It was a great pleasure to have Rosemary Zook with us on Sunday, May 4, to speak about her trip to Africa in February.
After church we hosted a Potluck Meal, and the Ellisforde church came up the hill to join us.
We then went upstairs to the Sanctuary for Rosemary's presentation.
In a preview of her presentation she wrote:
“THARS International was started by David Niyonzima, a
native of Gitega, Burundi. He was a teacher in a school there, when the Tutsi’s
came with guns and began killing everyone they could find. David hid, and
escaped being killed. He felt that God had saved his life so he must do
something to stop this terrible situation. So, he started the THARS
organization: Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Services…"
The THARS Complex in Burundi, Africa.
"My trip was a most humbling experience. It was also rewarding, hard work, a lot of fun, and many, many other things. The team I worked with consisted of people from the United States and Canada, and the Congo, as well as local employees of the Burundi THARS. We didn’t all speak the same language, but we all knew how to work."
Rosemary, on the left...
...and the rest of the volunteers on the trip.
"We worked at the THARS complex by leveling a hill and building a parking lot, one shovel full at a time, planting a garden (with the children’s help), working with children both at local schools and at the complex. We also shared devotional time, speaking and singing in different languages. This was a rewarding experience for all.”
The parking lot work site.
Clearly it was rewarding, but the reward didn't come without courage, some sacrifice, and lots of hard work. Thank you for taking the leap of faith that took you to Africa, Rosemary, and for coming to tell us about it, and to challenge us to look for our own opportunities to serve.
If you would like more information on Thars International, go to these links:
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