One of our strap-lines at GLO is, ‘Burundi and Beyond’, and this was very much a weekend of the ‘Beyond!’
Earlier this summer, a group of intrepid cyclists undertook an epic 7-day journey around Burundi. They cycled 100km per day, and covered 38,000ft of elevation throughout the week. Unsurprisingly, this trip forged powerful bonds between the participants (if this sounds like your kind of thing, find out more here – perhaps you could join us in 2026?)
Something extraordinary unfolded in the quiet riverside town of Wivenhoe, Essex, early in September. Dirk Paterson, a cyclist on Bike for Burundi 2025, invited their fellow riders to join them on a mission in his local church. What began as a small, faith-filled outreach quickly became a powerful move of God that touched lives across the community – it was, quite simply, a weekend of miracles, salvation, and joy!
This passionate crew of evangelists, teachers, and worshippers gathered with one purpose: to make Jesus known in word and deed. Simon was preaching and teaching with conviction; Rob Short and his wife, pounding the pavements with the gospel; Andy Hunt, “utterly turbo-charged” in leading people to Christ; and Royston, whose blend of grace and truth resonated deeply with young adults.
Dirk recalls, “I had the joy of rallying the troops and leading worship on the old Joanna. We ran stalls on the high street, went door-to-door, set up a kids’ hub, and even heard from a Buddhist nun who had met Jesus. We prayed for healing, performed in pubs, and used the amazing Jesus at the Door method to help people encounter Christ right where they were.”
As the weekend unfolded, stories of transformation began to pour in. Rory prayed for a woman suffering from arthritis and saw her released from pain. Nathaniel, moved by the gospel choir, started dancing in the street before giving his life to Jesus. Kelly was deeply moved as she encountered Christ through prophetic art shared by Dirk and Jude. Mark, a passerby outside the local Coop, found himself in tears as he prayed to receive Jesus. Even Bennet, a local man once feared for his violence and drug dealing, received prayer and a prophetic word of hope, marking the beginning of what felt like a redemptive turning point.
By Sunday, it was clear that something remarkable was happening. Two of Wivenhoe’s most well-known alcoholics walked into church and gave their lives to Christ. The deputy mayor, who had been invited in her civic role and came as a sceptic, found herself deeply touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit. “This weekend was a game changer in the spiritual life of Wivenhoe,” Dirk reflects. “We were truly blessed.”
The move of God didn’t stop there. “I’m full of spiritual beans!” Dirk laughs. “Since then, I’ve prayed with our Sri Lankan shopkeeper and a man called Barney on the street. Something’s been released – it’s very exciting.” Now, the focus is on follow-up. It is time to journey alongside those who responded and help them grow in their new faith. “We saw fun, fellowship, and fruit,” he says. “Now we will see God nurture what He has begun.”
Looking ahead, plans are already forming for next year’s outreach. “Please sign up for next year,” Dirk urges. “I can guarantee you fun, fellowship, and fruit as we build the Kingdom together.” From the pubs to the pavements, Wivenhoe has felt the breath of revival. What began as a simple act of obedience with a small church and some passionate cyclists has become a story of hope and transformation! This is proof that when ordinary people step out in faith, God moves in extraordinary ways.
