Summer 2006
BURKINA FASO
Having already sent some guitars there previously, we knew that they would appreciate what we brought. The airlines agreed to let us take 12 guitars without incurring any excess baggage charge. As soon as we arrived, we realized that this place was like no other we had been before.
Without doubt it is the poorest nation we have visited. They told us how 5 years ago a war had badly effected them, then 2 years ago a famine hit them hard, leaving many suffering and surviving on next to nothing. What a blessing to go to the villages and see wells that have been sponsored by Incare. Benjamin, above, stayed in our home in 1992.
NATIONAL CHURCH LEADERS
It was decided that at the end of our visit, the guitars would be given to the Pastors of the Churches and Bible colleges we had visited. We found it humbling to sit in the room with these men, who had all told us their stories of how they had triumphed in adversity. We were presented with a leather map of Africa to commemorate our visit. What they lack materially, they more than make up for spiritually. The Churches are full, vibrant and buzzing with an air of excitement, rarely experienced anywhere else.
CHURCHES PACKED OUT
The main focus of the Church’s outreach is building schools. We were impressed with the way that the Pastors have been determined to make up for what the government lacked in education.
KEEN TO LEARN
AUGUSTINE, shown left, was the best guitarist we met in Burkina, he was proud to be able to give us a CD that he had recorded using a guitar that we had previously sent out to him. We were surprised by the standard of the musicians. The young people were keen to pick up any tips we could give them.
IN FEAR OF FAMINE
Life is harder in Burkina Faso, than anywhere else we have been. They are praying for rain as the riverbed is dry. Most are afraid of a repeat of the recent famine. I believe we have brought a little joy to their lives with the guitars we gave them.
Why not consider making a small donation to our work if you cannot sponsor a guitar. £5 will pay for a strap and a set of strings, £10 will purchase a padded guitar bag, and yes, for £39 you can still supply someone with a guitar!
We are now planning our next trip to Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Rep. Hungary and Croatia.