Burundi Trip 2024

Burundi Mission Trip 2024 – Prayer Bulletin #1                  

This week’s focus is praise and thanksgiving. Please read and meditate on the following scriptures as you prepare your heart for prayer.

1. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.

2. James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

3. Psalm 95:1-5

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.

4. Isaiah 12:4-5

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.”

Prayer points:

1. Thanksgiving for the Republic of Burundi and for all the inhabitants of this nation.
2. Thanksgiving for Pastor Jean Claude and his family, and for the relationship that they have fostered with churches and communities in Burundi.
3. Thanksgiving for Rev. Oscar Nkurunziza who is our main contact person in Burundi.

• Thanksgiving for all the work of God that he and his team of pastors have been doing.
• They have planted 14 local churches in different regions and districts across Burundi.
• They also manage a health center and a Bible School in the Makamba district, as well as several community support activities such as agriculture, tailoring, carpentry, etc.

4. Thanksgiving for this opportunity for some brethren from CF to go and serve on mission in Burundi from July 9 – July 26, 2024.

• We have a team of 8 people going: Jean Claude Ntimpa, Judith Ntimpa, Shalom Ntimpa, Tara Freeman, Mary Moe, Becky Hodill, Becky Roberts & Steve Boul

5. Thanksgiving for the privilege that we all get to be part of God’s work in Burundi, by supporting the mission team in prayer, financially, and in any other way as God leads.
6. Thanksgiving for all the progress that has been made toward the mission trip so far, for example: purchasing air tickets and other travel related activities, contacting potential sponsors, planning promotional events, arrangements within Burundi, etc.
7. Praise God and worship Him for His amazing plans and purposes for this mission trip, and for all the people who will be blessed by this ministry.

Burundi Mission Trip 2024 – Prayer Bulletin #2                              

Focus – Supporting Activities

Please read and meditate on the following scriptures as you prepare your heart for prayer.

1. Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

2. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

3. Psalm 20:4-5

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests.

Prayer points:

1. Thanksgiving for a successful launch on Sunday, May 5.

• Pastor Steve Boul officially presented the Burundi Mission trip at the 1^st and 2^nd services, with the emphasis that we, as a Church, are going to Burundi.
• We had a display table, distributed flyers, and launched the Burundi Trip webpage.
• Thanksgiving for everyone who signed up to support the team, for example: by joining the prayer team, by joining the Run to Burundi initiative, etc.

2. Burundi Information night – Wednesday, May 15

• Commit this event to God. Pray that we will have a good turnout, and that the team will be able to answer questions and effectively share the heart behind this trip.

3. Taste of Africa – Saturday, June 1

• Four main activities have been planned for this night of fun – traditional African meal, kid’s maker’s market, malts for missions, and movie night.
• Commit this event to God. Pray that we will have a big turnout and raise funds to support the mission trip. Speak a blessing on the organizers and all volunteers for this event, especially the kids who will be selling different items.

4. Run to Burundi – Target: 8,100 miles total

• Pray that God will raise more people to join, and remember to submit their miles.
• Pray that we will successfully run, walk, bike, etc. for 8,100 miles as a Church.

5. Giving to Burundi Trip – Target: $25,000

• Pray that God will stir people to give cheerfully to support this trip.
• Pray that God will raise partners in the community (e.g., businesses) to donate.

6. Pray that God will lead us in planning for other future events, and that we will be able to keep the Church updated through emails, social media, etc.

Burundi Mission Trip 2024 – Prayer Bulletin #3                              

Focus – Pray for Burundi, Part 1

Please read and meditate on the following scriptures as you prepare your heart for prayer.

1. Matthew 18:19

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

2. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Prayer points:

(Adapted from the Operation World website (www.operationworld.org), May 22, 2024, Copyright © 2010 by Jason Mandryk. – Mar 23 Archives – Operation World)

1. Praise God for relative stability in Burundi after the terrors of the 1990s – when ethnic and political violence saw 300,000 killed – and the unrest of 2015. An elected government now includes both major ethnic groups (Hutu and Tutsi). Pray for genuine respect and cooperation as these two peoples build Burundi’s future together.

2. Praise God that the ethnic violence of the 1990s is increasingly in the past. The nation has navigated peaceful elections, a change of presidents, a government including both Tutsi and Hutu, the return of 450,000 uprooted due to the conflicts, and a peace accord signed by every rebel group. May the Lord’s favor increasingly rest on the nation!

3. The surplus of firearms from decades of conflict, along with widespread poverty, contributes to sudden rise of violent crime. Pray for the effectiveness of disarmament and gun amnesty programs, many of which are run by church bodies. Pray for people to hand in their weapons and pursue peace rather than lawlessness.

4. There is persistence of widespread corruption, with bribery all but requisite for transactions of almost any nature. Burundi ranked 165/180 in the 2020 Corruption Perception Index. The anti-corruption body has failed in its efforts to bring improvement. Pray for an end to corruption, and lasting change which only the gospel can bring.

5. Praise for sustained evangelical growth, although this now has slowed compared to the tumultuous 1990s. Nearly all Protestant and Anglican churches have seen significant growth, even during periods of war. Pray for continued growth of the Church in Burundi.

6. Pray that the spirits of enmity and vengeance may be bound by the power of Christ. Pray for the peace-building work of groups such as the National Council of Churches and its constituent members, of World Vision and World Relief, Tearfund, African Enterprise, the Alpha Course and many others.

Burundi Mission Trip 2024 – Prayer Bulletin #4                              

Focus – Pray for Burundi, Part 2

Please read and meditate on the following scriptures as you prepare your heart for prayer.

1. 1 John 5:14-15

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him.

2. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Prayer points:

(Adapted from the Operation World website (www.operationworld.org), May 28, 2024, Copyright © 2010 by Jason Mandryk. – Mar 23 Archives – Operation World)

1. Leadership for churches in Burundi is in short supply; violence caused the closure of Bible schools which in turn cut off the supply of trained leaders. Now, schools are being re-established and new ones opened, but poverty holds back many prospective students from enrolling. Ask the Lord for financial provision for those who wish to equip themselves for the Lord’s service. Pray for Bible schools and theological colleges, Christian universities and organizations that offer Modular training.

2. Pray for the physical needs of children. Around 560,000 children have lost at least one parent, 45% of children under five are undernourished and many thousands suffer from malaria and AIDS. Violence against children is common. Only half of children attend school; but praise God for debt relief, which allows the government to offer free primary education to all children. Pray for the many ministries and NGOs that focus on caring for children and providing them with life opportunities. Organizations that offer specific ministry to children include: Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), Scripture Union (SU), the Anglicans, and New Generation (a local NGO).

3. Pray also for student and youth ministry. SU continues to have an effective ministry, especially in the area of evangelism. Seven growing GBU(IFES) groups now focus on evangelism and training leaders. YFC (Youth For Christ) and the Alpha Course also have specific ministry to young people, the former developing Homes of Hope, where orphans from different ethnicities are raised together in a Christian setting.

4. There is a genuine need for expatriate Christian workers. Numbers of workers are increasing, but the large majority of these focus on Bujumbura, the capital. Pray for more workers for the neglected rural areas and for ministry that empowers Burundi believers rather than creates dependency. Pray for the calling of the right missionary personnel and their effectiveness, for godly modelling and good relationships with national believers.

This week we encourage you to look back over the past weeks bulletins, consider the scriptures shared, and celebrate where God has already answered our prayers. In particular, we want to celebrate.

1. We have secured a team bus for the trip that will enable us all to travel together (and our luggage too!).
2. A wonderful evening together at the “Taste of Africa” event. Even as we prepare to go it was amazing to experience what it looks like to be one in Christ as we came together, different races and ages, all enjoying delicious food and heart-warming fellowship.

Over the coming weeks we also want to share some personal requests from the team.

Steve

1. Energy for the trip. Pray that I will not be too tired after being in England beforehand.
2. Sensitivity to the Spirit. That I would learn well and teach clearly.

Tara

1. To trust and pursue the activity of the Holy Spirit, both now as we prepare and while we are there, knowing that God is already at work and preparing good for us to join Him in.
2. For my family and clients emotional & physical health while I’m away; their wellbeing is always on my heart and mind!

Becky H

1. For my husband and kids- for them to not be fearful while I am and gone and for them to truly enjoy their time together. Prayers for us to be able to have intentional connections, even while I’m so far away.
2. For travel mercies- prayers for the flights to all be on time, prayers for the pilots flying our planes, for all of our baggage to arrive on time and for all of us to feel rested, even after 30 plus hours of travel.

Burundi Mission Trip 2024 – Prayer Bulletin #6                             

Please read and meditate on the following scriptures as you prepare your heart for prayer.

1. Psalm 100:4

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

2. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

3. Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Prayer points:

1. Preparation process:

• Thanksgiving for all that has been accomplished so far, for example purchasing air tickets, getting travel vaccines and other medical resources, securing a team bus for transportation while in Burundi.
• Thank God for everyone who has been a part of coordinating with travel agents, travel clinic, etc. to ensure that everything is in place for a successful trip.
• Ask for God’s leading in everything that still needs to be done.

2. Prayer:

• Thanksgiving for everyone who has prayed for the trip and for the nation of Burundi over the past five weeks. Thank God for all the prayer topics we have prayed, from prayer bulletins and also personal requests from the team.
• Whole team – That we would secure gas for the vehicle
   
  Mary – Pray that I will sleep well and that I am physically well so I can fully engage with what the team is doing.
   
  Jean Claude – That God would open the windows of his word when we speak to accomplish all that he has planned for us. To enjoy all that we are doing with the church, with family, and with friends, as we focus on God together.
   
  Becky R – That I would have no chronic pain flare ups. Peace while away from my family and my home.
• Pray that God will answer our requests and enable us to continue praying faithfully.

3. Finances: Target – $25,000

• So far, we have raised $16,000. Glory be to God! Thank God for each person, business/ organization that has given towards this mission trip. Pray for God to bless them and replenish their finances. Thank God for various sponsors such as: Central Dairy, Ice Cream Factory, Moser’s, Sam’s Club.
• Thank God for the fundraising team; each person who has contacted businesses, recruited financial partners, and raised awareness for the funding needs of this trip.
• Pray for God to raise more funds through individuals, businesses and other partners.

4. Supporting activities:

• Thanksgiving for the success of Burundi information night, Taste of Africa, and over 4,400 miles run under the Run to Burundi program. Thank God for all participants and for the positive impact of these events, for example there is more awareness about international missions, people have learned more about Burundi and other African countries, and more money has been raised for the trip.
• Commit the following upcoming events to the Lord: Songs of Africa – Friday, June 21 at 7pm, and Burundi Beans by Toasty Goat Coffee Company.

Burundi Mission Trip 2024 – Prayer Bulletin #7   

Focus: Protection 

Please read and meditate on the following scriptures as you prepare your heart for prayer.  

1. Psalm 127:1 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. 

2. Isaiah 54:17 

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,” says the Lord. 

3. Matthew 7:7-8 

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 

Prayer points: 

1.  Lord, we commit the Burundi mission trip into your hands. Please protect and guide the mission team between now and July 9th when they will be going on the trip. We pray for protection throughout their stay in Burundi and protection for the journey back home. 

• As a reminder, we have a team of 8 people going to Burundi: Jean Claude Ntimpa, Judith Ntimpa, Shalom Ntimpa, Tara Freeman, Mary Moe, Becky Hodill, Becky Roberts & Steve Boul.  

2. Air travel: 

• Pray for protection during the ride from their homes to the airport.  
• Protection during the flights and during layovers. Some will travel on different flights with different layovers, but all will ultimately meet in Burundi. Pray that no one will miss any flight, be it at the starting point or a connecting flight. Pray against any problems with the planes, against any terrorist activity, against any attacks of Satan throughout the trip. Pray that they will arrive Burundi safely and all their luggage will arrive safely as well. 
• Please pray in this way for the return trip as well: from Burundi airport right to their homes in Columbia at the end of the trip. 

3. While in Burundi: 

• Pray against any accidents – car accidents, accidents while walking on foot e.g., falls, accidents inside buildings. Pray against illness, e.g., food poisoning, animal bites, malaria, tropical diseases or other diseases that are endemic to Burundi. Pray against the spirit of death, that all team members will come back home alive and healthy. 
• Pray against theft/ robbery; that all their belongings will be protected throughout their stay in Burundi. Pray against conmen and anyone who would wish them evil. 

4. Family in the United States: 

• Pray for protection for their family members back in the US; that no one will fall sick or be injured. Pray against the spirit of death, that they will find their families safe when they return.  
• Pray that God’s peace that surpasses human understanding will reign in their homes. 

Team Prayers:  

• Preparing our hearts and minds for the journey, openness to all God has prepared for us to step into, deep and lasting connections among the team and the Burundi Churches we partner with, and an empowering of the Holy Spirit to display the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word, deed, and our love!  
• Judith Ntimpa: Please pray for me so I can be enabled by Holy Spirit when I translate between the 2 teams, both in church services and out of church. Please, God, help me to be a useful connector between our groups, even in daily life over there. Give me wisdom, oh my Lord, so we all can sense God’s presence during our trip. I want to be used whenever it is needed in Jesus’ name.  
• Our teenage team member, Shalom Ntimpa asks for your general prayer coverage!  

Burundi Mission Trip 2024 – Prayer Bulletin #8                              

1. Acts 1:8 

2. Isaiah 52:7 

3. Matthew 7:7-8 

Prayer points: 

1. Pray that God will guide the team as they continue to prepare for the mission trip, as well as throughout their time in Burundi. May God fill them with the Holy Spirit and equip them for His work in Burundi.  

• Pray that they will continue to seek God through Bible reading, prayer, etc., so that they will be ready for everything that God has planned for them to do in Burundi.  
• Pray for unity and love throughout the trip. 

2. Pray for each person who will preach/ teach in Burundi, e.g., Steve Boul, Jean-Claude Ntimpa, and Tara Freeman, that they will be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and speak with boldness and clarity. Pray that they will connect with the participants, and that their messages will be timely, meeting the needs of the people. 

• Pray that participants will be receptive to the messages and respond to God’s truth. If there any who do not have a relationship with God, may they see the need for repentance and salvation. 
• Pray also for Judith Ntimpa who will be translating. May she be led by the Holy Spirit to capture the heart of the speaker, and effectively communicate to the listeners. 

3. Commit Rev. Oscar Nkurunziza and his team of pastors to the Lord, that that they will be a blessing to the CF team and likewise, the CF team may be a blessing to them. May God strengthen and solidify relationships as they fellowship together. 

• Pray for mutual love, understanding and respect between the two teams, and that God will enable them to learn from each other. 

4.  Pray for God’s leading and strength as they participate in various projects in Burundi: 

• Helping out at the health center – Center De Sante Pamoja (CDS Pamoja). 
• Helping the local community to build a bridge that will improve access to CDS Pamoja. 
• Visiting a center for children with physical disabilities to provide encouragement. 
• Pray that everything will be done according to God’s will, and that the team will successfully communicate God’s love to each person they encounter.