Sponsorship changes lives!!! :)
A young man came to CHQ on Tuesday. He introduced himself as Elie Nzayisenga. He wanted to invite the Salvation Army to come and celebrate his graduation from university.
It turned out he was one of many young people receiving sponsorship during Secondary school a couple of years back. Í was amazed. Today he is graduationg from university and the Project Officer and I are going to attend the festivities!
It turned out he was one of many young people receiving sponsorship during Secondary school a couple of years back. Í was amazed. Today he is graduationg from university and the Project Officer and I are going to attend the festivities!
This is what a helping hand can accomplish, this is what a sponsorship for school fees can do. We do not have any projects for school fees for this anymore, but today we can see the fruits of that project. We have at least four young people here that have been able to study six years in secondary and then at university. We are blessed.
We will give him the latest translation of the Bible in kinyarwanda that the Bible Society published two years ago. In it we have put the Mission statement, the doctrines and the explanations fro the Crest.
We have also written a dedication for him in rememberance of this day.
And his subject at university?
- Yes, I have to admit, I am impressed. Some people just have the most amazing gifts, and Mr Elie likes numbers, order, organisation so he has now got a bachelor degree in "Applied Statistics"
May God bless all of you sponsors that have made this come true for Mr Elie! I hope the Sponsorship Secretary in your territory will share this good news, so that one day, we might be able to do this again; to sponsor young teenagers to be able to do secondary and university studies.
- Yes, I have to admit, I am impressed. Some people just have the most amazing gifts, and Mr Elie likes numbers, order, organisation so he has now got a bachelor degree in "Applied Statistics"
May God bless all of you sponsors that have made this come true for Mr Elie! I hope the Sponsorship Secretary in your territory will share this good news, so that one day, we might be able to do this again; to sponsor young teenagers to be able to do secondary and university studies.
AT
Burundi Salvationist Uniform Celebration 4 Aug 2013
We are marching in the light of God
Marching on the streets of Bujumbura, Burundi. The salvationists looked so nice in
Marching on the streets of Bujumbura, Burundi. The salvationists looked so nice in
new blouses, skirts, metal s and slip ons for celebrating 6 year anniversary of the official
opening of the Salvation Army in Burundi (5 Aug 2007)
opening of the Salvation Army in Burundi (5 Aug 2007)
Photo: A-M
and this day was also the finale of the saving Campaign: "Let´s save up for new uniforms"
a six month saving programme. This day was the first (but not last?)
SALVATIONIST UNIFORM
CELEBRATION DAY
Photo: A-M
76 salvationists took part of the programme and 46 had saved enough to be able to get
one or more details for uniform. In Burundi most of the members live in poverty, many
of our fellow salvationists are what we would say "vulnerable" living below poverty line,
which means they have less than US$1 per day. More than 80% counts as unemploued
in Burundi, living off what the land can give. To have a uniform has not been possible
for some and not prioritized by others.
Photo: A-M
Last year the Section Officers for Burundi approached me as Sponsorship Secretary and
asked what they could do about this. We talked and I suggested a programme of saving
during a longer period of time. I made posters and paper cards to put in the Bible to help
Officers to promote the project.
Photo and Layout: A-M
For six months the salvationist were to save every month with the help by the section.
All money were to be documented and put in the bank.
All money were to be documented and put in the bank.
Photo: A-M
Soon, some women started saving and they encoraged more to follow. Even some of
the children and youth joined the savings programme. From Projects Department we also
the children and youth joined the savings programme. From Projects Department we also
put together a Concept Note for Mission Support so that maybe we could get some extra
funding. The project was not picked up by any donor, but we got a small donation from a territory
that could assist in the project.
Photo: A-M
Major Robert, Project Officer and Captain Emmanuel, Public Relations Officer during
the march.
Photo: A-M
Enthusiasm!
Photo: A-M
A minute of tomorrow´s history!
The ladies did well. When finalizing the list, we could see that many of them were able to
save to get something. For example many wished to save up for the "metal S" we put on the
jacket of the uniform.
Thanks to the donation we could double the money and there were so many happy happy
Thanks to the donation we could double the money and there were so many happy happy
faces when we announced how much they had saved up on their own.
Imana n´inziza, God is good!
Photo: A-M
Salvationist MrsTabu looking good in her uniform (and a new blouse) :)
Photo: A-M
Saluting Officer Commanding
All salvationists greeting the Officer Commanding, Lt Colonel Joan Dunwoodie in front
of the Section Office and Hall.
Photo: A-M
Item from a Youth group from the section
Photo: A-M
Testimonies from the project
Mr Pamello is giving his testimony of how he signed up for the saving programme
"Salvationist Uniform Celebration". He was happy to be one of the best savers and encouraged
"Salvationist Uniform Celebration". He was happy to be one of the best savers and encouraged
the congregation to start a "phase 2" - to save during six months and keep celebrating
The Salvationist Uniform Celebration Day.
The project came to be to encourage and empower the salvationists to save up whatever
The project came to be to encourage and empower the salvationists to save up whatever
small sum every month for six month and be able to buy uniform details like shirt, skirt,
trousers, tie, slip ons, metal S and so on... and he felt blessed that the church helped him
achieve to get fabric for shirt and trousers fabric and even get the cost for tailoring thanks
to the donation from salvationists in another country.
Photo: Robert
Mrs Charlotte took part of the project and was the person who after six months had
saved the most. She was able to get fabric and have the tailor sew a full uniform.
A beautiful blouse had been given from a donor together with some metal S and epaulettes
to the project and and it was given as contribution for the good work she had done. 
Photo: Robert
Mrs Charlotte and Agnes received two brouches to wear to the uniform and they
encoraged their fellow salvationist to join the programme in the "phase2" - "we will not
stop now, we want to continue saving!"
We had also received some blouses, slip ons, epaulettes, brouches from salvationists
in Sweden when we were home for furlough, that we could give as encouragement to the
"best savers"
Photo: Robert
I stated the women did the best results... I have found that often it is the women who do
that, so we wanted to encourage the men to step up. The three men that had saved the
most were asked to pep/encourage and promote the saving programme by giving their
testimonies to fellow male salvationists. Mr Obed, the best from youth savers was given
epaulettes for his uniform, Mr Samuel got slip ons and Mr Pamello got a London style
Salvation Army shirt.
Photo: Robert
Youth saving, too!
Yes, 17 children and youth had joined the programme saving a little bit every month.
14 of these were, with addition from the donation able to get slip ons.
Photo: Robert
All those children were called by name and received the slip ons from the hand of
Officer Commanding, Lt Colonel Joan Dunwoodie.
Photo: Robert
Photo: Robert
Photo: Robert
Photo: Robert
Photo: Robert
Sewing machines for Burundi Section
We ended the Salvationist Uniform Celebration part of the meeting by praying and dedicating
two "butterfly" sewing machines and as a surprise, one electrical basic sewing machine
to the work of the Lord. The section now have four non electrical and two elecrical machines
- maybe we will see a vocational training in sewing in the near future?
Photo: Robert
Did you notice the jar in front of me on the platform? When we arrived to Rwanda
in March 2012 I almost immediately started putting the very "small" coins in a jar, because
I didn´t know their value enough to feel comfortable to use them when shopping. Today
the jar is full of coins and when counting amounted to 15,000 Rwf which is a lot of money!
So I used the jar as an example that even the smallest contribution to the savings
programme will eventually come to be enough to buy something you really want/need...
Saving is empowering you to get that, and helps you to treasure even the smallest coin
as an important part of the plan for the future.
Photo: Robert
6 year anniversary!
This was also the 6 year anniversary of the official Salvation Army opening fire in Burundi.Many items were presented from the salvationists from the different outposts.
Here the inspirational tambourine brigade:
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Photo: A-M
Photo: A-M
Photo: A-M
Photo: A-M
The Officer Commanding, Liet Colonel Joan Dunwoodie preached this day...and no photo
can be posted because we all listened and paid attention to the message :)
The Home League Singers from Bujumbura also shared an item during the meting
Photo: A-M
All photos: Copyright by Anna-Maria Tuftström
Can be used within The Salvation Army by permission
Can be used within The Salvation Army by permission
Originals can be sent to you via www.wetransfer.com
Dedication of Rubirizi Hall and preschool Sunday 26 May 2013
Hi! I have tried for two whole days (app 18 hours during the last three weeks
to get photos uploaded, but unfortunately without success. I so want to tell
you the latest news; CB pig project, Rubirizi dedication, Burundi Uniform
Celebration project, Volunteer Carolinas goodbye party...
Ok, so I will not give up - have so much to tell...
Update: Yes! One more entry accomplished! Enjoy! /Anna-Maria
Preparations...
Major Bente had prepared a program and...
Photo: Carolina
... before starting on the painting I thought of using Joh 3:16. Our theology, Jesus with the
children and his death and resurrection should always land in those words: For so loved
God the world that He gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish but have eternal life... Bente had made a very nice page in the program with that
Bible verse.
Photo: Carolina
More preparations; the road to the Hall was decorated with traditional banana leaves and
flowers :) Everyone in the village could see there was a special festive day to happen
this day.
Photo: Carolina
We arrived early in the morning to prepare for the dedication. We had brought the crest
painting and the cadets assisted in placing the painting.
Photo: Carolina
Captain Elianise, Cadets Odette and Vedaste and Captain Dancille preparing the ribbon...
Photo: Carolina
... that General Secretary will cut after dedicating the Hall to the Lords work in the
Salvation Army Rwanda
Photo: Carolina
Volunteer Ms Carolina preparing the three Children´s Bible that we were to give to
Sunday school and preschool, with self adhesive plastic. Carolina was the photographer
for "Sponsorship News" this day.
Photo: Anna-Maria
The children had small flags made by blue, red and yellow paper ribbons on sticks.
Photo: Bente
Open Air
Before the dedication of the Hall the cadets invited to an Open Air meeting in the center
of the village and prayer.
of the village and prayer.
Photo: Bente
Then we marched back to the hall.
Photo: Carolina
And so we arrive to the Hall...
Photo: Carolina
The Salvation Army Hall (church) and preschool building
Photo: Carolina
Ready for a holy moment, ready for the dedication of this hall to serve the people of Rubirizi...
Photo: Carolina
Halleluiah! This day is a great day, this is the day that the Lord has done, Let us rejoice!
General Secretary gives a speech in front of the entrance of the hall. Mr Francois is
translating to ikinyarwanda.
Photo: Bente
Speeches and greetings...
Project Officer talked about Jesus as the cornerstone that
Project Officer talked about Jesus as the cornerstone that
the church is built on and then pronounced the Hall project as completed and turned it
over to the Rwanda and Burundi Command to own, use and take care of.
Photo: Bente
The contractor/builder of the Hall, Mr Joseph, salvationist at Rubirizi handing over the
key for the hall to General Secretary Captain Jean Clenat...
Photo; Carolina
Opening of the Hall...
Photo: Bente
The Opening Celebration praise meeting...
The Rubirizi salvationists singing
Photo: Carolina
I, Sponsorship Secretary gives a speech about walking in faith... pray and work...
"If you (parents, villagers, salvationists in Rubirizi) do your part, I as Sponsorship then
the Lord will do his work. We have to believe in our vision, and work for it, accomplish the
very most we can. Today the Lord has blessed us- we did our work- you cleared all this land,
the whole village helped and even if it was The Salvation Army land you had a vision that
maybe one day the Salvation could build a hall that could benefit the whole village.
The preschool would be able to move in and that would also benefit the community. "
"You did this because you had prayed and had a vision that this could happen. You want to
the very best for your children and to create a good future for all families here. I saw what you
did, here in my hand I have one of the stones you cleared. I saw that you were committed to
your vision and I as Sponsorship Secretary wanted to share that vision - to be able to provide
a good environment for the preschool children and a place for the salvationists to meet and
worship. The Salvation Army in Rwanda and Burundi Command decided to commit to the vision
the very best for your children and to create a good future for all families here. I saw what you
did, here in my hand I have one of the stones you cleared. I saw that you were committed to
your vision and I as Sponsorship Secretary wanted to share that vision - to be able to provide
a good environment for the preschool children and a place for the salvationists to meet and
worship. The Salvation Army in Rwanda and Burundi Command decided to commit to the vision
you had. Today we celebrate our shared hard work and the blessing that salvationists in other
countries have assisted with means to build a hall on this ground. So are you done praying now?
Do you think everything is done now? Have you no more prayers to pray and work for now?
(The crowd shouted "No!")
Let us keep praying Let us share the visions for the Lord´s work in Rubirizi. Let us do our part
and He will do his part..."
Do you think everything is done now? Have you no more prayers to pray and work for now?
(The crowd shouted "No!")
Let us keep praying Let us share the visions for the Lord´s work in Rubirizi. Let us do our part
and He will do his part..."
Photo: Bente
The Salvation Army had no funding nor plans to build anything in Rubirizi, and yet the
villagers went out in faith and did what they could to start a chain of events that the Lord
acted on. Today we have received some funding and thanks to village builders, salvationists
and volunteers, we now can provide 80 children with preschool.
Photo: Carolina
General Secretary Captain Jean , Project Administrator Mr Francois,
Sponsorship Secretary Major Anna-Maria and Project Officer Major Robert, Public Relations
Officer Captain Emmanuel and Extension Training Officer Captain Dancille during the meeting.
Sponsorship Secretary Major Anna-Maria and Project Officer Major Robert, Public Relations
Officer Captain Emmanuel and Extension Training Officer Captain Dancille during the meeting.
Photo: Carolina
Praising Jesus!
Photo: Bente
Preschool children in the meeting
Photo: Bente
Gifts were presented to the Leadership, Captains Jean Laurore and Elianise from the
section and salvationists in Rubirizi by Captain Dyna Tungo
section and salvationists in Rubirizi by Captain Dyna Tungo
Photo: Carolina
Smile!
Photo: Carolina
As Sponsorship Secretary and Project Officer we were given a gift presented by the
youth. We received eggs in a beautiful box and...
youth. We received eggs in a beautiful box and...
Photo: Carolina
... a chicken - an alive one!
Photo: Carolina
We will say good bye for this time by the traditional "group photo"...
Photo: Carolina
Okey, almost good bye- just a last view from Rubirizi... 
Photo: Bente
Now we will say good bye... for now - see you soon! God bless!
/A-M
Motor skills
We have bought by/tricycles to the preschoool in Kayenzi.
Thanks to a donor we could get material to assist our Children in their motor skills. It took
some time to find good bikes, but now there arefour bikes in place at Catherine Booth preschool.
We have decorated them with the Salvation Army sticker, so they look nice.
You can see them in use in the blog entry "playtime at Catherine Booth preschool)
some time to find good bikes, but now there arefour bikes in place at Catherine Booth preschool.
We have decorated them with the Salvation Army sticker, so they look nice.
This is a big step in the development of the standard for the preschools here in Rwanda.
Today, this is the only preschool with this Equipment. Thank you for providing this for the Children
Today, this is the only preschool with this Equipment. Thank you for providing this for the Children
You can see them in use in the blog entry "playtime at Catherine Booth preschool)
Copyright:
Photos and text; Anna-Maria Tuftström. May be used within the Salvation Army media and Sponsorship contact
Photos and text; Anna-Maria Tuftström. May be used within the Salvation Army media and Sponsorship contact
