In March, Rev Albert Hakvoort and missionary consultant Rev Willem van 't Spijker paid a working visit to the Eglises Protestantes Réformées du Burundi. The visit was mainly dominated by discussions with the church leadership and pastors.
Tensions
Because of Covid-19, it was not possible to go to Burundi earlier. There was reason, though, because from deputations for missions there was a great need to get clarity on how things were going in the churches. Reports of tensions and blockades of a church building gave cause for concern. Fortunately, there was now an opportunity to travel.
Previous working visits also included a teaching module, but this time it had been decided to speak only to the church leadership. Fortunately, this was fully understood.
Extensive explanations were given about the tensions that existed with an elderly pastor. In the past, he had stood 'at the cradle' of the church together with a few other older pastors. Now he felt that he should therefore have the casting vote in everything. According to the church's internal arrangements, however, things are different.
And as working visitors, we explained to the church leadership that mission follows the internal arrangements of the EPRB. So that means keeping in touch with and through them.
Nice developments
Apart from tough conversations on that issue, there was fortunately also time to visit local churches. We were impressed by the commitment and love for the church. There was the example of the congregation of Mugaruro, 20 kilometres northeast of Bujumbura. The community members had leased a rice field for a while. With the proceeds from that field, a piece of land behind the old church was bought. They were also able to start building a new church.
We met two students studying theology at the University Espoir d'Afrique in Bujumbura on a scholarship from the Netherlands. They are now in their second year and will soon embark on an internship programme somewhere in the country.
