Wild Gospel Fruit in Burundi

This summer marked the 20th anniversary of our huge evangelistic campaign with Harvest Initiatives, and it was the biggest yet! Over the years, we’ve typically sent out around 800 evangelists for two weeks of bold gospel witness across Burundi. But this summer, we commissioned an incredible 3,400 evangelists – and the results were staggering. In July and August, these teams:

• Visited 241 unreached areas, 
• Worked with 81 local churches, 
• Saw 39,393 people come to Christ 

Over 20 years, that brings the total to more than 290,000 people professing faith through these summer campaigns, with countless stories of God’s power at work. Here are just a few of the stories:

Restored to Himself

Jean Claver, a 28-year-old from Bunywera Hill, Bwambarangwe Commune, Kirundo Province, became mentally ill a few months ago and wandered the streets homeless. Evangelists met him on the road, brought him to church, and prayed for him. God healed him instantly, and he accepted Jesus Christ. Witnessing this miracle, 13 people gave their lives to Christ.

A Mute Paralytic Healed

Domitille, a woman in her sixties, fell seriously ill for eight months, lost consciousness, became mute, and was unable to move for over a year and a half. Evangelists prayed for her during the campaign, and God miraculously healed her. She received eternal life, and 12 witnesses to this miracle accepted Jesus Christ.

Freed from Deafness and Drugs

Constantin, a young man from Rubirizi Hill, Mugina Commune, Cibitoke Province, was deaf and addicted to drugs and tobacco. Evangelists from the Anglican Church visited and prayed for him, and he regained his hearing. Hearing others’ voices for the first time, he joyfully accepted the Good News. Jesus also freed him from drug and tobacco addiction, leading 17 people close to him to give their lives to Christ and start attending the Anglican Church.

Two Witchdoctors Saved

Nyandwi and his wife, from Gahombo, Kayanza, had practised witchcraft for nearly 20 years, making a good income from clients who sought their services. Evangelists from Rocher Gahombo Church visited them with the Good News of Jesus Christ. They listened, gave their hearts to Christ, and abandoned witchcraft, handing over their fetishes to be burned. This led 22 people to accept the Gospel. The couple now lives happily with the peace of Christ.

Alcoholism Broken

Emelyne NSAGUYE, 46, mother of six, was marginalised in Bubanza Commune because of alcohol addiction. She came home late, often quarrelled with her husband, and even with her father-in-law. Evangelists shared the Good News with her, and she decided to follow Jesus. They prayed for her deliverance, and she immediately vomited the alcohol she had consumed. Two weeks later, she sought forgiveness from her family, reconciliation took place, and she regained her place at home. Her family, once exhausted by her behaviour, rejoiced at her transformation. Thirty-one people accepted Jesus Christ as King and Saviour.

A Marriage Repaired

Gaspard and Beatrice, married since 2003, had five children but divorced in 2021 after years of conflict dating back to 2014. Despite evangelists’ efforts during the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, the couple had not reunited. By God’s grace, during this year’s campaign both accepted Christ and committed to live together again after four years of separation and 11 years of constant disputes. Twenty-one witnesses to this extraordinary reconciliation accepted Jesus Christ as their King and Saviour.

A Witchdoctor Saved

Toyi Antoine from Gisuru, Ruyigi Commune, had been a witchdoctor for 25 years. Evangelists visited his home to share Jesus, and he accepted eternal life after hearing the message of salvation. He voluntarily handed over his fetishes to be burned. Fifteen neighbours who knew him, and even his son (a notorious local thief), gave their lives to Christ.

Blindness Healed

A 23-year-old woman, blind for over four years and unable to afford treatment, stayed at home awaiting a miracle. Evangelists from the Friends Church of Bugabira visited, prayed for her, and she instantly regained her sight. She accepted Jesus and praised the Lord for His goodness. Twenty-seven neighbours accepted Jesus Christ after witnessing this miracle.

From Death to Life

Liberatte, a 70-year-old woman, had just died from a serious illness.. Her family had already sent people to dig her grave. Evangelists arrived, prayed for her, and she began to speak and walk in front of everyone. Joy erupted in the family at this miracle.

From Hatred to Reconciliation

Two families – Concilie’s and Léonie’s – had been in conflict for years, refusing even to greet each other. All reconciliation attempts had failed. When the evangelists preached the message of reconciliation in Christ, those present gave their hearts to Jesus. The two families approached the evangelists for help, forgave each other, and restored their broken relationship. Forty-five local residents accepted salvation in Jesus Christ and repented.

Schoolgirl Marriage Averted

Belyse, a 21-year-old from Mukike Commune, Bujumbura Province, dropped out of school in her first post-primary year (11th grade) to secretly marry a soldier (it is not uncommon for people to go through the school system later in life if their families struggle to afford education). A week before the wedding, she met evangelists on the road to the market. After hours of conversation, she accepted Jesus Christ, abandoned the marriage, re-enrolled in school, and sought forgiveness from her parents. Her family, strongly opposed to the marriage, was delighted, and 16 relatives accepted the Gospel.

A Mentally Ill Man Healed and Returning to University

Neddy Donnel, from Yoba Quarter in Gitega and a student at Université Lumière de Bujumbura in the nursing faculty, had dropped out because of mental illness, wandering the streets for over three months. His mother brought him to BAGF Gitega Church for prayer. During the prayer, Donnel locked himself in another office, and evangelists had to climb through the ceiling to open the door. They prayed for him, and he vomited, being set free. He now attends BAGF Church and is preparing to return to university. After this miraculous healing, seven neighbours gave their lives to Christ.

Again and again, we see the wonderful theme of people healed in stunning miracles, which are a testimony to the rest of the community. And so one sign can be a trigger for many coming to faith! Stories like these echo the book of Acts: when God’s power was revealed, “many were added to their number” (Acts 5:12-14).

New churches are being planted in unreached areas, while those returning to their home churches bring renewed zeal and courage.

Our work doesn’t stop at conversions – we are committed to discipleship and integration into the church family so that these precious people become rooted in fellowship and faith that lasts!