The burgeoning church in Burundi

The Armagh Diocesan team arrived in Bujumbura Airport safely on Friday afternoon. We were met by the Rev Arsène who, after packing the back of the jeep with 8 suitcases and rucksacks and of course us four, set off on a very long journey which took us over a mountain towards Gitega. We began the journey in daylight and arrived at dark, which meant part of the journey along the way became more of an ‘experience’ than it was in the daylight!  Well, come to think of it, in day light we could see the danger, the vast number of people walking and the hair-raising manoeuvres of trucks and cars and bicycles. There were times we, well I, just shut my eyes and prayed, not because of Rev Arsène’s driving which was excellent, but because of the way he navigated the mountainside roads.

We were given a very warm welcome at the guest house, Grace Conference Centre, which is absolutely beautiful. Bishop Aimé Joseph and his wife joined us for tea and we then retreated very early to bed, where we all slept extremely well.

Saturday we joined those who were to be ordained on Sunday.  Derek and I spoke about ‘Our Calling to Ministry’ and we listened and talked about both the fears and blessings of ministry.

We presented each one with a book on prayer - based on the prayer that Jesus prayed for his Church.

Sunday, we were up and ready for a long and interesting day. We met all dressed up and shiny for the Ordination Service. We began with a procession at 9.30am in around 25 degrees heat, singing our way to the Cathedral before which I was honoured to be asked by Bishop Aimé Joseph to pray for everyone beforehand.

It was about 25 degrees outside but inside under a tin roof felt like 45 degrees. It was HOT!

We were all welcomed as visitors and we brought greetings from our own Archbishop, Armagh Diocese, and Davina brought greetings on behalf of the Mothers’ Union.

We enjoyed listening to 4 choirs, a few hymns, ordination of 6 deacons and 10 priests during which we were welcomed forward to join in the laying on of hands of each one. One of our team, Keith, gave the address and told the ordinands ‘To go in faith, have courage, do not fear, and jump into the future with Christ.’

All the children in the cathedral came forward for a blessing (around 120) some being carried in arms.

We then celebrated Holy Communion together, and I assisted in the distribution of that down through the congregation of around, I’m guessing 800 people - maybe more.

We then made our way back along the road in a procession back to the conference centre, where the dedication of this new building took place. Rev Derek was asked to close the whole proceedings with prayer before we made our way to the marquee for food and much needed drinks.

During this the Bishop was presented with a cow and baskets of food as a thank you from all the Christians in the Diocese.

What an amazing day, to see God’s hand at work in the life of the church here in Burundi – new ministers being sent out to proclaim the ‘Good News of the Gospel in Word and Action’, setting up new church plants and growing the church in thousands.

Very much looking forward to the rest of the week and what God has to show us in this wonderful diocese.

Even if we are learning to live with intermittent electricity, no water to wash at times, and limited WiFi.

My first ever ‘blog’ completed!

Archdeacon Elizabeth Cairns, Mullavilly Parish