Ribbon cutting at New Hope Academy, Burundi

September 2023

Isaiah 42:6 NCV “I, the Lord, called you to do right, and I will hold your hand and protect you…”

It’s not always easy to do what is right. More often than not, society will turn a blind eye to what is right if there is profit to be made. It’s easier to follow the majority than it is to swim upstream against the current.

God has called us to do right, no matter how hard that may be. The assurance we have when doing right is God’s protection. Taking shortcuts for short-term gratification may alleviate immediate pressure, but won’t shelter us in the long run. So if you’re wondering what you’re called to do, you’re called to do right.

Inauguration

Last month we celebrated the opening of our first school in the nation of Burundi. Having a school is the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream. Jamie was able to be present at the “ribbon cutting” and pray over the school, a type of inauguration as it were. Local officials were in attendance together with teachers and parents. This year, we have pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten classes. Next year, by the grace and provision of God, we will launch grades 1 & 2.

The foundation for two new classrooms has already been laid and we are praying that not only the building but also the furnishings and all that is required to launch two more classes will be done by September 2024. It is our goal to have up to grade 6 within three years. This will require more buildings and another adjacent property – but God! Since God has brought us this far, He will finish what He has started.

Here's a short clip of the ribbon cutting

Celebrations

We want to take a moment to honor Jamie’s parents, Pastor Tom and Mary Ann Peters, whose ministry has spanned 50 years. They founded and pastored our home church, TCI in Lake Worth, Florida. The church, now led by Pastor Matt Baker their grandson and our nephew, is holding a celebration this month to honor their service. Jamie will be traveling alone to attend as Lea and Andreya have to remain in South Africa since Andreya will be in school at that time. We are so grateful to honor their service and what they have meant to us personally and to the continent of Africa.

Travel and more

So much is happening as we race toward the end of the year! We’ve uploaded a YouTube update (please click https://youtu.be/b0lB8wMumwg) with more details about the whirlwind of travel and news that we have to give you.

Stay tuned for a busy end-of-year season. We have a lot in store and a lot more we will see in 2024. Thank you again for all of your love, prayers, and partnership,

Jamie, Lea, and Andreya

Email: JLPeters@africa-and-beyond.net

Online: www.africa-and-beyond.net

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For books by Jamie & Lea, click on the link below.