There are concerns in Burundi. These also affect the Embrace Centre, the shelter for street children, which we support from our churches. Project coordinator Marieke Nduwimana-van der Leeden writes about what is going on and urges us to intercede.
No petrol
We have been in a difficult period for a long time. Because of the war in Congo, just across the border, there is a shortage of petrol and this affects our work. You could become despondent about it or even resignedly accept it, but it is precisely then that we need to pray!
Petrol is almost impossible to get. Each car is allowed to fill up on two set days a week. We were allocated Wednesdays and Saturdays. Then you brace yourself and, after waiting for hours, try to get a spot at the pump. If no petrol is available that day, you are just out of luck and have to hope it will be there the next time. Prices on the black market are as much as five times higher than the normal price of petrol.
The fuel shortage is having a huge impact on the economy and the mental well-being of the population. It has been going on for so long now! It also affects our work. Very little public transport can run and it takes employees hours to get to the Embrace Centre. As a result, they can spend few hours at the centre and they are tired. Some children and youth have already had to miss a lot of school days, due to the lack of petrol. It does not look like this situation will change anytime soon. We continue to pray for a breakthrough!
War refugees
The war in Congo is pretty close. It is estimated that 40,000 refugees have come to Burundi. We pray that they will be well received. We also pray for the security of Burundi, that the war does not come this way and further destabilise the country and claim more lives.
Drought and disease
There is very little rainfall, a remarkable climate change. So we cannot collect rainwater and Embrace's beautiful flowers and plants and vegetable garden are struggling. The harvest is uncertain and hunger is looming for many Burundians. We also have many sick people in the team at the moment, with someone sick every day. Malaria in particular is making the rounds.
Are you praying with us for rain, healing and protection? Thank you!
