All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18

They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Micah 4:3

Praise God for relative stability in Burundi after the terrors of the 1990s – when ethnic and political violence saw 300,000 killed – and the unrest of 2015. An elected government now includes both major ethnic groups (Hutu and Tutsi). Decades of violence and the scars of past atrocities are not overcome easily. Building peace is a painstaking process. The 2020 election saw a largely peaceful and successful transition of power from one President to the next – not to be taken for granted! Yet corruption remains a challenge in the country in general.

1. Pray for continued national unity and God’s favour on Burundi, thanking Him that ethnic violence is increasingly a thing of the past and for peaceful elections, leadership transitions, a united government, and the return of displaced people.

2. Pray for lasting peace and cooperation between the Tutsi and Hutu communities, for healing from past violence, and for intermarriage and unity efforts to strengthen relationships. Ask God to use the Church as a strong agent of lasting reconciliation.

3. Pray for successful disarmament programs to reduce violent crime and for strengthened efforts against corruption to promote integrity in leadership and governance.

4. Pray for deep, transformative Christianity that fosters peace and change, for continued evangelical growth, and for ministries working towards holistic transformation in Burundi.

5. Pray for the training and equipping of church leaders after years of disruption, for financial provision for theological students, and for the success of Bible schools, Christian universities, and leadership training programs.

6. Pray for the needs of children suffering from poverty, malnutrition, and disease, for improved school access, and for the growth of ministries focused on children, students, and young leaders.

7. Pray for more expatriate Christian workers, especially in rural areas, for the calling of workers who empower local believers rather than create dependency, and for effective discipleship, trauma counselling, and holistic development initiatives.