Burundi Bulletin

BUJUMBURA BULLETIN September 25, 2012

New Power Line Sends Shock Waves through Community                      

Jesse and Joy Johnson were thrilled when José and Marie, Swiss volunteers, offered to help pay to replace the power line connecting half of the church property where the Johnson's live to the power main.  The original line was pieced together from small sections of wire approximately four feet long.  Not only was this wire not heavy enough to deal with the three phases of electricity moving through it, but it also shorted out often during the rainy season when drops from the area's torrential rainstorms penetrated the links between the small sections of wire.  This caused frequent power outages at the church, the Discovery School, and many houses nearby. The Johnson's had contemplated replacing the line previously, but found the cost of 1500 USD prohibitive, thus their excitement at the offer of help. José (an electrician) and Jesse began replacing the line on September 17, 2012, and they plan to finish this week.

Unfortunately for all concerned, the first test of the new power line saw voltages spiking to 300.  Among the casualties were many light bulbs, several fans, three cordless telephones, and worst of all, a valuable desktop computer. Please pray that over time God will provide for these items to be replaced or repaired, and that the Johnsons will at least be able to get their data off of the burnt out computer.  Pray also that the remainder of the installation will be successful and uneventful.

Jose is on the right.  Jesse's brother Danny is on the left.  He and Anne are adjusting well but can still use your prayers. 

Teacher Quits Without Notice

All was in an uproar this morning at the Discovery School as teachers were moved to new positions in an effort to adequately replace a teacher who announced her resignation on Friday night from her position as third grade language arts teacher.  The teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous, asserts that her departure is due to difficulty paying high transportation fees to get to work, but sources say she was actually upset about the falling out she had with another teacher.  Regardless, she has left chaos and frustration in her wake as director Joy Johnson scrambled to reorganize teacher placement.  "It is like we are starting the school year over again, since so many teachers have been moved to new classes," Mrs. Johnson reported. 

Kindergarteners in the Discovery School's newest classroom

Fuel Shortage Cripples Capital

Though the value of the Burundi Franc has dropped significantly over the past few months, the government has not raised the price of fuel. Gas stations nation-wide have been losing money and are now striking to try to get the government to allow them to charge more per liter for gasoline. Stations are not bringing any more fuel into the country and are rationing what they have left.  Long lines snake from the pumps to the road as people wait in hopes of receiving a few precious liters.  Taxi drivers are perhaps hardest hit.  Thankfully diesel is still available.  "I am glad the film team's Land Cruiser runs on diesel and that it is free during the week so we can keep getting the children to school," says Jesse Johnson.

Cars wait in line at gas station

Bible School Announces Opening

Timothy Bible School in Bujumbura will be opening its doors again in October to welcome its newest batch of students for their third and final session.  This group of twenty-two is the tenth group that has studied at the school; the second at their new facility.  Pray that communication between teachers and students is good and that much is learned by all.

Rains Resume

Several hard rains at the end of August created much excitement as it seemed that there would be enough water for a plentiful planting season and harvest, but the rains petered out in early September.  Burundians and missionaries alike are praising the Lord for today's drizzle, as it is the first indicator that rainy season may be resuming.  Pray it continues to rain daily from now on-- otherwise there will be areas of famine in a few months due to delayed harvests.

Local Family Celebrates Birthdays

Jesse Johnson and his son Elliot were honored by friends and family this September as they celebrated birthdays.  Both had quiet family parties at home. Even though he has had some kind of tropical stomach bug for the past month (please pray!), Jesse managed to enjoy his angel food cake and a special fajita dinner.

Elliot, who is now two, also spent some of his birthday (yesterday) swimming at a nearby pool.  The Johnsons are praising the Lord for his life.  "Elliot had trouble breathing after he was born and was in the NICU for a week," says his mother.  "We almost lost him.  I would like to thank again all those who prayed for him and for us during that time. Thank you, too, to those of you who pray for us now!  God Bless You!"

Jesse, Joy, Zach, Micah, and Elliot Johnson