| A letter from Simon Guillebaud, 2 June 2008 | |
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Subject: Dancing in the Streets of Burundi Dear Warriors, Here's reporting back on our time in Rwanda: it was an interesting conference, with huge networking opportunities which will no doubt open up more doors and potential partnerships to further stretch me to breaking point!* But Rwanda's a crazy place - maybe 20 years ahead of Burundi economically (as it has received the most aid of any African country every single year since the end of the genocide in 1994, coupled with a very strong leader), but far behind us in terms of the ethnic dialogue and freedom of speech. I was deeply concerned, and because of the way they are not allowed to talk openly, and the way the whole story has been revised to one tribe being the good guys and the other bad, they are setting themselves up for huge problems in the future. Hmm. A bunch of rebel soldiers just jogged past me, chanting and jeering, and dancing in the street. Four days ago they were in hiding, and waging guerilla warfare against the Gov troops. However now a new ceasefire has been agreed. Two rebels were killed yesterday, so do pray that the ceasefire holds, because the war has dragged on way too long. On GLO stuff, I am frankly so chuffed with most of our involvement. It is thrilling in the main. So here I want to highlight was I am not satisfied with, so that we can hopefully see some breakthroughs: For the New Generation streetkids' project, we have tried to help them with two income-generating activities - a bus company, and a sun-oven to bake bread using the sun's rays. Both should make good money but are not yet, for a number of factors. Please pray for Dieudonne and his team, that God would help them to make these activities a huge success so that the kids all get fed, schooled etc. The Muslim evangelism group called APRID we have supported (with Barnabas Fund) over the last six years needs breakthroughs. Most of that time it has been a disaster, with cheques forged, leaders in prison, all sorts. And yet again now, there is a leadership issue. I am only still sticking with this ministry because it is so absolutely key and so few people are awake in the church to the dangers of Islam. So, we are removing the current leader, and giving someone else a go. The new boss's name is Jules. I despair at these guys sometimes. Coming from a Muslim background, they are so fiery and undiplomatic, you would be traumatized to sit through a staff meeting with the accusations flying everywhere! It is obviously a very contested work, and Satan has been very successful in limiting their effectiveness by getting them to fight each other instead of the common enemy. So please intercede on their behalf as we totally restructure the Executive Committee. May Berchmans accept his demotion, may the others accept him still as part of the outfit, may Jules handle everyone well, may there be total unity so APRID can move forward again. We are still looking for the right person to run the conference centre - please keep that on your radar. And materials are coming through from India painfully slowly, do pray the building work is done to the highest standards and everything goes smoothly. Here's a sneak preview of something big coming up with GLO: we are planning to build the best school in Burundi, with a medical centre/hospital attached. I'm not into aiming low! Things are opening up there, and I can see it becoming a reality in the next few years. Anyone think they might be the right person to come as Headmaster/Mistress or be on staff? Do get in touch! Can I ask a favour, which I have asked twice before, and been very blessed by? Can any of you send me your collections of quotes, inspiring stories, illustrations, deep stuff - anything that might help me as I am preparing new material for this summer's preaching. I'd be most grateful. God bless you all, Simon Guillebaud |
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