Lucas’ Story
Last week we received a contribution to the Burundi Hope Project from a name I didn’t recognize. I reached out and simply asked how he had heard about us.
What I received back was not only an answer — it was a testimony of how God moves through ordinary families in extraordinary ways.
I share this with you because it is a beautiful reminder that God doesn’t need perfect people or perfect circumstances — He uses everyday families, everyday conversations, and even the curiosity of a map-loving 10-year-old boy named Lucas to advance His Kingdom.
This ministry in Burundi does not grow because of strategic master plan.
It grows because God stirs hearts — in places we may never expect — to pray, to give, to care, and to join the work He is doing.
And He is doing it all around us.
Here is Lucas’ story:
“To answer your question about how we came across the Burundi Hope Project — simply, through the internet.
But the real story began a few weeks earlier. I had been talking with my children about giving… about trusting God to provide… about Matthew 6:26 and how God cares for the birds and the lilies — and how much more He cares for us.
Not even two weeks later, I received an unexpected bonus at work (we never receive bonuses). My first thought was how much more we could buy for Christmas. We have five kids, ages 23 to 8, so Christmas can get expensive.
But God placed something different on our hearts.
I told them about the unexpected blessing and suggested that the three younger ones each choose a charity to pray about supporting. I worried they might want to keep some for themselves, but they were all on board. My 8-year-old even said, ‘Dad, we have enough.’
As we talked, my 10-year-old son Lucas said he wanted to help Burundi. I’ll be honest — I knew almost nothing about Burundi. But Lucas, who is autistic and loves maps, flags, and world facts, knew exactly where it was. He’s the kid who will suddenly say things like, ‘Nigeria has 237 million people and will have over 400 million by 2050,’ all from memory.
So we searched for Christian ministries in Burundi, prayed together, and learned about their work. After a few days, Lucas said he felt led toward your ministry — the way you support women and children, the focus on education, and the spreading of the gospel.
When your letter arrived, he was thrilled to read it. And this entire experience has blessed us. Where I used to remind him to pray at night — now he’s the one who reminds me: ‘Dad, we need to pray for Burundi Hope.’”
Lucas and his family are one of many who support the Lord’s work in Burundi and we would love to hear your story of why you support the Burundi Hope Project.
Christmas Blessings!
Susan May, Co-founder
Burundi Hope Project
Christmas Shoes: An Annual Special Project providing shoes for all 350 students at Ephphatha Deaf School and Kanura School for the Blind!
Sewing Centers have extended their uniform contract to 10 months; providing income for 15 tailors and 7 interns , 8 of whom are deaf. They are expanding to “party” clothes which involves formal wear and the acquisition of specialty machines. The deluxe embrodiery machine was purchased from a special contribution by a mininstry partner. Several of the tailors will be participating in training on the new machines and designing of formal wear.
Year round irrigation is coming to Kanura School thanks to the generosity of many of you! Fish harvests are also happening in December during the school holiday. One pond will be drained, dried out and divided in order to develop a staggered harvesting schedule. Many thanks to all who have contributed!. Materials for the water tank stands, pump and irrigation hoses are being purchased and construction will be underway!
Poor health care attributes to many of the challenges for the people in Burundi. Visits to clinics, specialists and hospitals can devistate a family’s income. Burundi Hope desires to assist those children and families in all the programs we support. Common illnesses such as malaria can develop into long term illness. Other severe illnesses such as diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer often go undiagnosed let alone treated. Broken bones or other severe injuries can take months to heal properly. We have a good system and team in place to assist when funds are available. Undesignated contributions can be made available for emergnecy and high cost expenses. We carefully vet the situation and work alongside the schools and families to establish treatment plans as we are able.
Womenof Hope Seminars will begin a new teaching series in January. The teaching teams will gather together to finalize the new program which will feature the “Samaritan Woman” also known as the “Woman at the Well.” The teachings will not only reinforce last year’s teaching of Rahab but enocurage women to share the gift of salvation to others around them. Letting all know that John 3:16 leads us down a path of hope. January also marks the continuation of our commitment to assist the Timothy Bible School in training pastors in sound doctrine and church planting.
As 2025 comes to close we would ask that you prayerfully consider a year end contribution to the Burundi Hope Project. Contributing to the general fund gives us the flexibility to use funds to where they are most needed. If you feel led to deisgnate funds to a certain area of ministry we will happily accept that as well! Please know that 98% of all contributions go directly to programs and related projects in Burundi. Funds are not used for our transportation, travel costs or personal expenses. The Lord has provided for us in other ways and we are thankful for that provision. If you are contributing by check please take note of our change in address:
Burundi Hope Project * 340 Kings Road * Madison Heights * VA 24572
