What a challenging, exciting and encouraging few months we have had. We have so much to share with you and want to begin by thanking you for all your love, prayers and support for the ministry.
We were so thankful to take our staff team on retreat over the summer (pictures above) where we reflected over the last few years and thrashed out together the future and what empowering this community looks like. We dreamt big and are so excited to see what God is going to do! There are many things that Ezechiel and I can be unsure of in life but one thing that we are absolutely certain of is God’s faithfulness. YADA belongs to HIM, Ezechiel and I and our team will continue to be the tools in HIS hands.
Great news, we found a place for YADA! After a lot of searching Ezechiel found a fantastic compound for YADA’s work and negotiated a 5 year rental contract. The orange buildings on the bottom left photo are the offices, on the other side is a large space where we need to put on a roof and build 3 classrooms and a kitchen. We are really encouraged by the community’s response to this new compound. One of the local leaders on his first visit said: “Look what God has done for us”.
From the outset Ezechiel & I have tried to point people towards God and not make YADA about us or what we can provide. We have gone slowly and built real and lasting relationships with these families. They have been frustrated with us when we haven’t given money or food packages, believing that we are like some of the other NGO’s that have a lot of resources. We don’t ignore someone who is in desperate need, we help where we can but we are dedicated and fiercely passionate about empowering people so they can help themselves and their community.
In September we gathered all the families and did our back to school distribution. Bags, copy books, stationery, uniforms, shoes, then off for a head shave. This is always an exciting time, we had even more dancing and singing this year as it was the first time we gathered in the NEW PLACE. Thankfully no rain! The children are currently coming into the compound and taking their daily cup of porridge and chatting with the team, however soon the heavy rains will come and unless we get a roof up and classrooms built, we will not be able to help them with porridge or tuition.
We would love if you would consider helping us continue this transformational work. We anticipate it will cost £3000. To give simply click the link below or send me a message. (Both links work for those who would like to give in UK & USA).
https://onecollectiveuk.org/project/Burundi-classroom-roof
Our other urgent need is that of a motorbike. Our manager at YADA has been using his own up until now but it has completely died. We use a motorbike to do school visits, home visits, various community meetings and administrative tasks. If you would like to give towards a new motorbike for YADA then click the link below. The cost is approximately £2400.
https://onecollectiveuk.org/project/Burundi-Schools-Outreach
Many of you reading this know us well and know that fundraising makes us squirm, however we do it because we want this transformational work to continue. As God has provided the NEW PLACE, we are trusting Him to provide what we need.
“But truly GOD has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” Psalm 66:19
Please join with us in
- Giving thanks for: Answered prayer!! A home for YADA; provision for a staff retreat and a wonderful time together; protection as we battled with COVID-19.
- Praying for provision for all the building work and motorbike needed for the ministry.
- Praying for wisdom as we lead our team and YADA’s ministry.