Refugees in Cape Town

Many of the people with whom Gail, worker in Cape Town, South Africa, ministers to are refugees from Burundi.  These people come from a country with internal strife.  In the 1980’s and 1990s, over 1.1 million of the people of the Hutu and Tutsi tribes were murdered as these tribes fought each other for equality and power within Burundi and Rwanda.  The instability from this as well as from unstable government leadership in this third world part of Africa has lead many Burundians to set out for stability and a place to call home that will give their children a future.  This home for many of them is South Africa.  These people have left family in the capital city and tribal lands.  In January 2013, a very large fire engulfed the tin covered open-air outdoor market in the capital city of Bujumbura.  Many people lost their homes and all means of a livelihood for themselves and their families.  Burundians all over South Africa were heartbroken and amazed at this vicious infernal outbreak that could take people’s lives, homes, and sources of income.  They were even more amazed at the report that it was set by the police.  Please be in prayer for these people loved of God as they struggle to get back on their feet, rebuild homes, and mourn their losses.  Pray for them to search for the peace and harmony that only the Lord can give.  Pray that, in the midst of this loss and confusion, people will give their lives to the Lord and follow Him.