Phase Four of Burenza Has Begun!

Almost two decades ago there was a vision for Burenza. A vision to build, to create, to serve, and to save. The vision started with a calling to go to a remote land away from everything in a place that few had heard of.  As this vision has become a reality and Burenza becomes a household name for most of us, it seems that much has been done. 

So is there more for Burenza? YES!! 

We are excited to announce that Phase Four, or the completion of Burenza is underway!

Outside the entrance to the "campus" of Burenza--the fence was a requirement by the government a few years back as part of the clinic mandates. The official "Burenza" sign in the background with smiling children

What was once just an open field has now become a hub of activity. Bringing the true Hope people need closer to their doors than ever before!

No longer do women have to give birth outdoors or on the floor. No longer do people need to seek solutions from a witch doctor. No longer do mothers have to decide between starvation or the unthinkable to feed their children. 

Photo taken in 2017 what the hospital bed/room used to look like

Construction of the maternity ward in 2020.

The three nurses outside of the new maternity ward in 2021

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 says: " Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step".

At times, this run has felt like a walk and other times like a sprint. No matter the speed, the prize remains the same. So to answer our own question, yes there is more for Burenza. And holding true to the vision may be just the biggest thing yet!!

If you’ve been with us on this quest for any length of time you will remember the building of a health center. Followed by the building of a new church. As things progressed an improved staff house was completed, improved septic system, well and water storage system and the addition of a new solar system to have electricity! No more candle power and cell phone flash lights at night! Hallelujah!  Most recently a brand new maternity ward improving our ability to serve birthing moms was formally opened in August 2021. 

We are excited to announce that we will continue to partner with the Free Methodist Church of Burundi in their vision to expand the health center to a fully qualified health clinic!

This means adding a separate men’s and women’s ward, expanding water sources, solar energy sources, updating the current incinerator and adding staff-including a doctor!

What is the difference between a health center and a clinic?

• Currently the health center has three nurses on staff. When Burenza becomes a “Health Clinic”  there would be a doctor present to see patients. There is another  health center in the area, but the closest clinic or hospital with a doctor is still far away from Burenza.

• 
  

What is the value in having a clinic at Burenza? What does this mean for the community?

• People in the area won't have to travel as far to see a doctor, and to receive immediate and specialized care.

• Due to the distance and travel to Burenza, it is imperative to have adequate housing for a doctor to stay while on call for the time in Burenza. 

An expecting mother receiving an ultrasound at Kibuye Hospital, which is one of the main hospitals in Burundi. This kind of services is what is hopeful for the completed vision at Burenza

What do most people go to the clinic to be seen for?

• Laboratory testing and consultative needs for children under the age of 5 years old are the most common needs for the clinic. To get an idea on how busy the clinic is-about 1300 visits are done with children under the age of 5, monthly.  Preventive consultation generally makes up the third most common visit. On average, at least one baby is born per day at Burenza. A chaplain is on site throughout the month to share the gospel and the Love of Jesus to the visitors.  
• 
  

What will it take for the health center to become a clinic? And why is it important?

• Expand Facilities and infrastructure

• construction of a new Incinerator

• construction of a sanitary system for the current facility and new construction

• Expansion of the water reserve

• Furnishings and supplies for the Men’s/Women’s Ward

• Outdoor kitchen prep area

• Potential changes and construction to the wall surrounding the current compound

• Construction of additional staff housing (doctor’s housing in particular)

• Expansion Solar Power

• As the health center grows, so does the infrastructure. Its imperative to have the proper foundation so the vision of Burenza can be at its most effective state. Upkeep and expansion cost is part of any healthy project to ensure its longevity and success.  

Where are we in the process?

New Incinerator is the first priority!

• Construction of a new incinerator will begin in the next two weeks. To upgrade to a larger incinerator, move location to a more safe distance from the current building and to rebuild a proper fence is an estimated $5,000 US dollars. This is also a requirement by the Burundi government to ensure proper health practices and sanitation is in practice at Burenza. Funds were sent the first week of March to start implementing this task.

The incinerator is too small for the growing operations at Burenza. Government regulation also requires proper fencing and location to be approved to move forward with to became a clinic. 

Condition of incinerator as of January 2022.

Outside of the health center at Burenza

What vision does the Free Methodist Church of Burundi (BFMC) have for Burenza?

• The Vision for Burenza  is part of a much larger movement from the Free Methodist Church of Burundi of which it is playing a piloting role. The Vision For Burenza  is that it would become a social hub from which people (locals) use as part of their daily lives:  To seek out medical needs, talk about faith, nutrition, and seek out educational direction and guidance. This is the work we have joined in with the BFMC (Burundi Free Methodist Church). Think of it almost like a “campus setting” where all these services are together and easily accessible- a centralized hub to receive and benefit from social services and church

What can JFM do to support our partner, the BFMC?

• Pray! Praying is the MOST engaging activity that any follower of Jesus can faithfully do. Pray for the leadership of Burenza, the staff at the current Health Center and for the patients to accept and receive Jesus. Pray how you can be lead to be a part of the vision!

• Keep engaged! Follow the Global Outreach Team with blogs, posts on social media to get the latest update on what is happening in Burenza.

• Be on the lookout for some special events! You will be able to learn more, hear great stories, ask questions from those who have been, and how you can play a role in this amazing work in Burundi.

• Donate- the overall estimated cost for Phase 4 completion is $300,000 US dollars. JFM is not responsible for all of the cost, but we do plan on raising half of the funds. Our partnership goal between JFM, the BFMC and other private donors is to be fully funded by the end of 2023. 

The excitement of obedience is finding out later what God had in mind and maybe not even till eternity to get a True Perspective of the entire Vision! Thank you for your engagement and your excitement as we move forward with cultivating changed lives in Burenza!