JOURNEY OF TRUTH IN BURUNDI
Bujumbura Women's Day 2005
By Benson Kyama, Bujumbura
Women's Day has been an annual event in the Bujumbura church, and this year, the 11 sisters of the Bujumbura Church of Christ saw 109 women gather on the 26th of February under the theme, "Journey Of Truth." Florence Ahenda, leader of women's ministry in the Kampala, Uganda church was the guest speaker.
That day, the Lord tested the faith of the disciples by allowing the weather to change. Rain began falling at 1.30pm, and by 2pm there were very few visitors in the hall. With much faith and prayers, the event began at 2.30pm,with an awesome welcome by Didi Ancilla, leader of women's ministry in Bujumbura. Two sisters prayed for the occasion, Judy Owino, leader of women's ministry in the Kigali church, and Donate.
This was followed by personal sharing, opened by Mrs. Alice Kaneza, who shared about how she discovered that she was not on the journey of truth after studying the bible with disciples. Examining the scriptures helped her to come out of the religious background which had blinded her for a long time. She illustrated, "people should not get their security from attending religious gatherings, but instead on having a true walk with God." She also shared how she has found her deep convictions in the bible as it is the one which will judge her at the last day. Alice exhorted the audience to lead a life focused on deep convictions from the scriptures.
Evelyn Rusagabandi says that she was convinced that she was going to make it to heaven because she was a nice person. "I thought being on the journey of truth was about being gentle, helpful and going to a church somewhere every Sunday morning. I got to know through the scriptures that the way of truth is in the bible.
Hyvone shared how she had let the facts take her away from God for awhile but she found that she was miserable in the world. Several visitors also commented about the event. Véronique says that "I have discovered that haven't been on the journey to heaven. I want to know it and be on it." She is studying the bible with sisters from the Bujumbura church.
Lilian says that she cannot continue living the same life after learning from such a wonderful message from Florence Ahenda. She is also studying the bible. Natasha says that the sharing by Evelyn and Hyvonne was very convicting and helped her tremendously. "Through Evelyn I realized that one can be in the crowds and ceremonies and yet be deceived. I want to be with God and to be a true disciple according to the bible.
One disciple, by the name of Georgette, said that she saw God work through the entire day. "It was very encouraging to see God at work even during the rain," she exclaimed. Didi couldn't help but declare, "God is so faithful. Knowing Burundians and the excuses they give when it rains, it was a real miracle to see 109 women in attendance. I pray that most of them will become disciples."
The day was very inspiring to every woman present. The musical and the dance performance were fantastic. The teens performed a wonderful song, "Jesus alone exalts," a fitting climax to the afternoon presentations, and an exciting conclusion to an exceptional event.
May the Women's Day prove to be, in the lives of those who came, what it was designed to be - a revival, as the word, will and warmth of God direct them and set them free to walk the journey of truth.
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