Burundi's people are paying a devastating price for years of ethnic-based conflict. After decades of political instability and unrest, it remains among the poorest countries in the world. This week, pray for churches to bring hope and healing to once-divided communities through our Transforming Communities programmes.
Sunday 2nd March
‘I always pray first before mediating conflicts. Praying makes the ground soft. And conflicts within our community have reduced,' says Melanie, a young volunteer peace champion in Kirundo. She restores broken relationships between families and neighbours. Pray that God blesses the peace champions like Melanie, who are trained by Tearfund church partners. We ask for fertile ground to be created where forgiveness and restoration can flourish.
Monday 3rd March
Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.' Lift up to God the growing number of churches across Burundi committed to ending violence and hatred. Pray that the peace and reconciliation training led by Tearfund's partners in Burundian churches will shine the light of Jesus in the darkness.
Tuesday 4th March
Football is a sport which can create division, but can also promote peace. Tearfund has initiated football leagues in Burundi, bringing together young people from opposing political parties or playing alongside the police. Thank God for how the game is being used to reverse years of mistrust and violence.
Wednesday 5th March
Women in Burundi have too often had to bear the brunt of violence. Preventing and responding to this can save lives. Thank God for Tearfund's survivor groups, offering refuge and support in the heart of communities, and pray for wise, sensitive counselling as women open up about their trauma.
Thursday 6th March
Fides joined a group set up by one of Tearfund's partners to receive support after some difficult experiences. As she listened to other women, she was motivated to help and grew in confidence. Now she attends court, speaking on behalf of women survivors. She says, ‘I couldn't let another person go through the same thing as I did. I'll keep speaking up for others.' Pray for more people to speak up in Burundi.
Friday 7th March
Jean was transformed after reading Bible verses about his role as a man and husband at a training workshop in his church. This ended 23 years of abuse in his marriage. Now the whole village testifies to the change in his heart. Jean desires to be a godly, supportive husband to his wife, Elizabeth. Pray for Tearfund's inspirational work equipping churches to challenge and support men to break the cycle of violence and abuse.
Saturday 8th March
Years of violence have taken their toll on Burundian communities. Bishop Seth Ndayirukiye praises God for reuniting them against one common enemy – poverty. But there is much to
overcome. Pray for Tearfund's Transforming Communities work, as people face the daily realities of hunger and malnutrition.
