Burundi

Capital: Gitega

Major Languages: Kirundi, French, English

Area: 27,834 km2

Population: 12.3 million

HDI Rank: 185 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 7.5 million (61%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 3 million (24%)

Other: 1.9 million (15%)

General Information:

Burundi is divided into three major ethnic groups. These are the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa, the latter being the pygmies. Burundi is one of the world's poorest and most malnourished nations. It is struggling to emerge from a 12-year civil war between the Hutu and Tutsi that plagued the country since independence from Belgium in 1962. The majority of Burundi’s population is Hutu. Burundians are known for brewing banana beer, and drinking beer with straw. Cows are a symbol of happiness, health and prosperity. Soccer and basketball are popular sports in the country.

Religious Background:

The Burundian Constitution provides for freedom of religion. The majority of the population are Catholic. Catholicism first entered the country under European colonial rule in 1890. The Protestant movement began in 1916 with the arrival of missionaries from Germany. Though 90% percent of Burundians identify as Christians, syncretism and false teachings have subverted biblical truth. Many retain animist beliefs and practices. Diviners, or fortune-tellers, are called upon as go-betweens, connecting the spirit world and those who seek their help and counsel.

Catholic background:

Catholic missionaries arrived in Burundi in 1879, but abandoned the mission when three members were slain two years later. A permanent post was established in 1898 and the first Burundian priests were ordained in 1925. The years following 1930 saw a multitude of conversions that made Burundi one of the most flourishing Catholic missions in the world. Belgian, Spanish and Italian secular priests assisted in missionary work. The Church is composed of 2 archdioceses, 7 dioceses and 132 parishes. Patron saint: None.

Prayer Points

1. Burundians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 7.5 million Catholics in Burundi.
Many practice a syncretized form of Catholicism. Pray that God’s Spirit will move in the hearts to draw them into a personal relationship with Him.
Pray for widespread renewal and awakening among Catholics to the power of Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
Pray that Catholics will be delivered from teachings, doctrines, practices, traditions, etc., that are opposed to God’s word. Ask God for them to come to the full knowledge of His truth.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 132 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 435 priests, 302 brothers and 1,093 sisters.
Ask God for the gospel to take root among the Catholics.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Burundi has seen a sustained Evangelical growth. Evangelicals have been able to reach out to the underprivileged in the country, while transforming lives in the process. Pray for a concerted and sustained effort to evangelize the marginalized. Pray that the Evangelicals will seize every opportunity to bring the gospel to the lost in the nation.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Corruption in government, extrajudicial killings, undernourishment, malaria and AIDS plague the country. Violence against children is common. Burundi suffers from levels of forced labor and sex trafficking.

5. Other Religions

Burundi has a large Islamic population along with Baha’i and traditional religions. Pray for the salvation of the adherents of these religious groups, as multitudes come to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and walk in biblical truth.