‘This is so wrong!’ That was the gut-wrenching feeling Isaiah felt when he saw retired church Pastors begging in markets. Clergy who retire in Burundi rarely have any pension or savings, so they and their families can end up destitute. Isaiah was determined to do something about it. “It was a heartbreaking situation that inspired a vision to build a home where they could live with dignity and comfort.” That was in 2012, but there was no money to begin, so Isaiah and the team at United Citizens for Change and Development committed the project to prayer.
Seven years later, they found a piece of land which seemed perfect for the home, but they couldn’t afford it. Through sacrificial giving from a team member, and more prayer they were able to raise enough for a whopping 25 hectares of land. And so the project was underway. In 2023, Simon Guillebaud visited the site and felt compelled to support it. The GLO appeal was met with a staggering response, as supporters around the world likewise felt the pang of injustice at the plight of these leaders.
While scaffolding was erected for the buildings, in the surrounding fields that had been purchased, the innovative Foundations for Farming argricultural method was implemented, generating income for the project, all of it giving work to local people.
Late last year, the retirement home was finally opened in a ceremony with visitors and dignitaries, and given its name ‘Christian Hope Centre.’ But the most important guests at the ceremony were the new residents! Sebastien was among them, who had served faithfully for five decades, but had few material possessions to show for it. “I was always moving—one church to another, one commune to another, even from one province to another. This affected my family’s finances badly. I couldn’t do agriculture or build a stable life because we were always on the move. In 1993, my house was destroyed during the civil war.”

When he retired in 2015 due to health problems, he found himself living in extreme poverty. His wife looked after him as best she could, but they would still have to miss food some days. The bleak situation led him to reflect on his life of service. “Yes, I regretted it,” he admits. “I looked at others who stayed home and worked for their families, and they seemed to live better lives. I even wondered if my suffering was a punishment from God.”
Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. “My hope and joy were revived here,” he says with gratitude. “We have everything we need. We eat well, sleep in a comfortable place, and when I’m sick, they take me to the hospital. They’ve even bought me a wheelchair. Most importantly, I’ve found people who love and care for me.”

Isaiah is thrilled to finally see his vision become a reality. “Seeing these families happy and secure has been deeply rewarding. I have been on my knees, praising the Lord who gave us that dream. This retirement home is a symbol of faith, hope, and resilience—a dream rooted in love and guided by God’s purpose.”
GLO is delighted to have played our part – and we could not have done it without those of you who generously sowed into this project. I hope you can rejoice along with Isaiah, and those faithful Pastors, finally given the dignity and care they deserve!