chris and becka warner

There is a beat that never stops in Africa. All across Bujumbura, at all times of day, the sound of drumming can be heard, with the most amazingly beautiful voices rising to heaven. Sometimes it seems strange that such beauty can be found in such a desperate place, but it is always a pleasant reminder that there is still hope. Admittedly, hope is not something that is common here. People are hesitant to be optimistic about the future; they have learned from the past. Poverty, corruption, AIDS, violence-this is the history that leads into the future. Not just in Burundi, but the entire continent of Africa, with a few exceptions, is struggling for every breath. To add to the confusion, a big Jesus sticker has been placed over most of Sub-Saharan Africa. Here in Burundi, most of the buses have letterings that say “Jesus is Lord,” or “God is One.” Needless to say such claims seem a little empty as they clatter and clunk over the bomb-shattered streets of Bujumbura. I want to understand what went wrong; I want somebody to blame, some human entity to point my finger at. Is it the fault of the missionaries? Did they fail to preach the gospel of the Kingdom; a gospel that is relevant and holistic? Why do they live in their nice houses and preach behind cultural, material, and literal walls? Is it the fault of the world’s nations and NGOs? Why do they pump billions of dollars into Africa, with little or no accountability? Why do they create dependency? Why are they surprised when nothing remains when they leave? Is it the fault of African leaders? Why do they buy palaces and cars and houses abroad with aid money when people are dying on the streets of starvation? Why do they murder and bribe for power, and ignore the cries for justice? Is it the fault of the people? Why don’t they work? Why do they expect the world to give them a handout? As I walk down the crowded, dusty streets of Burundi, I pray that God will give me understanding into the deep complexities of this continent, and that I would be part of the solution and not the problem. I pray that his Kingdom would come, through me and despite me. I pray that the Evil One, who disguises himself so cleverly in our western nations but has no need to here, would be defeated by the saints of God. I pray that those of the true faith here in Burundi would rise up and fight the good fight; that they would step up and lead their country into the future.

The streets of Bujumbura are dusty and wide. What a contrast to the narrow, immaculate streets of Amsterdam where we spent a day in layover. (Both cities, however, resound with the noise of major capitol cities.) Our day in Amsterdam was dreamlike, the beautiful architecture of row houses and cobbled streets and flowers blurring together from the terrible jet lag we experienced. We enjoyed lots of strong coffee, visited the Anne Frank House, and the national museum (Rijksmuseum). We finished the day with a relaxing canal ride, taking in the sights (such as all the old houseboats that line the canals) and soaking in the sun.

We are in Burundi now, another world entirely! How to describe it? You just have to experience it for yourself! The atmosphere is wildly free, and I feel that I could talk to anyone. I stopped asking myself, “What should I say?” and now ask, “What do I want to say?”…”What does the love of Christ compel me to say, or do?” The appearance of the city itself is pretty simple: dusty streets that are busy but not overwhelmed with traffic; small buildings with French and Kirundi signs. The significant detail is the people and their curiosity towards strangers. They call out to us everywhere we go. We are able to make friends wherever we go. It is hard to believe that Bujumbura has a dark side, as most cities in the world do.

There is poverty too. You can see it in peoples’ faces, or in the shabby clothes of many. Some of the holes in the roads are not potholes at all, but the damage remaining from mortal shells. Everywhere, there are reminders of a terrible past. But hope is gaining, we believe.

We would really appreciate your prayers! Our team (Elwyn, Jeremy and ourselves) needs a lot of wisdom. We need to carefully consider what we are to do, making sure that it is what God wants us to commit to. Also, we are looking for a house. We are currently staying in two small dorm rooms, and they are only available until the end of the month. Finally, please continue to pray for the stability of the country. Thanks!

Just a quick post before we leave to say thanks to everyone!! We have had a wonderful time back in the States, and have once again been humbled by the amazing friends and family that God has surrounded us with. Thanks to all of you who pray for us, support us in various ways, and take an interest in what we are doing. God willing, we will be in Burundi shortly and we will keep you updated from there.