Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue.” I’ve never heard someone say that too much patience is bad. Yet, we all struggle to be patient. It’s hard to be patient when waiting for answers from the doctor’s office or hoping for good news from the bank. We’ll call, even though we were told they would call with results or news, hoping our call might help speed things along. Our calls are met with, “Nothing yet, we will call.” So, we continue to struggle with patience.
Israel struggled with patience too. They kept trying to make things happen while they wandered in the wilderness. They complained time and again and their complaining kept their patience from developing. Numbers 21:4 ESV says, “The people became impatient because of the journey.” They didn’t want to wait, their impatience put them in a place of complaint. Complaining, simply put, is when we give voice to our pride. And pride gets in the way of patience having its “perfect work” (see James 1:4). Hang on. Let patience have its perfect work. Complaining will only derail you on your journey.
The floodwaters are only 50 meters from the Hope Center in Gatumba (as seen in picture taken outside the center). God has kept the center and the school safe. Please pray for rains and floodwaters to subside.
East Africa flooding
You may have heard of the severe flooding in East Africa. Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi are all struggling with heavy rains this year. Hundreds have died in Kenya, and untold numbers have perished in other nations. We ask that you remember East Africa in your prayers. The scale of flooding is astounding.
Burundi news
We spent almost two weeks in Burundi in April working at the church and Hope Center. Not only is Burundi struggling like the rest of East Africa with flooding, but there is also a severe and ongoing shortage of fuel. Fuel shortages are not new to Burundi, we have been experiencing shortages regularly for several years. What makes the present situation difficult is the length of time that fuel has been in short supply. This has made inflation even more severe, as transporting food and goods has become more expensive. We are so grateful that God has kept the feeding going throughout, He is faithful!
The feeding outreach is more important now than ever during the flooding. Many families are living in flooded homes without food. Many have been injured or killed encountering hippos and crocodiles.
Other news and updates
- We will partner with Hand of Hope to host another clinic in Malawi in August. Please pray for all preparations to go smoothly.
- Our Zambia main church building is nearing completion. We’re making tentative plans to travel and dedicate the building towards the end of the year.
Patience, patience
While it’s difficult to wait when things are as difficult as they are now with the floods, we have seen and experienced God’s grace. He has kept the work going – He is faithful. Thank you for your partnership and prayers. They are needed.
Jamie, Lea, and Andreya
Click on the link below to view a short video from Burundi.