Burundi Training

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Hallelujah! Praise God Forever! We give thanks to Jesus for a fresh season of Hope. Jesus is full of surprises and these days are full of traveling opportunities. This last week I (Billy) had the privilege of being in Bujambura, Burundi for a Bible Storytelling training. Our training team was made up of Americans, Kenyans and Ugandans and we had a great time working together. Approximately 20-25 participants joined us from around Burundi to discuss using storytelling to communicate the Word.  As always, the best part is getting to delve into the stories of Scripture with men and women on the ground offering Jesus to their communities.  

This was the group we were with for three days.

Moses of Kenya facilitating a session



Jonathan (right) is the WGM Uganda director. He grew up as a missionary kid in Burundi so it was great to have him on the team. Rev. Paul is the president of Light University in Buambura, a Christian university with 4,000 students. Paul grew up being discipled by the WGM missionaries. We had a wonderful dinner together one evening and now WGM and Light Univeristy are looking for ways to work together to multiple Hope in Burundi.

It is never easy to be away from home, but there are some fun things to anticipate upon returning. Specifically in a family with five women, I had the privilege of going multiple "dates" this week.

Elsie Jayne and Sophia Anne and I went for breakfast which was really fun.



Then here are Lucy and Chloe as we get ready to go for lunch. Happy Times.

This week holds more possibilities for hope. Jeannie Banter who was on the original Arua Team in 2007 arrives tomorrow with two other women. They will be involved in ministry here in Arua as well as joining Joanna in facilitating a women's retreat/training in Nebbi on Monday and Tuesday of next week. We are looking forward to having Jeannie "back home."

We said Jesus is full of surprises and another unique opportunity has arisen for me to go to a conference that is discussing how to integrate oral methodologies into theological education. I say "unique" because the conference is in Hong Kong. This will be my first time there and I'd appreciate your prayers for wisdom, discernment, and fruitful conversations.

A quick review of our upcoming calender:
Jeannie's team: June 6-15
  Sunday (9th) Worship with Nebbi Churches
  Monday - Tuesday (10-11th) Women's Retreat/Training
  Wednesday-Friday (12-14th) Ministry in Arua
Billy to Hong Kong: June 8-15th
Family Holiday: End of June
Billy's Sister and her family: Arrive July 8

I would ask you to please pray for:
- Joanna as she hosts the team, cares for the girls and manages life
- Jesus to come to the Women's Retreat and really meet these women
- Jesus to come to the Orality Conference in Hong Kong

Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!