Sunday in Buja

Sunday in Buja began early with the 8 am service at nearby Ngagara FMC. This is a smaller, shorter service in English and French. Power was off to electronic music and PA was absent. I reminded folks that this was Ok. Jesus didn't have amplification when he delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Wore clerical collar and sport coat. But heat and an RC collar that slipped out of place much to the amusement of Americans present, caused a change into Philippino barong for 2nd service which began about 10 (every starting time is approximate). This had a more Congolese flavor (Buja is only a few miles from the border and many Congolese refugees live in this neighborhood. Power came on and so did all the electonic instruments. What resulted was loud, energetic, dancing, shouting in what seemed like a combination of Charismatic and African. Preached in this service also with translation done by a young man who works at the US Embassy teaching Americans French. It was about 1:30 after we greeted everyone, took pictures, and had soft drinks in the pastor's office. Then, after lunch and conversation with another American retired couple who have been coming here for a couple of months for five years, and a short nap, it was on to grading the test I gave on Saturday. Crashed by 8:30 in the darkness since power went out. But before getting to sleep in the heat power returned and so did the fans, enabling a sound night's sleep. We didn't even hear the Muslim prayer call at 4:30
Mary Ann is giving a test today, postponed from Friday at the request of the official class leader. I begin a week of listening to the 13 members of my Homiletics class preach in English or French or some combination thereof. How I wish I had kept up on my high school French!
While Burundi's dense population (somewhere between 7-900 per sq ml) is 90% rural with only two cities, Africa as a whole is becoming more urbanized. Got hold of an English language paper last week which said that by 2060 Africa is expected to be 65 % urban. While Burundi lags behind that trend it is evident here also. I have tried to discuss with students what a difference that makes in how ministry and preaching takes place.
Next Sunday pm, back to Seattle via Nairobi, Brussels, and Dulles. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve, participate in this active university community, and stay healthy while engaging vigorously in a different way of life. Thanks for your prayers.