The community came.
The Joyful House of Refuge (JHR) dedication began with every seat filled and with people standing all around the canopy and chairs we had brought in for the event. Many were from the Bombo Pentecostal Church (BPC) family, many more others were from the community. They had witnessed JHR’s construction and must have been wondering, “what is this place that looks like a shining light on a hill?”
Half-way through the journey in Uganda, living in a newly built home filled with Burundians who have fled their country just because they were young. Time stops in this place. Breakfast is whenever, sometimes 11 am and lunch may happen as late at 4:30 pm. Family gatherings occur after late night dinners making for a long day. Appointments never happen “on-time” but do happen.
The word “refugee” is becoming a distasteful word. These Burundians are precious people who have hopes, dreams, and fears just like anyone. Young people who had to leave goals of becoming doctors and engineers behind in Burundi. Many ran for their lives even without saying goodbye to their parents. They saw many including best friends lose their lives. I am touched by these wonderful people in their sincerity, integrity, gentleness, kindness, graciousness, hard work and compassion.
After a two-day plane trip, the weary but excited Makintos finally arrived in Uganda! The next day they worshiped with Bombo Pentacostal Church. The church’s pastor, Alex Ojera, has been instrumental in the construction of AMI’s Joyful House of Refuge (JHR) and in the care of the Burundian refugees awaiting JHR’s opening. The refugees bid a tearful farewell as they expressed appreciation to the Ojera family, who has housed them for the past year. Praise God for the family we have in Christ!
The Makintos praising God at Bombo Pentecostal Church
Makintos express appreciation at Bombo Pentecostal Church
Was it Hafsa Mossi's compassion that got her killed?
Ms. Mossi, a respected Burundian journalist, radio reporter, and a member of the East African Legislative Assembly was assassinated in Burundi days after visiting the Mahama Refugee Camp in Rwanda. Shocked by the misery she saw there, she broke down and wept. When Ms. Mossi returned to Burundi, she aired her experience and was accused of being a traitor because of her expressed love for those who had fled her country. She had reported her fears to other journalists in exile but was murdered before anyone could help.
Hafsa Mossi's death has stunned many. The question remains, for this and other such violence that has driven 280,000 to flee Burundi since April 2015: Who will respond and when?
