Anne’s connection with Great Lakes Outreach began long before she ever set foot in Burundi. Years ago, during a sermon on mission, her vicar quoted Isaiah 6:8 – “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” When the invitation was given, Anne stepped forward and simply said, “Send me.” That moment shaped her heart for overseas mission and service, and it has stayed with her ever since.
Years later, when Simon Guillebaud came to speak at her church about the work of Great Lakes Outreach, Anne felt a deep sense of connection. Having travelled widely and been involved in short-term mission, she was drawn to the distinctive ethos of GLO: Burundian Christians serving their own people. Rather than relying on external missionaries coming in, the work is led by local leaders who understand their communities, their culture and the challenges they face. For Anne, that not only felt right, but also grounded in biblical principles.
She began following GLO’s ministry closely, reading Simon’s daily devotional Choose Life and joining the Zoom prayer meetings during the Covid lockdowns. What inspired her most was the breadth and depth of the ministry. It covered so much – from helping street children and vulnerable women, to trauma care, farming, sport, and engagement with police, military and political leaders – all rooted in a foundation of prayer and the gospel message.
Early in 2023, Anne felt God stir her heart to go to Burundi herself. With encouragement from friends and the generous provision of God, she made the leap of faith to travel there. What she encountered exceeded all expectations: days filled with powerful meetings, project visits and conversations with remarkable leaders whose faith, integrity and perseverance humbled her deeply. She observed that many of these inspirational leaders had suffered greatly through years of conflict, yet had chosen to return and serve their own people with courage and hope.
One moment in particular captured the heart of GLO for Anne: an evangelistic rally, attended by thousands, where church leaders from different denominations worked together. Worship was vibrant and joyful, teaching was deeply biblical, and hundreds responded to the gospel! The key to the blessing was that every person was prayed for and carefully connected with a local church, ensuring they were welcomed into a spiritual family, not just counted as another statistic.
Anne returned home convinced that Great Lakes Outreach truly “does what it says on the tin”. It is a community of faith, prayer and action, truly reaching Burundi with the love of Christ.
Today, she continues to pray, support and encourage the work, grateful to be part of a movement that is changing lives and bringing hope across Burundi.
Anne, we are so thankful to have supporters like you!
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