10,000 Attend First Night of Festival in Bujumbura

The meeting area, about two acres in size, was tight and squished. Every part of it had been set up for the people to sit. 10,000 chairs total and they were all filled to capacity with some overflowing.

The people of Burundi have great rhythm in their step. The place was vibrant with singing, dancing, and rejoicing. Children, adults, the elderly, they all sung and danced rhythmically.

After we were introduced, Dan Dye shared his testimony of how he came to Jesus Christ. The audience connected well with him. I was then invited to bring the message of Jesus Christ. I preached from Luke 21:34-36. I felt God's Spirit moving through the word as I preached.

Expectant hearts sat on the edge of their seats taking in every word. I warned them of the soon coming day o f the Lord. I exhorted them of the Lord's call to repentance. I invited them to embrace the grace of God which is available through Christ. I called upon them to reject the ways and patterns of this world. I counseled them against drunkenness, fear, worries, witchcraft, dissipation, and idolatry.

Finally, I invited them to come to Jesus Christ so they may receive their gift of salvation. To the glory of God, about 89 people did respond to the call for salvation. I then invited those that have other needs in their lives to bring them to Christ. More than half of the audience had a need they wanted met. In faith, we prayed for them from wherever they were standing or sitting, believing God to minister to them.

God has started a good work here in Bujumbura and we are eager to see what He has in store for the remaining three days. Tonight we expect even larger crowds of people being a Friday night. Please pray for the sound system. Last night we kept having interruptions as the translator's microphone kept going on and off. Not a good thing.

Ephesians 6:19 "And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel."