Church Leaders’ Conference in Rural Burundi: A Week of Spiritual Foundation and Growth

We praise God for the incredible work taking place this week in a rural area of Burundi. From Monday to Friday, church leaders from surrounding areas have gathered together for an intensive five-day conference on The Foundations of Our Christian Faith. This life-changing gathering is being led by Pastor Claude Hatungimana, a faithful and passionate leader in Burundi, alongside Pastor Jim O'Connor, author of the book that serves as the conference’s central teaching tool.

The book, The Foundations of Our Christian Faith, originally written in English by Pastor Jim under the ministry of Equipping the Saints International, has now been carefully and prayerfully translated into Kirundi, the local language of Burundi. This translation is more than a linguistic effort—it’s a gateway for pastors and leaders to access deep biblical truth in a way that speaks directly to their hearts and context.

This week, these church leaders are not just attending sessions; they are living in one place together, devoting themselves entirely to learning, praying, and fellowship. Five full days have been set aside where they are not distracted by daily responsibilities, but instead are feasting on the Word of God, line by line, chapter by chapter, building a stronger foundation for their personal walk with God and their ministry.

Pastor Jim is opening the week with the first session of the one-week Ministers’ School, laying down essential teachings that will shape the path of ministry for many. The hunger for truth among the participants is truly inspiring. These are not just church attendees—they are shepherds, planters, and teachers, deeply invested in being well-equipped to disciple others in truth.

Pastor Claude, who has been tirelessly working in this region, reflects with joy and amazement:

“It’s amazing that I don’t ever get used to seeing God touch hearts and lives through teachings from this book.”

Each lesson is igniting new levels of understanding, conviction, and excitement for the Gospel. As these leaders are fed spiritually, they are being empowered to return home and strengthen their churches, disciple others, and continue the work of the Great Commission with clarity and confidence.

This conference is not just another event. It is a divine appointment, a fulfillment of what Ephesians 4:12 teaches—“to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” These are foundational days that will leave a lasting impact not only on individual leaders but on entire congregations and communities throughout Burundi.

We ask you to pray for this conference—pray for wisdom, open hearts, deep transformation, and provision. Pray for Pastor Claude and Pastor Jim as they pour out with passion and excellence. Pray for every pastor in attendance, that they may leave filled, renewed, and ready to carry the torch of truth into every village and city God leads them to.

Let us rejoice in what the Lord is doing in Burundi—one heart, one leader, one church at a time.