Bulembu – Important Announcement

It is with a heavy heart that I share some news with you regarding Bulembu International and their involvement with Bulembu Ministries Swaziland. An announcement yesterday reveals that Bulembu International will no longer provide strategic funding to Bulembu Ministries Swaziland. The announcement reads in part:

“Bulembu’s vision from day one has been to restore Bulembu to a vibrant, self-sustaining community by 2020 caring for 2,000 orphaned and vulnerable children.  Over the last several months it has become apparent to BI that a significant vision gap has developed between the two organizations.  This vision gap is directly related to our mandate and drive for self-sustainability, but has also magnified the differences in our values and leadership styles which include discrepancies in the need for empowerment of leaders, use of authority, and need for transparency, dignity and respect.  In many ways these critical leadership issues are a collision of worldviews which BI believes will not lead Bulembu to emerge a self-sustaining community. 

Because of these irreconcilable differences, the BI Board cannot, with integrity and in good conscience, continue to provide strategy and long-term funding to Bulembu.  BMS will continue to operate the town and will work to secure new funding partners.”

Please click here to read the announcement in its entirety.

So, what does this mean? Aside of the obvious, I have no idea. I know many hearts are hurting, including people for whom I have come to care deeply both with Bulembu International and Bulembu Ministries Swaziland. Please pray for them. I don’t know what this means where Voices for Bulembu and the Canadian Tenors are concerned. And I don’t know what this means for how Bulembu Ministries Swaziland will move forward. But as soon as I learn more, I will pass on the information.

Whatever happens, let’s never forget the children of Bulembu who have a special place in the hearts of so many. I do not believe they will be left behind or harmed in any way because of this change. But we must continue to remember that this is about them – nothing more, nothing less.

Click here to read the announcement in its entirety. And know that more information will be revealed as it becomes available.