PRAYER LETTER NO.31.

www.greatlakesoutreach.org

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.”

Dear Tigers, 6 th September 2004

I am challenged by the above quote because although I dream of peace in Burundi and Congo, the obstacles in the battle for lasting peace often appear insurmountable. Yet through the eyes of faith, and facing up to the grim realities on the ground, with costly and concerted perseverance, we will see war turned to peace.

There are seven weeks to go until the deadline runs out for elections to take place. They will be the first elections since those eleven years ago which led to the genocide. Things are hotting up, and these are critical times. So please pray. Similar to last week’s horrific school massacre in Russia, a few weeks ago saw renewed mindless violence just 10km from the capital. Here’s one of the emails I got through on what happened:

“I like to inform you that I was in sad state from last Friday 13th August 2004, I hear about Congolese refugees in Burundi was been victims of attack of groups of killers and Congolese soldiers who come from Uvira valley to Burundi where our people was and they kill 163 victims, women, babies, children, men because they are Tutsi. And 200 injured who are dying every day in Burundi hospitals. In that number of victims our family’s members are 53 people who are victims of that genocide still continuing from Congo until Burundi. I don't know how to explain we are in sad state. Pray for us and our relatives. God bless you.”

The massacre took place right where I have often preached. Machetes, grenades and guns were used. Two of the children killed were being re-integrated back into their families from one of the orphanages Lizzie may end up working with.

The new lady in charge of the UN mission pitched up - she sounds like a good egg - and said: “The Burundian women have suffered enormously. I have heard the stories of what happens to women alone in Burundi when they try to flee to go to the refugee camps. They get raped as they try to flee, they get raped when they cross the border, they get raped on the way to the camps, and they get raped when they try to collect firewood. If they come back and discover that they are also under attack from the very people who have come here to save them, this is more than [adding] insult to injury: it is a crime. And it will not happen, I will not tolerate it in Burundi.”

Another group of mates in convoy were ambushed on a road I regularly use. They were stripped, handed over all their possessions, had their vehicles torched, and then other troops arrived and there was a battle; they all jumped into the bushes, and got away with their lives. So, things are ‘chaud’, as they say out there, and we will arrive back as the elections take place.

At the orphanage, Joyeuse is having a torrid time. Her husband could not take the stress and disappeared with all his possessions two months ago. She suffers from high blood pressure, and has fifty-six kids to look after, with staff legitimately disgruntled as there is no money to pay them. Water and electricity have been cut off for lack of funding. She wrote to me this week in desperation, with the added news that she is pregnant and longing for someone to take the crushing burden of responsibility off her. She clings to God, but I wonder how long she can hang in there, and what will happen to these children. Again, please pray…

I read today of a little fellow in the slum who was being teased by another boy: “If God loves you, why doesn't he take care of you? Why doesn't God tell someone to bring you shoes and a warm coat and better food?” The little lad thought for a moment. Then, with tears starting in his eyes, he said: “I guess He does tell somebody, but somebody forgets…”

You may remember little Bongani, the orphan with AIDS whose dream was to see the sea before he died (see prayer letter no.21). Well, after a plucky fight, he died last month, aged eleven. He is one among millions of victims of this disease, but his life did count, and his story touched many lives. Our ‘Aid for AIDS’ project continues apace, and is so very important and strategic. The other teams at SU and YFC are on fire and doing fantastic stuff, despite so many daily challenges. It is a privilege to work with them.

So thanks for your prayers and support. God bless us and help us to live lives which glorify Him. He calls each one of us to reach out in His name to the needy. May none of us be the ‘somebody who forgets’...

Simon Guillebaud