The ARK (Adventist Refuge of Knoxville) ended its yearlong voyage on August 23, 2008 as nine Burundians joined the College Hill SDA Church. Seventh-day Adventist refugees from war-weary Burundi in central Africa arrived in Knoxville in the summer of 2007 and were welcomed by ARK, a coalition of eight Adventist churches from two conferences. In cooperation with other agencies, ARK met urgent material needs, and laid plans for ongoing ministry, including the establishment of a worship service in Kirundi, the refugees’ native language. According to its ability, each church contributed funds, supplies, and/or volunteers. Challenges ranging from translation to transportation were met with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment.

 

As they worked side by side, the volunteers earned mutual respect, gained one another’s affection and confidence, and challenged the boundaries between congregations. Evenings and weekends normally spent in relaxation or household chores were willingly sacrificed in service. Resources normally devoted to personal use were freely given for those with a greater need. The Holy Spirit used this project to redeem people, to open eyes and hearts, and transform attitudes and behaviors. 

 

The language barrier made spiritual ministry difficult. Conference presidents Benjamin Browne (South Central) and Ed Wright (Georgia-Cumberland) agreed to share travel expenses for African volunteers from elsewhere in the region. They brought a Kenyan teacher and his wife, Isaiah and Grace Orodo, who commuted from Nashville every other week in the spring of 2008 to preach, teach, and visit. They borrowed a Kenyan pastor, Enock Omosa, from Umoja SDA Church in Raleigh once per quarter. A chain of contacts were made at the Review & Herald Publishing Association, at a publishing house in Rwanda, and with a courier in Michigan, and God supplied Sabbath School lessons, Bibles, and books. Even the president of the East Central Africa Division, Pastor Geoffrey Mbwana helped this project by carrying materials to the US. The Holy Spirit, aided by these skillful assistants, prepared a harvest.

 

After one year in America, becoming self-sufficient and learning about the American culture, language, and way of life, the Burundians were ready for another adjustment. No longer would they be refugees, guests of this country and guests of the Adventist community. They were eligible and ready to become permanent residents of the United States and members of an American church. On August 23, representatives from several churches and three conferences rejoiced as Pastor Omosa joined College Hill Pastor Alex Lampkin to baptize five young men. Four Adventist adults, one man and three women, were accepted by profession of faith. The privilege and responsibility of ministry to the Burundian group was transferred from ARK into the capable hands of Pastor Lampkin and his congregation.

 

After the baptism, Pastor Omosa took ARK’s leader aside to deliver a personalized message, “You need a new project. Perhaps someday you will go to Africa. Perhaps you will help with an orphanage, or with an evangelistic series.” In these words we hear the Master’s voice calling us to finish the work and prepare for our heavenly home.