The People
The small, land-locked country of Burundi is a country deeply scarred by oppression, division and conflict. Among the poorest countries in the world, Burundi is struggling to face the challenges of lingering ethnic divisions, shortages in food and medication and ever-increasing poverty and disease caused by drought and limited natural resources.

The Need
This densely-populated African nation continues to struggle for peace after 40 years of civil war which resulted in the death of more than 200,000. Restoration appears to be something far in the future and many of the people live without hope, carrying much dissatisfaction with life. There is a deep need in Burundi for healing and restoration. The people need to see the value of life outside of the conflict. Most of all, they need to hear of the peace and hope that can only come through Jesus Christ.

The Ministry
Two weekly radio programs are aired in the peoples' "heart" language, KiRundi and are able to reach the entire country.

Good News for All
This one-hour broadcast, aired on Sundays, provides biblical teaching to the people of Burundi. The radio program targets three groups of people: a) the unreached people, to proclaim to them the Gospel; b) believers who have been scattered due to the civil war, to encourage them to abide in Jesus despite their hardships; and c) believers who need scriptural explanation and clarification. Many people testify that this program provides their "spiritual food" for the week.

Jesus is the Answer
Many of Burundi's youth only know conflict, violence and poverty. They face a somewhat bleak future with only 50% of children attending school. This 30-minute radio program deals with issues that are relevant to the youths' situations and tells them how Jesus can meet them in their need. In addition, "Jesus is the Answer" regularly features the topic of HIV/AIDS, since Burundi is one of the countries most severely affected by this disease.

The Results
A pastor in Burundi noted that "Good News for All" is the most listened-to program in the country. There are testimonies from people all over the country who share how Jesus saved them - for eternity and from their various problems. In addition, many of the rebels are coming out of hiding for repentance, seeking forgiveness and reintegration into society.

"... your messages comfort me in spite of my difficulties. Whenever programs are aired, my family comes together to listen to them. When you preach the Good News, my family stops everything they are doing to listen to the programs ... TWR is a help in hard times ... I don't have words to say how much the broadcasts assist ... TWR has been our comfort."

"The youth program has helped me grow spiritually ... I had no interest in listening to [the] radio until I heard TWR ... when I started listening to the youth program on Sunday afternoon, I was in trouble. While listening to the program, I heard a young man give his testimony and this gave me the answer. I was refreshed. I was encouraged to take another step in my faith." - (the listener's parents were killed in 1993 along with 14 other family members)

"It would be a shame if sponsors were to stop supporting these programs. Without these programs exhorting and encouraging people in these desperate times, who knows how far this country could deteriorate." - A student at the University of Burundi

Prayer Points

• Pray for the TWR staff in Burundi. Conditions are difficult as the staff have to cope with lack of funding, limited supply of electricity and a shortage of equipment.