The Burundi team is excited to receive a visit from the UCE Africa Director, Isaac Lema, in the month of June. In the meantime, they continue to conduct outreaches and especially minister through the radio. Reverend Onesiphore spoke on Star FM and extended an invitation that is many are waiting to hear: “If you haven’t yet signed a UCE card, it is not too late for you. Keep praying about it.” This is an important message because it is up to the free will to accept and live this drastic lifestyle change. The Ministry of Education in Burundi conducted a series of testing to see how the rates of HIV were in comparison to the previous year. The Diocese of Makamba saw the greatest reduction in HIV positive results, and only one girl out of the 2000 who were tested returned positive.
UCE Burundi is a fascinating ministry. It is believed that hundreds of thousands of people have heard the message of chastity through the radio in this country, so when the team goes to conduct an outreach in person, they are almost always known beforehand. The students’ in the crowd heard about them on Star FM, and it adds a significant amount of credibility and even fame to the message. This is exciting because it is now becoming acceptable and “popular” to be believe in purity.
At one outreach on March 7, 2017, the team met with a group of youths who do not attend formal school. They desperately needed to hear the message of chastity. This group of people seems to be forgotten by all the associations and organization which work against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, yet the diseases are common in the villages, especially this one. The opening question was whether they have ever heard of HIV/AIDS, and the answer was yes but on the radio. Then, the kids opened up and started sharing about their experiences with polygamy and cheating. It was an emotional time for everyone, especially for those who needed healing.
The team explained with compassion that we are all constantly healing. We are transformed in Christ alone, but we must cooperate with his mercy. Only then can we find peace in ourselves- body, mind, soul.