Young Life ministry in Burundi is in a development phase. The first Burundi leaders were identified and trained in 2013 as the Holy Spirit led. Almost 8,000 kids have been reached in Burundi, after only 7 years of ministry!
Burundi is an east-central country in Africa, one of the few countries whose borders were not determined by colonial rulers. Its neighbors are Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, With nearly 12 million people living in Burundi, it is estimated that 80% of the population lives in poverty. 47% of the population is under 18. The vast majority of Burundians are Hutu, traditionally farming people. However, power rests with the Tutsi minority, who historically control the army and most of the economy. Since Burundi gained its independence from Belgium in 1962, ethnic conflict between these groups has plagued this country. Genocides occurred in both 1972 and 1993, and the country is still rebuilding from such violence and ethnic strife. The principal languages are Kirundi and French, yet Swahili is also spoken.
Young Life in Burundi is in the early stages of formation. The first Burundi leaders were identified and trained in 2013 as the Holy Spirit led. Almost 8,000 kids have already been reached in Burundi, after only 7 years of ministry! Currently, Burundi has 148 volunteer leaders and 13 ministries, and in 2018 brought 82 kids and leaders to its very first camp! Burundi is a difficult place to do ministry, yet we are confident that the Lord will provide, for it is a place that yearns to know the good news of Christ.
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Growth (2019) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avg. Kids at Clubs | 0 | 96 | 288 | 473 | 753 | 895 | 19% |
Avg. Kids in Campaigners | 0 | 6 | 101 | 207 | 272 | 393 | 44% |
Number of Ministries | 0 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 0% |
National Staff | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0% |
DGL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 300% |
Kids & Leaders to Camp | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 82 | N/A | N/A |
Burundi has 148 volunteer leaders and 13 ministries! Burundi is a difficult place to do ministry, yet we are confident that the Lord will provide, for it is a place that yearns to know the good news of Christ.
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