God’s presence was palpable

*Pictured with participants at Burundi’s National Conference of Christian Health Professionals

You may have heard in recent months about the situation unraveling in Burundi. In April last year protests erupted after Burundi’s President, Pierre Nkurunziza, announced that he would seek a third term in office. Since the announcement the ensuing political instability caused by the opposition’s protest of the president’s decision has created an unstable security situation. 
 
So when Burundi’s Christian doctors and medical students association invited me to be the keynote speaker at their National Conference of Christian Health Professionals, I was surprised. Of course I had my concerns given the situation in the country. However when I was told that over 500 medical students and physicians had already registered, I knew I had to go.
 
As I waited to board the flight to Burundi, I got an email from our Regional Director informing me that there had been a series of grenade attacks that night in the capital Bujumbura. Then, simultaneously, there were several emails from medical doctors and students in Burundi who had attended the GMHC-Africa (hosted by LIA annually in Nairobi) letting me know how they were looking forward to our time of fellowship and mentorship.
 
In obedience to the Lord’s leading, I boarded my Kenyan Airways flight and few hours later arrived in Burundi’s capital Bujumbura. To receive me at the airport were two full cars, of the medical doctors and students who had been to GMHC-Africa 2015. I was overwhelmed! Then later that night, I met with eight young medical professionals who have said yes to a missionary call and have formed an association to serve the poor and vulnerable in Burundi. Their enthusiasm for the road ahead was exciting and humbling. We hope to have them visit the LIA Center, Kenya for further training.  
 
The National Conference itself was a great highlight. About 600 gathered and worshiped God with raised hands and tears streaming down their faces. God’s presence was palpable. At the closing of my talk, I made an invitation for those who want to surrender their lives, during this season in Burundi to be used by God in medical missions and 75% of the participants rose to their feet with great conviction. I can attest that there is a revival in this nation and I was so blessed to see it. To God be the glory. 
 
May I invite you to pray in this perspective as the Lord leads you. The Lord is raising a new generation of African missionaries that are filled with compassion for their people, even in the face of all the complex political and economic challenges we face in Africa. They are fearless and equipped for service. Pray that they will serve the King, as well as get mentors and partners to join them.  
 
In Christ, 
Florence