message.

The final highlight just days before we left was from a sponsor who said that he cannot sleep at night because he is constantly reminded of the poverty of the children in Burundi. Hence he gave and Diane came up with a brilliant idea. She has been preparing for some months to buy small school bags for her 130 Sunday school children and also packed a little children’s book translated into Kirundi called “The Greatest story ever told”. But upon hearing this the generous donor gave even more and we were sitting with the dilemma that we are leaving in a few days time for SA but wanted to know what God wants us to do with the gift. So Diane said shoes, we must buy sandals for the children in the Rubabi school. Now Rubabi school have been built by Ps Charles in a rural area, and has some 300 primary school children. Diane arrange 300 plus pairs of sandals in 1 day and the next day we were off to the school to hand out sandals. All too fast for my single task operating brain but Diane took the lead and nothing was going to stop her to give these little children exactly what she felt God was sending her to do. As I was fitting sandals to all these little feet did it dawn on me how damaged many of these little feet are, and felt how God was wanting to minister to these little children. Let’s not forsake these little ones. Thank you Lord that we had the privilege of witnessing your miracles as children were running joyfully having received shoes from Jesus that day, some for the first time.

Ministry Focus for 2011

Friends I have a confession to make, it has been a tough year on Diane and I both spiritually and physically. Every time we want to give up God helps us to the next hurdle. We have made a commitment to training pastors and leaders in Burundi for at least until end of 2013. We trust that God will continue to provide for us to make this work possible. Already the payment for Bernice’s studies for 2011 have been made by a faithful sponsor. God knows this person and we thank God for providing through these special Kingdom minded individuals so that we can continue God’s work in Burundi.

However we come to the close of 2010, with both excitement and vigor for the next season in Burundi. Excitement for what God has done this year. Excitement, because the best is yet to come. It is almost as if we are on the edge of the boarder of God’s promised land and God is showing us the work, the major task which remains for this land with the words ringing in my ears “Do you see the work which is ahead, do you see the need, do you see my people whom I so dearly love, do you see why I have called you here, do you see that I am walking with you now and into this next season of Burundi, Then know that I have gone before you to lay the foundations so that my Name may be lifted above every Name in this Country.”

Allow me to cast the vision for 2011. We continue to focus on training leaders and pastors with the Veritas material, How to interpret the Bible. This is such an effective tool which helps pastors find the correct message of passages in the Bible within the correct context. We understand that the best model for training pastors is not to build seminaries but rather we make the sacrifice to travel to the different provinces and train pastors as close as possible to their own local churches. As well as training facilitators to help train their own Nation (2 Tim 2:2). Already the word has gone around and we are receiving multiple invitations to come teach in different provinces.

We have a number of Kingdom investment opportunities in support of the work here for 2011:

1. Bible distribution:

Amongst the many village churches we have found very few people who owns a Bible, needless to mention that the poverty line is very low here, hence owning a Bible is very low in the pecking order of survival. Hence we have been asking in our news updates for the support of Bible distribution amongst the churches here.

To summarise the need, it is great, there is about 5000 registered churches in Burundi with a population of about 7 million people, about 60% church going. We have had some success with donors like Bibles for Believers in South Africa who gives us donations from time to time. We aim at high integrity to only distribute Bibles to believers, who has no Bible and have no apparent means to buy one. We normally distribute the Bibles ourselves to each individual asking the Pastor to nominate recipients. We attempt to only distribute in the most rural areas. We have a Bible society in Burundi who sells Bibles @ $5,24.

2. Veritas Modules & Training

Our main objective is to train Pastors and church leaders with a specific focus on How to interpret the Bible. In this 4 Module course we train the students on Exegesis, Hermeneutics and Homiletics. Finally the participants will be able to preach the Word of God accurately on all different literature types within the context of the Bible History, the Structure of the Bible Book, the Theme of the Book and finally analyze passages accurately in order to identify the absolute truths which must be teached and preached today.

It is our desire to have teached this course in all 17 provinces of Burundi within 5 years. We are two teams who are teaching the material at the moment, but the focus is to empower the Burundian facilitators to help. We have just completed to train 10 facilitators in Gitega. God willing they will also start to train in January 2011. I have already provided them with the modules. Each module takes about 4 months to train once by week. Other areas we may be able to train faster, twice or 3 times by week.

The needs include translating, printing and transport of Training material. Also travel and accommodation expenses as we travel to each province to groups of pastors. Here is a breakdown of associated costs:

· Printing Training material – we attempt to train groups of 15 pastors at a time, some may be bigger. Cost per manual is $15 inclusive of transport and printing. The estimated need for manuals for 2011 will be:

o Anton = 120 manuals for the next year (@ 15 pastors x 8 groups) = 120 x $15 = $1800 (for the year).

o Other facilitators = 80 manuals for the next year (@ 8 pastors x 10 groups) = $1200

· Translating modules – currently we have translated Module 1 and 2. We must continue to translate module 3 and 4. The estimated need for 2011 will be:

o Per Module $500 ($300 for translating + $200 for typing) = Total cost $1000 for both Module 3 and 4

· Travel and accommodation – On average each province is about 200kms from Gitega, Gitega is very central to rest of the country. This is a budget for the 2011. I plan to train 6 groups in different locations, two sessions every second week.

o Fuel = 800kms per month (@ 7.2km/1Liter. We will need 111 litres of fuel. @ FBU1883/Litre with an exchange of FBU1230/$1) = $170 per month

o Accommodation = average of 10days per month (FBU15 per night + Meals for the day FBU15= FBU30 for 2 people @ FBU1230/$1 exchange) = $487 per month

3. Bible commentary & Dictionary

The Kirundi language is very poor specially in Bible resources for Pastors. The only tool they have is the Bible itself. Recently though a Bible Commentary written by Don Fleming has been translated into Kirundi. The commentary is absolutely invaluable in terms of helping Pastors to interpret the Bible accurately. We are attempting to subsidize one commentary per Pastor in the country, starting with those we are training. In addition to the commentary the Pastors also needs a Kirundi dictionary, not available at all in Kirundi, yet! Again we envisage to translate the Dictionary written by Don Fleming into Kirundi. This project needs finance to start translation. To summarise this Kingdom investment opportunity:

· Kirundi Commentary – this book is already translated and already available to Pastors however most cannot afford to buy this book at $16, we therefore are looking for investors to help subsidize this book for the Pastors @ $12 per book.

o Anton = 120 commentaries for 2011 = 120 x $12 = $1440

o Other trainers = 80 commentaries for 2011 = 80 x $12 = $960

o This is the bare minimum we need, but additional funds will be used to distribute this commentary to as many pastors as possible.

· Kirundi Dictionary – the translation of the dictionary will cost $2000. The cost of the book will be established after translation.

4. Children Ministry 2011

Diane is planning to raise up Sunday school teachers in 2011 by giving them training and providing teaching tools and aids to help with their Bible education. The children she targets are between the ages of 6 to 12 years old. In most churches the children’s ministry is non-existent. During 2011 Diane plans to raise up the children ministry across the 4 churches in Gitega for Plein Evangile.

· Training of Sunday school teachers – includes networking with existing organizations who offer this training in Bujumbura. 3 day training for 8 teachers will cost $1500

· Tools – Little Folks visuals which is a felt board used to tell Bible stories to children @ $600 x 4= $2400

· Children’s book – Greatest Story ever told is a little book which visually illustrates the Gospel for children – 650 @ $1 = $650

· Children’s outreach – 4 times a year we invite the local children to a special fun filled day of activities with the purpose of introducing the Gospel = $100 x 4= $400

5. Personal support

Diane and I have stepped out by faith since 1 January 2009, and not lacked in God providing for us. We however are seeking ministry support for a monthly pension and medical insurance. We will also need to make a trip to South Africa in September 2011 and requesting financial support for 2 return tickets estimated cost $1582.

Update on Ministry needs:

Thank you for gifts we have received, we could at least pay one ticket from the two gifts we have received.

Spiritual Thought

If we are tired and weary we must come to God who will strengthen us and we will fly like eagles. Although it is a constant battle physically and emotionally to continue to walk in His will He has paved for our lives, we do so knowing that the work and sacrifices are not without purpose to bring glory to the Lord.

Isa 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

We pray a special blessing for all those families who have so faithfully supported God’s work in Burundi, as well as the prayer partners for seeking God and interceding for us. We pray for God’s pure will for you in 2011 that He will bless you specifically in the spiritual, that He will strengthen your relationship with Him and set you up as true people of God who seeks His face and direction for your lives. May God use 2011 to purify and wash us from all our past hurts and unforgiveness and restore all relationships through love. That the restoring of relationships will be at the focal point of your prayers and desires and that the material will become less and less an obstacle between us and God. Praise God!

Prayer points

Please continue to pray as follow:

1. Peace for Burundi – the rebel attacks are under control we pray God’s peace to prevail.

2. Pray for Gods Truth – the Gospel - to become known to all people in Burundi, from grass roots into the highest rank of government. Also pray that God may all give us His heart for Burundi.

3. Bernice – thank you for praying Bernice did very well this year passing well with 4 distinctions.

4. Pray for us – protection for our health, relationships, that no weapon from the enemy against us will prevail.

5. 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.

6. Vehicle – pray for the settlement of the balance of the loan.

7. Studies – Paul’s letters and Peace & Reconciliation

8. SA Visit – for good rest and great ministry connections.

Please stay connected with us on Face Book………

Also on our Blog you will find Twitter updates and real time news flashes for Burundi…..http://van-burundi.blogspot.com/

Much love

Anton and Diane