Speaking to the challenges facing these folks, in the course of making this recording, I'll note here that most of the musicians and vocalists live in or very near Kamenge neighborhood, an enormous 3rd world slum in the capitol city Bujumbura. Yet they came to practice with their slacks pressed, shoes polished, dresses spotless, teeth brushed, faces washed, hair combed, and Bibles in hand. I learned enormous respect for the work these people were willing to do for their church, for the love of making music together, and for their own hope. To me this also goes to the point of noting that making this recording, in Bujumbura, Burundi, was more than a just a challenge. It was on the order of a small miracle. And by the way, they produced it all themselves, cuz I was sick with pneumonia that week. Here_is_the_link to purchase the CD.

When I heard their version, which is Rich’s great chorus, no verses, and their own rap bridge, I knew we had a hit... if you like big gospel, and I guess I do. They are so talented. Our hope and plan and scheme is that other folks – you! – will agree. Every dime of every download will go to buy and maintain musical instruments for Kamenge Friends Church. In a country where a skilled workman can make $1.50 a day, getting a church band an $800 electric piano is also a miracle.

At Kamenge Friends Church in Burundi they believe in miracles because they have to. In 1993-94 250,000 Burundians – Hutu and Tutsi – died in the genocide violence and subsequent civil war that swept their country, like it did that same year in Rwanda to the north. This song is a little part of their story. Our God is indeed an awesome God.