What God Did Yesterday!

I attended the main BAGF church here in Buja this past Sunday.  The pastor had asked one of the Bible school students to preach. To be honest, I was shocked at this invitation. I had heard the student  speak previously and let's just say....well....STRUGGLE!   In November and December of 2008 I had taught the course "Expository Preaching" at the Bible school.  This dear brother had been in the class as I tried to teach the finer points of homoletical development in French. Not an easy task. 

I left Burundi in December at the end of that course thinking to myself: "not really sure if anything is going to come out of that course." Several of the students seemed quite puzzled by the need to develop a sermon.  In Burundi, just about anything goes in a service.  Preaching is all over the place.  My favorite so far was  the one about why  Burundian Christians need to drive a Mercedes Benz as proof that they are  walking in God's blessings.  Lots of cheers and shouts,  but one year later.....no jobs let alone German specialty cars. 

As this dear brother took the pulpit and opened the Bible the anointing came. So sweet and so powerful. He masterfully weaved together a perfect expository message.  Many in the congregation were stunned--- being challenged and stirred to the core.  I sat there with my mouth open- "is this the same guy???" 

Then he gave the appeal to receive Christ.  A very slender Burundian man came forward and knelt right at the front of the altar.  He was the only person that responded.  He began sobbing.  With tears pouring down his face he surrendered his life to Christ.  It was a holy moment.  How great the power of the Word to convince and the presence of the Spirit to convict!  I walked out of church in holy awe reminded of the fact that  God still uses HIS Word and HIS Spirit to touch hurting lives.  I was greatly encouraged that we are making a difference in Burundi.