A Tiny Piece of History

Today, October 19, 2010 on a hilltop high above the city of Bujumbura, Burundi, we were privileged to share personally in a tiny piece of the history of the Church as Elder Jeffery R. Holland dedicated the land of Burundi for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was accompanied by Elder Steven Snow, of the Presidency of the Seventy.

We had been preparing for this visit for some time but had been asked not to talk about this event before it happened. We had worked on transportation, housing, food and other details since we arrived in Bujumbura and things went just as hoped. Even the elements, which are not always cooperative during the rainy season, seemed to honor this day by being overcast and cool, but with no rain.

Only a few invited members were there. Elder Holland commented that down below us in the city people had no idea that this great event was happening, quietly and without fanfare, on the moutain side above them. But the hand of the Lord was extended over this tiny, long-suffering, war-torn land. Now the blessings of the gospel in it's fullness will be extended to Burundi and thousands will hear and embrace the gospel. This was our little group.

Back row-Jamesons, Pucketts, Elders Holland and Snow, Packers and Frogleys

Middle-Elder N'Gondo and the Malabis

Elders Kintembila, Moussa, Diazola, Mpoyi, Moussele, Kizimbou and Tshituka.

Brent was asked to translate for Elder Snow and Elder Holland. It's always a great deal of pressure to translate, keeping the spirit and meaning of the words, but putting it in the language and style that makes sense to the listeners. He did a wonderful job and it was an honor for him to be able to do it.

This was a tender moment for all of us. The elders, who have come so far from the rest of the Lubumbashi missionaries, to spend the rest of their missions in a land where language and culture are somewhat different for them, were so proud to be here. They are the best of the best and the groundbreaking elders, who will pave the way for many future missionaries who will come to Burundi. For the senior couples, who have worked hard to prepare for this day, it was a joy to see it come.

But for no one was it as tender as for the Malabis. They have lived in Burundi for four years with no Church presence. They had no sacrament, no auxiliaries, no home or visiting teachers, no priesthood leaders to support and shepherd them. They have taught the gospel to their children, who were not even able to be baptized when they were old enough because there was no permission to do so here. They held Sunday school and family home evening in their home, saved their tithing in a bank account for four years in preparation for the day when somebody would come so that that they could pay it. They have prayed without ceasing for the Lord to bring the Church to Burundi so that their family could have the full blessings of the Church. Today they saw this fulfilled as this land was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel and the establishment of the church here and the emotion was overwhelming.

We are here to help them for a short time. They, and others like them, are the pioneers on whose shoulders the future of this land rests.

We are so blessed to share this wonderful day and this unique experience with them, with other missionaries and with two special witnesses of Christ.

The blessings pronounced on Burundi by Elder Holland were powerful and beautiful. We will pray every day for the rest of our mission that we can consecrate our efforts to begin to bring these great blessings to the land and people of Burundi.