In Burundi, Africa civil unrest over President Nkurunziza's attempt to stand for a third term has resulted in an attempted coup. Sherry and Elmer Komant are Global Workers in Burundi, Africa. They have shared with us their account of events of the past day. 


You will be aware of the attempted coup that took place yesterday afternoon here in Burundi.  We are living with the consequences of that today.  There will be no movement for us. Yes, this is a volatile situation and there is a storm. However the Master is in the boat.  

(Photo from BBC Africa)

May 13, 2015 about 11:00  We have just come home from a quick and prayer filled staff meeting. (Crowds were gathering and the watchmen suggested it was time for us to leave the church unless we were planning to stay for as long as a potential demonstration would take place)  After two very rocky weeks, the general feeling is that the tone of things in the city is turning for the better. A crucial meeting in TZ with regional African leaders today/tomorrow could have a serious affect on the political temperature. 

There is no public transport in our city at this point.  Many people who have cars choose to walk to avoid roadblocks where trees and rocks are used as barricades, where tires are burned and reckless youths demand money for fuel or food.  Yet, on the upside, more shops are open from time to time and our "ghost town" takes on a semblance of a more ordinary life.  We live day by day without too much booked into the future. 

May 13, 2015 about 11:30   One of our interns who remained to study at the locked down Odeon Palace - the home of CLM, is in touch with us.  Protesters are leaping over the walls to escape riot police with water cannons/tear gas. Groups of people are taking shelter within the compound. He's safe and will lay low.  We are at home with our Youth Pastor for lunch listening to news coming in and sharing good fellowship. 

May 13, 2015 about 1:30  Elmer has the WORLD NEWS on.  Apparently a coup is going on!!  Shooting and shouting fills the air.  Our borders and airports are closed.  Prayer with watchmen and news reports bring a conclusion to this tumultuous day.  

May 14, 2015 about 2:00.  We've been in the "shooting range" for the past hour and a half.  Explosions and shots of all sorts rock this quiet neighbourhood.  It would appear that the main roads on either side of us are being utilized.  PRAY ON! :) 

May 14, 2015 about 05:30 It was a noisy night for many here in Bujumbura, but because the power never went off, our faithful antique fan roared the night away. It wasn't till about 5:30 this morning that we really heard the huge blasts.  A little deafness CAN come in handy!! :)  

May 14, 2015 about 07:30 The sounds of guns and heavier artillery have decreased.  We are instructed not to leave the yard and be very careful about whom we let into our gates.  Anyone who had anything to do with the attempted coup yesterday will be hunted down, and could bring trouble to any who house them.  One of our staff located close to a main hospital reports arrival of vehicles with those wounded.  


(Photo from BBC Africa)

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.  Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men” (Psalm 107: 28 -31)

We are grateful to be safe in this situation with the Master at the helm.

Blessings, 
Sherry and Elmer

Please pray for Sherry, Elmer and for the people of Burundi during this difficult and dangerous time. We believe in the power of prayer and it is times like this when we need to put our faith into action!