World Outreach Initiatives was founded in 1999 by Samuel Nimubona, a dynamic Burundian with a passion and a vision as a peace-making patriot in his war-torn nation. He managed to draw people together from across the political spectrum. Through his international relationships, he started up the local branch of the National Prayer Breakfast. WOI set up a radio station to maximise the strategic opportunities in what is an aural culture – everybody has a radio. So Radio Ivyizigiro (Hope) was launched in 2000, broadcasting throughout the country with Bible teachings as well as cultural and health programs.
Sadly Samuel was murdered in 2002. His wife Delphine bravely took up the running of WOI, and two medical clinics are now run by them. Delphine left the country in 2016, handing over the leadership to Francine Ngendakuriyo. WOI is a key platform for pastor-training and uniting churches in common ventures, which is another reason why GLO is keen to get behind them.