Day two began at 7:00am with devotion led by George Müller. Together we prayed for unity among the churches and that the upcoming crusade would bear much fruit.
It was a powerful reminder that revival does not begin when the first person walks onto a crusade field. It begins in prayer. Long before the crowds arrive, God prepares hearts.
From there we visited the local market before heading to the crusade grounds to see how preparations are progressing.
Standing on the field where, in just a few days, thousands could gather to hear the Gospel, reminds you that preparation is ministry too. Every chair placed, every banner raised, every prayer prayed and every invitation extended is part of what Jesus is building.
There was also a moment the team won’t let me forget anytime soon. I decided to eat a local pili pili pepper. I was the only one brave enough… or foolish enough. Let’s just say I set myself on fire in the best way possible. My appetite disappeared for a while, but the team’s laughter certainly didn’t. Sometimes the Lord reminds us that joy is just as much a part of the journey as the work itself.
After lunch we headed into the streets for outreach, meeting people, handing out flyers and inviting them to the crusade. One of the biggest lessons today was how far genuine kindness can travel. We don’t share a common language with many people, yet smiles, patience and compassion communicate more than we often realise. Love is a language all of its own understood by everyone.
Language remains one of our biggest challenges. Many people have not had access to formal education. English is rarely spoken, French is more common but still not universal, and most conversations happen through Kirundi or Swahili. Between four different languages, communication can feel impossible at times. Yet with a few memorised Kirundi words for “crusade” and the field location, plus a simple flyer, doors continue to open. The Gospel has never depended on perfect communication. It depends on willing hearts.
Walking through the town is deeply humbling. Burundi is a beautiful nation, yet many areas carry the weight of significant poverty and limited infrastructure. It feels as though there is very little middle ground, only extremes. It changes your perspective. Things we so easily take for granted suddenly become reasons to give thanks. Compassion grows when you allow yourself to truly see people.
The food continues to surprise us. Every meal carries a distinct undertone that is difficult to describe, but somehow finds its way into almost everything we eat. Every nation has its own flavours, rhythms and culture. Part of missions is learning to embrace them with gratitude.
We regrouped as a team this evening, grateful for another day of ministry and ready to build again tomorrow. Every conversation, every flyer handed out and every prayer is creating momentum as we move toward the three day crusade on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a pastors’ conference in between.
Today held many lessons. My biggest one?
God is preparing us just as much as He is preparing Burundi.
Please continue standing with us in prayer. We believe Jesus is going to do something extraordinary in the days ahead.
Jesus is the ONLY Name to remember!
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