Heading Back to Africa

Today I’m very excited (and a little overwhelmed) to find myself making preparations to return again to Burundi, Africa in late August.

Initially, I wasn’t planning on going back this year, but the opportunity arose and some recent developments cleared the way for me to consider joining this 2016 team.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to participate in a team mission to a Ba-twa village of Bugenyuzi.  (Google Burundi Africa and the Ba-twa)  here to view the video we produced in 2013 and learn more about this amazing village .  It was kind of an exploratory mission to help build shelters, teach scripture, serve children, and was our church’s first introduction to the people and to learn how we might better serve them over a longer term.

Since then my church, The Chapel, has partnered with an organization in Burundi called Harvest Initiatives.  Together we coordinate various support and efforts exclusively for this village.  Developments including advances in food security for young children, ongoing construction of shelters by the villagers, education and health/ hygiene training have all flourished within the context of love and sharing of the Gospel.

Similar to our first visit, one of my responsibilities is to film and bring back updates and stories. In addition to helping with construction of shelters, my desire is to return with more than just images of poverty.  My goal is to capture life stories of joy, struggles, growth, hopes and dreams as spoken by the actual voices as we look into the faces and eyes of our friends on the other side of the world. My heart is to help you get to know these souls as more than just some distant people in great need.

Most importantly I like to ask you to please be praying for our team of 8.  For our safety, discernment, and most of all that we reflect God in all that we say and do. And that we bring the love and hope of Christ to these wonderful friends.

And, if you feel led to financially assist me and our team, you can do so by returning the bottom portion of  This pdf form  with a check for any amount made out to The Chapel.  (I know the due date says June 20, but anytime within the next 2-3 weeks would still be very helpful.)  Mail to: The Chapel 4444 Galloway Road, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Please join me on this journey and check back for updates and monitor our progress in August.

Blessings.

-gary