BUILDING A HOSPITAL VIA PARTNERS TRUST INTERNATIONAL
On Friday's there was a ground breaking ceremony in Bugarama that was the end of the beginning
of a long journey. Building a much needed hospital was/is our plan,
with GLO local partner Partners Trust International. Three years ago GLO was granted land, then the grant was retracted, then more land was given. The saga seemed
never-ending and was hotly contested. On New Year's Eve, the Minister
for the Environment, who was about to provide the last signature in the
tortuous process, was murdered. Would it ever happen? Well, the answer
is now a definitive 'Yes!' We are very grateful to the Government for
giving a staggering 4 hectares in a country where land is at such a
premium. In the years to come, we trust countless lives will be saved
and impacted.
GITEGA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY'S 1ST GRADUATING CLASS
ON Saturday and Sunday Simon and Lizzie had two days of beautiful and moving celebration marking the first graduating class of the Gitega International Academy. Gitega International Academy is the first English-speaking boarding school in the country. Many of the nation’s key leaders’ and influencers’ children attend. Via GLO's partner Youth for Christ, it has exploded over the last five years, and I (Simon) say with confidence it’s the nicest campus in the country. The stories of maturing students’ transformed lives were touching to listen to. The first graduation took place during a massive televised event with 1,000 guests from across Burundi and around the world. And on Sunday, it was pure celebration of all that God had done over the last 17 years. Freddy, my Burundian soulmate who I met on my first day in Burundi, who never wore shoes or underwear until he was 14-years-old, is now a household name in the country. He’s been used by God to build four schools, three orphanages, and more. He is now handing over (a very rare thing over here) the leadership of the thriving ministry to his faithful co-worker, Euphrate. He launched his book ‘Where Cow Grass Grows' (Available on Amazon) which tells his inspiring life-story.
And a little bonus in the mix on Saturday was that Lizzie and I were both awarded MBEs in the Queen's birthday honours list for services to Burundi. I'm so grateful to Lizzie for journeying with him through all the craziness and challenges of life out here, and we're happy to receive the honour on behalf of all the precious sacrificial brothers and sisters we have the privilege of working alongside in Burundi. All for God's glory!
Your donations are making a difference in Burundi now and building for the future as well.
Thanks for your support.
Mark
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