Burundi

The Church of the Brethren Burundi was founded in 2015 by Expert Bukene after another Burundian put a book in his hands that changed his life. This book was from the Dunker Guide series on Brethren history and Expert found himself in that story. He quit his job working for World Vision and planted 50 congregations in Burundi. There are approximately 6000 members. He has since found planters to plant Church of the Brethren congregations in four other African countries.

Members of the Rushima Church of the Brethren in Burundi send greetings to the American Church.

The Church of the Brethren Burundi is characterized by active care for those on the margins of the community—single mothers, orphans, widows. They have a micro-bank, a nursery and primary school up to grade 2, a pastoral training institute and agricultural programs. Global Food Initiative has provided agricultural grants to further the work of the church and they sell and give away “Brethren Porridge” as a result. They follow Jesus in the context of material poverty, with over 50% of children being malnourished and 70% of the population living under the international poverty rate.

Read a story about micro-loans in Burundi

Four women behind a table full of produce
Nadine (right), a young widow, is a Brethren church member and one of the first microloan clients. Beginning her business two years ago with a Get Up and Walk loan of 50,000 BF, Nadine quickly paid it back, allowing her to borrow at the second (100,000), then the third (200,000) level. She is now in the process of paying off the fourth level of 400,000 BF. She says the loans have greatly helped: she and her family of six children are eating better, they are clothed, and their school fees are paid.
Buildings and tropical trees
Brethren school in Burundi. All photos by Chris Elliott
Woman standing in classroom with children witting at tables
Classroom in the Brethren school in Burundi
Smiling man sitting in front of a computer
Athanasus, principal of the Brethren school in Burundi.
Children sitting at wooden desks
Classroom in the Brethren school in Burundi.
Church building
Church of the Brethren in Burundi.
Buildings
Group of people
Group of people around an altar
Church of the Brethren congregation in Makongeni, Kenya, near Thika