Helping Burundi to Help Itself (Guest Post By Kevin Cherry)

Hello

To start with I should point out I’m not Jeremy, I’m somewhat shorter but much better looking and do far better Sean Connery impressions.

Jeremy asked me to come to Burundi to help develop the capability of the leadership team in the school as that is what I do for a living (though usually with very different clientele). 

It’s been a tremendous experience meeting these very faithful and committed people and the opportunity to help build up their confidence and capability has been an immense privilege. 

Although resources are very scarce, the buildings are basic (in UK terms) and even the most straightforward functions are so much more difficult here, the school sites are an oasis of Christian love and service (yes, even the Secondary School though it might be easy to forget that when your are caught up in the maelstrom of need, expectation and hormones). 

I got to sit in on a primary school assembly where the singing and praise was led by the headmistress unaccompanied.   The worship was energetic and heartfelt and whole thing very Christ centered.  A real joy and I think many UK schools could learn much from their example. 

Sharing the Gospel verbally is not difficult here, much easier than in the UK.  I think it’s assumed most people are Christian, churches are packed on a Sunday and there is even a chain of shops called Rehoboth. However, peoples’ Christian values and behaviours all too often don’t survive first contact with prevailing culture, a culture that is very corrupt. 

What really seems to speak to people is faith in action.  Radical Christian behaviours and practices that run counter to the culture really cause people to take notice.

Jeremy has spoken previously of how the radically fair and caring treatment of staff has impacted relationships and this is really setting the school apart as something special in the community. A place where God is working in a very special way.

The work Jeremy and Allie have done over the last year has begun to open the Leadership Team and the teachers’ minds to new possibilities.   It’s been my job this week to build on that and expand their capability and confidence and help them, individually and collectively, to broaden their vision and “step up to the Leadership Challenge”.  That was the title of an event Jeremy managed to organize at the last minute for young Christian Business People.  More of a joy than a job really.

“Where there is no vision the people die”   Proverbs 29: 18

After a week I’m no expert but it seems to me that Burundi is a beautiful country that has had its confidence shattered by years of conflict and hardship.  There is a real leadership vacuum and The King’s School is uniquely positioned to create leaders for the future that are grounded in strong Christian faith.

Talking to the “young business leaders” I also got a glimpse of how Allie and Jeremy’s informal networking and support of the local Christian community means their impact is MUCH wider than just the school.

As a supporter of Allie, Jeremy and The King’s School, I can assure you your prayer and financial support are very tangibly glorifying God here in Bujumbura.  Please join me in praying that:

• ·      The leaders at the school and in the wider Christian community would grow in confidence and be able to share the load and increase their impact
• ·      Increased availability of resources for both the school and the wider work