Members Celebrate One Year in Burundi

 Sunday, 25 September 2011, marked one year since the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints was re-established in Bujumbura, Burundi.

President Gary L. Packer, Mission President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Lubumbashi Mission, after much research, preparation and direction from the First Presidency of the Church, sent two missionary couples and six young missionaries to begin to fulfill the pleas of many who have been petitioning for the church to come to their area.

Attending this first Sacrament meeting in over 16 years, were 8  members, who had joined the church in other parts of Africa but awaiting the return of the church to Burundi. There were also 37 friends of the church who were eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to learn more and be baptized. (not all pictured)

At this one year anniversary, there are now 194 members which are organized into two separate branches.

The truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are spreading quickly. Many neighboring areas are now pleading to have the church established near them.

To celebrate this year mark of the presence of the church in Burundi, Africa, the members of the Bujumbura 1 Branch organized to give service at the nearby hospital, Prince Regent Charles.

The Executive committee of the branch planned and prepared for the members to spend time with the sick and the needy.  They shared food and gave personal items along with words of hope in Jesus Christ, the words of Christ in scripture and literature of the Restoration.

From broken arms to parentless infants, much love and concern was shared with all ages. Prayers were also offered and shared by many individuals.

The offerings of love, friendship and service by the members of the church were well received.

Members were joyously enriched in giving and ministering as the Savior exemplified.

And ^athese signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they …lay ^chands on the sick and they shall recover;

And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I ^aconfirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

Mormon 9:24-25

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