Watermark in Africa

Team arrived back in Dallas Saturday afternoon tired but energized by all we got to be a part of in Burundi. So great to see the ways God works in midst of a country torn by genocide and civil war. Restoration, hope, and faithfulness in ways transformation is taking place (Rom 12:2). We got to encourage them as we closed with current day Phil 1:3-11 prayers for them. Thankful for your prayers and ways God used week to grow and encourage us. President of Burundi will be at UN meeting in New York later this week and then swinging thru Dallas to spend time at Watermark on Monday evening 9/26. We will have a reception for him and the first lady along with some of his trusted leaders. President was re-elected in 2010 with over 85% of the vote. He is very popular and models servant leadership well as testified by the people he leads. Thankful for the window of influence God is using thru him and our partnership with ALARM in this country.  Kyle and Team.

Hey friends and family,

We wrapped up the conference……many very encouraging testimonies from participants. We spent the afternoon in Bubanza with kids in the orphan care program that has kicked off there. Such sweet tender kids and it was great seeing their faithfulness with what little they have.  ALARM has some great leaders in place and all being executed via local churches and families. Greta is a 16 year old girl caring for her 4 younger siblings. Her parents were killed in war/ genocide. Bubanza is on the Congo border and war started and ended there leaving many orphans. Start process to head back tomorrow, Bujumbura to Kigali to Nairobi to London to Dallas!  Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Kyle T.

Thank you for praying for us. We have been overwhelmed with the ways God has softened hearts and prepared the leaders here for action. The tenderness, love and compassion the team has for the people here has been an incredible testimony and God has used to develop some tender/ open conversations and sharing. It has been unusual to see the level of conviction, vulnerability and authenticity we are seeing among this group of Burundians. Robbie/ Mickey / Jason / and Caleb have done an incredible job of teaching , sharing and loving on the men. I continue to hear shouts of joy and praise from across the field where Emily , Sonya, Michelle,  Judy, and Lucina are teaching, loving and caring for women.  In addition they continue to have  bigger & bigger crowds from the kids as they rush over to be taught by the women’s team at their recess, lunch break and after school. Lucina was so energetic serving/teaching the women that she stepped thru a hole in the floor and scrapped up her legs, upper body , heels etc. . God protected her as no significant injury that we couldn’t take care of with my vast medical knowledge and our injury kit.  So encouraged by our time here and ALARM’s favor and faithfulness in this country . Wrap up tomorrow and then off to Bubanza to see orphan care program Watermark has helped seed here. Kyle Thompson

Incredible day!

Attendees are one of most responsive we have ever had; Highlights were several of them sharing specifics of how they have led poorly; specific action they will take to ask for forgiveness and lead differently (in line with God’s word) in their home and churches.

Got to also hear Albert’s story who is chief of staff for president. He is a modern day Daniel. Not from presidents tribe, political party, or region. Just a faithful guy who has impact many and president interacted with others God was transforming thru his ministry as a University student.

He is a young man and the political elites are not sure what to do with him. He doesn’t know any better than to follow God and his word.

Women said today was awesome!! Emily and Lucina taught and also have 60 kids they are teaching & 50 women. They made up a song of celebration because of how blessed they were today! We could hear the women singing all the way across a field where we were with the men. Will start the morning with hearing stories of action they took tonight; Psalm 107:2

Everyone feeling & doing great! Kyle Thompson

Sunday, 9/11, 2:01pm (Dallas time) Arrived tonight in Ngozi, Burundi. Team is healthy, excited, & ready to get kicked off. Had a great time of travel , seeing & smelling unique aspects of countryside. Great fellowship with our hosts & interpreters too. Can’t wait for tomorrow!!!

Praying Psalm34:1-3Kyle T.

Our Burundi team lead by Kyle and Lucina Thompson leaves Friday, September 9 and returns Saturday, September 17. Join us in praying for them by following the prayer calendar below.

Prayer Calendar for Burundi Team