Africa Inland Mission’s yearlong ‘Inbound’ orientation programme helps new missionaries like Burundians Jean Thierry Nshimirimana and Moise Nsengiyumva to explore opportunities in some of the remote mission locations served by MAF.
“The first day was a day I won’t forget,” said Jean Thierry, speaking of the welcome that he and his colleague Moise received from the Laarim community on arrival.
“There were many people in that community who came to us. They wanted to dance and sing together, even though we didn’t know the language. It was to show us the good love and welcome.”
Jean Thierry and Moise travelled by bus from their home nation, Burundi, to Nairobi in Kenya before continuing their journey with MAF to Torit, South Sudan, where Africa Inland Mission (AIM) has its base.
“We really enjoyed flying in with MAF because they helped us to reach Laarim quickly. We enjoyed the flight because it made our journey easier,” Jean Thierry said.
We really enjoyed flying in with MAF because they helped us to reach Laarim quickly.
Missionaries from AIM hosted the team for their two-week visit, sharing their experiences from working amongst the Laarim for more than a decade.
During the trip, Jean Thierry and Moise had the opportunity to experience the highs and lows of remote mission life in Kimatong, one of the locations they may decide to work.
“We took some time to collaborate with the missionaries who are on the ground and observe how they are doing discipleship,” said Jean Thierry.
“We got some opportunities to ask some questions about the challenges they have. After hearing about the challenges, we saw also how we can prepare ourselves for being on the mission field. I had many experiences. I want to thank MAF very much!”
Insecurity in the areas where AIM missionaries work includes intercommunal violence between villages and armed attacks that make many roads too dangerous to travel.
“Our first MAF flight was coming from Nairobi to Torit. In Burundi the roads are good and safe to travel – you don’t need to fly between towns. It’s something new for us,” Moise said.
A recent road trip in South Sudan gave them a ‘taster’ of local roads.
“It was the first time we saw that cars can pass through the bush in places where it seems like there is no way. The place was totally bushy. We got stuck many times!
“Before we came here we had some information that there are no roads – but now, we are living the reality of this and seeing it firsthand,” Moise said.
Travel is one of many challenges they are getting to grips with. Other challenges include language and cultural differences that they will need to master in order to connect with people in the communities.
In a year’s time, Jean Thierry and Moise will embark on their own ministry amongst an unreached people group.
Despite the language barrier, the Laarim community in Kimatong indicated that they would be happy to welcome the Burundians back.
“The people asked, ‘Oh! When will you come back?’ I saw that this community has really loved us!”
Moise concluded with an enthusiastic word of thanks.
“Thank you for the work MAF are doing to support the places the missionaries are reaching.”
Before we came here we had some information that there are no roads – but now, we are living the reality of this and seeing it firsthand