Wouldn’t it be nice if, once in a while, we could coast through life? I know there have been times when I have wanted a bit of that luxury. World news aside (which gives us enough to pray about, as there’s a new crisis every morning somewhere on planet Earth), the things we face daily can easily pull us away from our focus on God’s Kingdom if we’re not watchful.
A prevalent thought among Christians is that we ought to be free from difficulties. That having accepted Jesus as Lord over our lives should give us the “Midas touch;” everything we come into contact with should turn to gold.
But that’s certainly not the case. Yes, we walk under the shadow of the Almighty (see Psalm 91), and we have authority to tread on serpents and scorpions (see Luke 10:19). But have you ever considered this: you wouldn’t need power to walk on serpents and scorpions, or to dwell safely under God’s shadow, if there weren’t real dangers to have power over?
Job went through things that most of us (thankfully) will not have to endure in this lifetime. However, the way he viewed God in the middle of losing his children, wealth, health, and standing in the community sets him apart.
Job 5:8 (ESV) “But as for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause.”
God has already given us everything we need to face the valleys, shadows, and troubles this world will inevitably throw our way. The choice is ours: what will we do with the power He’s placed in our hands? We can complain, “Why has this come to me?” or declare by faith, “Is this the best you can do? As for me, I will seek God.”
Travel
We have been planning to travel to Burundi for a few months to work at the church, Hope Center, school, and the nearly complete Anna’s House, which will serve the elderly and disabled at our Hope Center outreach.
We ask that you keep us in your prayers, as the country’s economic and political situation is complex. Fuel is not available locally; most people cross into neighboring DRC (which has its own issues) to buy fuel. This represents a significant shift from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, when Burundi was a popular destination for fuel purchases and relaxation.
Currently, inflation is at 40%, which is stretching all budgets farther than anyone could have imagined. Please pray as we move forward and strategize with our teams, asking God to give us wisdom to navigate the current climate.
In addition, we ask for prayer for our church administrator in Bujumbura (Kadjabe), who leads the church with his wife (Pastor Joselyne). He is facing significant health challenges that, in this climate, seem insurmountable. He needs a miracle in every way to get through this. We’re grateful to be on the ground, serving this couple and the church.
Progress
Thank you to everyone who has helped us complete the main building in Lusaka, Zambia. As you know, we dedicated the facility in July, but we still had some finishing touches to add, including electrical work and the installation of the drop ceiling. About two-thirds of the funds needed to complete the finishing work have come in, praise God! The electrical and ceiling work must be completed at the same time. It cannot be done in phases. If you would like more exact information (such as the remaining amount), please email us at JLPeters@africa-and-beyond.com, and we’ll be glad to provide it. We know God will finish what He has started.
Updates and Prayer Points
- We recognize the importance of the sustainability of the Hope Center, schools, and other outreaches we have in Africa. We’re reaching out to you and others for wisdom. Please email JLPeters@africa-and-beyond.com if you’d like to help us in prayer, brainstorming, or partnership.
- We’ve certainly felt the effects of the global economy and would appreciate your prayers for all our churches and for us personally. These are unusual times, and we’re trusting God to sustain and guide us through them.
- Pray for Malawi’s new president and administration, installed peacefully after last September’s elections, to lead the nation wisely and lift its people out of long-standing poverty.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and partnership. As for us, we’re placing it all in God’s hands, confident He’ll finish the good work He started.
Blessings, Jamie, Lea, and Andreya
Connect with us:
Email: JLPeters@africa-and-beyond.com
Online: www.africa-and-beyond.com
Lea’s blog: www.aculturalshift.com
Pictures from the Hope Center and school in Gatumba, Burundi.
