Burundi

Know where that is? That's ok. It's a pretty small place. But now I want you to learn a little bit about it and why it's important.

Burundi is ravaged by many crises. A civil unrest between tribes, genocide, HIV/AIDS, a lack of clean water, and the fact that it's one of the 10 poorest nations in the world are among the issues they face daily.

I listened to a man named Emmanuel Ndikumana speak both last night and Sunday. He told stories of his country and the history there, and the story of his life. He is a pastor, a leader, a husband, a father, and one seeking to create reconciliation for the country. Because as he sees it, reconciliation in the mind needs to happen for individuals before hope and material solutions will ever work. I wish you could have been there. (I'm trying to find out if it was recorded and will be podcasted. If so, I'll post it here.)

There was a question and answer time at the end of the evening. A woman asked, "How does the current economic crisis affect Burundi?"

His answer struck me so hard I started to cry instantly.

"Theoretically, because we are the third poorest nation in the world, we would be affected the least. Because we have nothing. In practice, because we rely so heavily on foreign aid, that aid will drop because nobody will be able to give. And if they do not give, we will die."

Can you imagine with me for a moment, a country chock full of 8 million people literally ceasing to exist because of this economic crisis? That's an equivalent to the population of New York City.

They need assistance. Never before did you think about the fact that your hardships and your decisions during those hardships could affect somebody so far away, did you? Neither did I.

We have an opportunity. Giving is hard during this time, believe me, I know. If you want to give, here is some info.

Partners Trust International is a part of the Great Lakes Outreach organization. Here is a page with ways to get involved. And they are SIMPLE ways! Click here to find out more. You can always give through The Kilns as well.