Burundi | Julie Nash Missions

BURUNDI

Spring break of 2020, I was able to spend a week in the beautiful nation of Burundi evangelizing on college campuses with CRU. I led a small team of 3 just before the world shut down. This was the first mission's team our partners in Burundi had received in 8 years. The goal was simple = share the gospel & make disciples who make disciples. We had complete favor as we entered into a local university. We spoke in classrooms, shared the gospel message with several students, and would schedule follow up meetings to continue discipling them. Check out some of my favorite moments from the trip below!

Oliver, Honore, & Simplice

After talking through the gospel with them, these 3 business students shared with me a business idea they hope to launch together. Their goal is to each save up enough money, so that together, they could create a place to feed the poor children of Burundi. They want to provide a place for children to eat, & then use that opportunity to show them the love that God has for them.

They come from broken homes, have all lost family members & are living in poverty themselves. Yet, they still choose to sacrifice the little they have to meet a greater need. That is the heart of God & that is our call as believers.

These three went on to carry out several events where they provided for the next generation. They always make sure to send me pictures every time they do! I came to Burundi for a week, but these three men will leave a legacy that marks their city & transforms the lives of the next generation.

Meet Eddy

Day 1 - I met Eddy while evangelizing on college campuses. I began to share the gospel with him & immediately he said, “I want this!” We finished going through the gospel & Eddy ended up giving his life to Christ! I couldn’t believe how quickly he said yes & I couldn’t help but wonder if it would last!

Day 2 of seeing Eddy, he came up to me and said, “My heart feels so different now. There are so many sins I’ve done— things I can’t even say with my mouth. How do I make sure my life in Jesus lasts? I never want to go back to my old life!” So, for the next hour we read through the Bible, talked about the Holy Spirit, & engaged in questions! Eddy was hungry for more & he shared with me his desire for friends who want to seek God & walk this out with him. (Anyone else ever been there before??)
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Day 3 of seeing Eddy & he ends up sharing his faith & leading someone to Christ! This is just 2 days after accepting Jesus! He shared with me with such joy and excitement, “Now I have a brother to do this with! This is how I’ll do it! I will share the gospel with more people and we will seek God together.”
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Maybe that sounds like it moved a little fast to you, but to me, that sounds like the great commission—making disciples who make disciples. We still keep in touch & Eddy continues to serve the LORD faithfully.

The Little Ones

While waiting for university students to get out of class, children would come running from their homes and meet us outside the school. We used our free time to play games with them and act out Bible stories. For those of you know me, you will know that my heart will always be to teach all the little ones about how much God loves them. These were precious moments, that although not anticipated, allowed us to spend a little extra time with the children of Burundi.