This
has been a busy five weeks that I have been back in the States since
returning from Tanzania. Tomorrow I leave for Rwanda.
Writing project: the church
Since I finished revisions to ECLEA's Biblical Theology and Christianity & Islam: Theological Essentials,
I believe that the subject of next importance is a work on the church,
particularly the church's important missional role of engagement with
the community and culture. Many people, both in the West and in East
Africa, think that the entity primarily responsible for caring for human
needs is the government or, at least, "others." In fact, God has given
to us--the body of Christ--that privilege and responsibility as we live
out the gospel. Particularly in East Africa, the church can have
tremendous influence in society if it will reorient its priorities along
more holistic gospel lines. I have been researching this for the past
few weeks.
Burundi visa
My
plan for this trip was to spend two weeks in Rwanda and then conclude
with a week in Burundi. The rules for obtaining a Burundi visa changed:
instead of getting the visa at the airport or border, now one must send
one's passport to the Burundi embassy in Washington, DC, and approval
for the visa must come from Bujumbura (Burundi's capital). I sent my
passport to the embassy as soon as I returned home to Appleton, but on
Monday spoke with the embassy who advised me that approval for my visa
has not yet been received. Since I am leaving Saturday morning, I had to
request that they send my passport back to me. I may be able to apply
for a visa at the Burundi embassy in Kigali, Rwanda. If I am unable to
get the visa, I will try to do an extra training session in Rwanda and
then return to Burundi probably in October.
Thank you for your prayer and financial support. God bless you, Jonathan
