When we launched our Back to School appeal, we were amazed at the outpouring of generosity from all of our supporters, enabling thousands of children to return to school with all the equipment they needed for the year ahead. It’s thanks to supporters like you that we are able to continue empowering and equipping the best Burundian leaders, and their amazing staff and volunteers, for their transformative work in Burundi and beyond. But one story particularly caught our eye was James Wessel and his six children.

James, based in Huntsville, Alabama, has been a GLO supporter for ten years, first hearing about our work when he met Onesphore Manirakiza whilst waiting for a plane an airport. He noticed a group of people praying together, and as a Christian himself, he wanted to join in. So he walked over and introduced himself to the group, who were praying for Onesphore at the end of a trip to the States. James sat with Onesphore at the departure gate and was totally inspired to hear about the work in Burundi.

Fast forward to 2024, and when James received our Back to School email, it resonated, as he reflected how his six children had just returned to school without any struggle. James recalls what happened next,

“I shared the school video with our 6 children and was able to celebrate as God moved their hearts to generosity and they gathered up allowance and birthday money and other things and came and piled it on the table – it felt like the early Church from Acts – it was great.  We told them we would match whatever they could muster…”

What a beautiful, sacrificial gift from each of these young people. And how wonderful that they can remember their part in supporting children like them in Burundi as they go to school each day. Nobody is too young or old to make a difference!