The Silent Year
The time between the prophecy of Malachi and John the Baptist is known as the “Silent Years” when God shared no new prophecies with His people. 2025 was like that for me. God was always present but His confirmation, direction, and peace were not present as it has always been. I knew that returning to Burundi on January 15, 2026 would give me the confirmation, direction and peace I needed. This 32nd trip would either be my last or the Lord would give new vision and peace about the work of the Burundi Hope Project.
God did not disappoint! As soon as I stepped on the tarmac from the plane I felt the Lord’s presence and peace. The direction and confirmation would come before I returned home. For four weeks the Burundi Hope Team worked diligently with all the programs we collaborate with. Everyday brought new opportunities to see God’s hand working in the lives of the children, women and families of the Burundian people. Navigating cultural traditions is always challenging but using the filter of God’s Word has brought respect and appreciation of both American and Burundian culture.
As we go into the third month of 2026 there have been so many blessings.
The Irrigation Project is in the middle of construction; scheduled to be in full operation in April at Kanura School for the Blind.
Sewing Center: Kigobe has a 10 month uniform project with a record number of tailors and interns working. In addition, specialty machines have been purchased to open a new department of formal /party wear.
2026 Women of Hope Teaching teams have completed their first month of teaching in 16 churches to almost 500 women.
Hope House has 6 fulltime residents living together and sharing not only house responsibiilties but learning to function as a family. They will soon host a 5 member sewing team as they come for short term training at the sewing center.
Ministry teams are thriving at both schools as they plan for spring outreach programs in the community.
University Students have succeeded academically and are finalizing their career goals
Ministry partners in the US have committed to support special projects:
Christmas Shoes: providing shoes at Christmas for the 400 students at the schools
Sonshine Bags: Personal Health Care bags for the 400 students as they begin their school year in September
Copy Books: These are needed for each student to attend school. Burundi Hope distributes these to thousands of school age students in multiple provinces in Burundi
Other ministry partners are interested in helping to expand the Sewing Center programs; providing additional resources for sustainable Agriculture Programs; contributing funds for Health, Wellness and Nutrition programs; and supporting the training of pastors in teaching sound doctrine and church planting through the Timothy Bible School.
If you have not guessed, the silence is over!
Imana Ni Nziza! God is so good!
Susan May, Co-Founder Burundi Hope Project
Evangelism and Outreach Opportunity
Every year the Burundi Hope Project dedicates contributions to the training of pastors and church planting in Burundi. We do this through the supporting of the Timothy Bible School. Burundi Hope has a long history of supporting the teaching program. This multi-building complex had its beginnings in a rennovated chicken house. Since 2010 the number of churches has increased from 104 to 176. Hundreds of pastors have graduated from the program to be equipped to shepherd their flocks and plant new churches. We are asking our supporters to help us provide the $5000 annual support in this evangelical effort. To date we have received $240. Please pray how you can support this opportunity to share the Gospel. You can donate using the donate button for options.
