Little gods

The song, “How Great,” sung by David Crowder begins “I’m so bored of little gods / While standing on the edge of something large.” That sentiment echoes in my head as I reflect on Burundi, the poorest country on earth. Certainly, the challenges faced by this impoverished country, in both material and spiritual aspects, count as “something large.” Everywhere you look there is great need. There is also, with our God, great hope.

I think maybe it is that siren call of hope that draws me to this place.  That anticipation of something miraculous just over the horizon.  Where others see the limitations of the little gods of man’s imagination, I have the palpable sense of standing on the edge of something large, something only ascribable to the Almighty God at work within this little country.

Now, I am trained to think analytically, to emphasize fact-based decision making.  None of that training would lend itself to this sense of something writ large on the landscape of Africa.  This country is the poorest on earth by some margin.  They have horrible health statistics for all demographics with high chances of death during childbirth (400/100,000 births); during your first five years (10% mortality among 0-5 with ~80% of those from preventable diseases), and before “old age” (life expectancy is +/- 62 years).  Over 85% of their population works within agriculture yet they can’t feed themselves with 16 of the current 18 provinces suffering with chronic malnutrition.  Inflation and corruption are both rampant.  Spiritually, over 90% call themselves Christian yet periodically they rise up and kill their neighbors.  The impacts of trauma are reflected in every aspect of leadership (as is often repeated in recovery programs, “hurt people hurt people.”)  These are not the metrics of hope.

The prophet Isaiah, however, reminds us, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” and that He will come to those “who repent of their sins.” (Is 59) Additionally, the prophet relays the promises of the Lord to those who “loose the chains of injustice … share their food with the hungry … provide the wanderer with shelter …  clothe the naked … care for their families … will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” and “will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings” and “will ride in triumph.” (Is 58) These are the promises of hope.

What are we doing?

We are working to strengthen the capacity of local institutions to address trauma healing, childhood nutrition and disease prevention, orphan care due to maternal mortality, care for disabled children including preparing them for a productive, self-sustaining adulthood, agricultural development, underlying spiritual foundation issues using tools of orality, family discipleship, personal discipleship, and pastoral training, and many other issues.

How can you help?

Maybe you too want to be a part of something large.  As you might imagine, there are lots of ways to be involved.  First, is, of course, financial.  While our emphasis is on creating reproducible local capacity and not dependence, as you can imagine, doing so requires substantial investment in training and development.  Your financial gifts are of the utmost importance.  Perhaps you’d like to fund a micro-mill as part of agricultural development efforts (~$1500 for a micro mill); goats (~$60 each) or dairy cattle (~$1500) for the center for disabled children or the orphanage; training seminars ($3000-7500 each depending on scale); equipment for vocational training (welding, carpentry, sewing, electrical, etc.); or any of many other needs (e.g., medical clinic development).

Second, give of your time and expertise.  Perhaps you’re like our partners at No Boundaries International and have world-class capability in your area of expertise.  There is no doubt there are places that need you.

Most importantly, join us in seeking God’s direction.  He is at work.  Our responsibility is just to join Him in that work.