One of our coworkers in Burundi has noticed that shortages tend to go in cycles. “Last June and July, there was a shortage of beer. The beer returned in August, but then there was a shortage of fuel – mile-long queues at petrol stations were common. In September the fuel shortage eased, but then we began rationing electricity. Burundi generates all of its power through hydroelectric generators, and because reservoirs tend to get low toward the end of the dry season, electricity must be saved. The rainy season will begin soon and full-time electric power will return.”

But our coworkers note that the political and social atmosphere is very different. “While people are willing to live through shortages of ‘things,’ a shortage of hope seems to go on and on. People everywhere speak with pessimism and fear about the future. The recent [Sept. 19, 2011] killing of over 30 people in Gatumba, a town near the border of the Congo, has alarmed many. There are rumors that the rebel activity which instigated Burundi’s decades-long civil war is behind the violence. Some of our colleagues in the church already avoid certain provinces, where programs can not be performed because they fear for their safety. They report that groups try to extort ‘protection money.’”

“On the other hand, we recently visited a church in Kizina which participates in the Peace House program. A "Transformation Group" examines the political reconciliation between  militant groups and works to resolve local conflicts. The program began only a few months ago and is therefore still fragile and not yet deeply rooted. However, church leaders are working to bring people together so that the church becomes a place of peace and hope in the midst of anger, pessimism and violence.