Biramu

I don't know what this name means. Part of me wishes I did. It is the name of a young man I met at our first camp. He is a teenager finishing his studies and preparing for college. Right away I noticed him as the leader of the boys in his age group. He showed excitement and eagerness to partake in the sporting events we had planned for day. More importantly, he demonstrated a hunger and thirst for God, His Word, and prayer. Knowing only that, would be ample enough information to praise God for working in this young man's life. But when he shared his testimony about the camp, the life-transforming power of the gospel was put on full display.

In his own words, Biramu used to hate Christians. He knew a couple at school, and he would make it his point to ridicule them. He wanted their lives to be miserable because of their faith. He even admitted to using force if he felt the desire to do so. Similar to Paul, Biramu wanted nothing to do with Christianity. Jesus had no impact of his daily life. But, as with Paul, Jesus didn't care.

He came to the camp last year because a couple of his friends invited him. He had heard about it, but really didn't want to attend a Christian camp. By God's grace, he gave in. At the camp, Biramu acknowledged a joy resonating in the campers and counselors. As the week wore on, Biramu gave his life over to Jesus Christ. What had been told to him was more than enough to make him want it for himself. At this camp, Biramu expressed further understanding of the things of God. He didn't merely want to be a Christian, but help others learn how they might experience Jesus Christ for themselves. His love for and joy in his Savior urged him to grow deeper and proclaim louder. He was (and is) a modern day Paul. And I pray he may have the impact Paul had on the surrounding villages and beyond.