“That’s it, that’s what we need In YADA” exclaimed Ezechiel on our way to work one morning. I couldn’t see what he was pointing at, all I could see was a field with a grass shack. “ITUTA, ITUTA that’s what we need”, he continued. I know my dear husband well enough to not ask lots of questions at this stage but to let him dream, think big and form his plan. Then I will eek out the details and that’s what makes us a great team!
What Ezechiel had been pointing at was a local garden nursery, in Burundi it is known as an ITUTA. A place where seedlings are cultivated, nurtured and grown.
As the economic situation continues to worsen in Burundi the families in YADA are pushed even further into poverty. Many of our Mamas still have small children, from 2years upwards they are being left in the neighbourhood without a career while the mum finds some work. Small babies can go on their backs and not disturb too much but when they become toddlers it becomes more difficult. So they are left behind…..a small child recently died from falling in a small puddle of water, whilst others sit and wait for food to come. We don’t judge these precious Mamas, rather we long to help them.
After discussion with the community and our team, Ezechiel brought the idea of ITUTA. A place where children will be taken as seedlings. Where they will be sheltered, nurturedand raised up. Miraculously a space to rent was found in the community where everyone can access easily. Funding came in to build a room and a great deal of time spent with the community to agree that this was a community project that needed to be owned by them. Our pre school worker and children will use this space alongside younger children and Mamas will take it in turns to stay and help with the children. The fathers have created a rota of which men will guard the space at night (otherwise the roof and anything movable could be taken or the space used to sleep in). Such a fantastic example of community ownership!
On Monday of last week ITUTA was opened and despite torrential downpours children and parents came. Mamas wept in deep gratitude as they left their children in a safe space while they went to find work. Glory to God.
Please join with us in:
1. Giving thanks for the new ITUTA.
2. Thankfulness for Gods wonderful provision of a space and money to build.
3. Rejoicing that Mamas can leave their children in a safe space.
4. Prayer that the community will work together well and take on more and more ownership of ITUTA.
5. Asking God to help the children feel safe and secure at ITUTA.
6. Prayers for our family as we navigate family and ministry would also be very much appreciated. That we would get the right balance and have wisdom in all our decisions.
Thank you so much for all your prayer and support. We couldn’t do it without you!