IMM at work in Burundi
Burundi is a small country in central Africa, about the size of Wales. Despite looking green and fertile, Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world and the most densely populated country in Africa. Half the people live on less the $1 a day. The economy is predominately agricultural.
Located in the northern part of Burundi there is a town called Butihinda, where artisanal mining takes place. Most of the miners working in the small gold mine sites dotted around the area have had little contact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has never been easy to bring the Good News to this group of people. However about 10 years ago an opportunity arose for the International Miners’ Mission to evangelise the area.
Gold mining is a way of life for many, both men and women, who can earn money selling the small amounts of gold they find. In this challenging situation the IMM has teamed up with a local group ‘Harvest Initiatives’, who have appointed evangelists Etienne and Chantal to make contact with these people from the mining community.
So what has been happening over the time that Etienne and Chantal have been
ministering in the area?
- They make visits to the many miners at work and chat with them. The whole miner’s family can get involved in mining.
- They arrange for football teams for the youth, a number of whom are miners.
- They organise community projects for the children in particular to participate in.
- They teach people in our Adult Christian Discovery Groups. These people in turn are trained to teach in Good News Clubs, currently some 14 clubs are being held.
- They oversee small groups for savings and loans to help many to become more financially independent. Several of these are up and running.
- Literary classes are held for families.
- Special events for children including walks and parades, usually ending with service and the distribution of food the local church.
- Chantal has a ministry to help young girls who get involved in prostitution.
Etienne writes, “We pray that we may see the will of God in all we are doing. Sometimes it is difficult to reach the miners and their communities, so we need bridges to be effective in
attracting them to the Gospel of Christ. I know God will make the way.”
