GLO exists to empower and equip the best Burundian leaders. They are the ones who will bring transformation to a nation desperately in need of investment, support, and prayer. But a nation is not only meant to be on the receiving end, and Burundi has so much to offer the rest of the world, not least the passion, resilience, and faith of its people!

That’s why our aim has always been to see impact beyond the borders of Burundi, and we are beginning to see that dream become a reality. Meet Caleb and Gyslaine – they embody the best of the Burundian Church!

Caleb found his passion and purpose when he started serving at his local church in the city of Gitega. It all began four years ago when he joined the evangelism and outreach ministry. He would willingly go wherever he was sent, always showing up with a ready heart.

On one of those trips, four years ago, he encountered Gyslaine, who was just as turbo-charged as he, and particularly drawn to those in remote areas. She would spend long hours interceding for unreached people groups. Caleb was deeply encouraged and excited to find someone who shared the same passion. For the next two years, they were regularly sent to on outreaches together.

“I just loved how she pushed me,” Caleb admitted. “There were times I’d get discouraged and want to give up, but seeing her kept me going.”

They married last year and felt a tug to serve abroad. “We knew God had called us, but we often felt unequipped. There were many times when we didn’t know how to respond because we lacked the skills. But this programme helped us understand the heart of missions and gave us tools for real-life situations.” How could they prepare to go?

Rewinding back to 1997, Onesphore Manirakiza had a vision of churches in Burundi working towards global mission in unity. It seemed inconceivable at the time, with Burundi midway through a brutal civil war. Nevertheless, years of relationship-building since then has led to barriers broken and trust growing.

In 2021, we launched Burundi Mission Alliance – a network of denominations and leaders headed up by my friend Francois. It exists to unite the church in sending missionaries to other nations. Francois Kurunkunde has been grafting for the past four years, networking with leaders, running training sessions, and preparing Burundi to become a sending nation. 

Today, 28 years since that first dream, Caleb and Gyslaine are the first fruits. For the past six months, they’ve been trained by the BMA team, and spent two months in an isolated Burundian village to prepare further. Now they are headed for Senegal, where 97% of the population is Muslim.

They are moving to a Fulani area with little gospel access. They will need to study over 30 hours per week to learn the language in order to share Christ’s love in culturally relevant ways. Do pray for them, for courage, protection, and rapid language learning. It will not be easy, but their obedience is inspiring.

And so from precious Burundi – full to the brim of inspiring, faithful, pioneering Calebs and Gyslaines – a new stream of hope trickles out across the continent. May that stream grow to a river, and Burundi be a reservoir of blessing to many nations in the years ahead!