I have traveled to Burundi many times and any time I was in a neighborhood close to where I live now there was a young boy. This young boy always made trouble. He would make fun of people and when we had camps he would try to steal from the orphans. Over the years this young boy was also escorted out of meetings, because he was drunk and being disruptive. One year we came and Josh got in a confrontation with the boy because he was lying that he hadn’t taken something from an orphan, but Josh saw he did. He gave it back.

I never knew this boys name, I just knew I always had such a bad feeling when he was around and quite honestly, I just didn’t like him. A few months ago, we were still in that States, and God put this young man on my heart to pray for. I thought, “God, why would I pray for him? Plus, I don’t even know his name!” But I prayed and I prayed. And I never really thought of him again.

This year when we were in that neighborhood I was walking and someone came up and said, “hello” in English. I looked and there was the young man. He was clean, he was kind and most of all he was smiling. I walked with him a little ways and I asked his name. His name is Pacifique. He was so gentle and kind and I was so baffled because this was not the young man I had seen before. The Pacifique I knew was mean, always angry looking and always looking for trouble. His English was pretty good so we talked a little bit.

A few weeks ago my class was opened to a few people in the area who were interested in improving their English. My main focus is definitely the Sister Connection staff, but others can join to practice their English. I looked up and entering my classroom was Pacifique. He is now one of my best students he is engaged, excited, and thankful for the opportunity to improve his English.

He had a very difficult home life growing up and he struggled immensely in school, but he finished and he was very glad he finished. He is actually a bright young man and I was able to talk to him and tell him Jesus saved him and God has great plans for his life. He says he believes, and we are thankful for the opportunity to speak truth into his life while we are here.

God is so good to constantly remind me there is no one beyond His reach!