Background
Community Bible Study Children & Youth Ministry (C & Y) is vital to the future of the Nation of Burundi. Children are the future parents, leaders and church of tomorrow, as well as the church of TODAY. Considering that two-thirds of Burundi’s population is under the age of 24, there is a call and a responsibility to include Children in becoming disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, experiencing life transformation through the Word of God.
CBS Burundi C & Y is expanding rapidly, from the first class of 65 students in 2015 to over 15,000 students, currently. The growth is reflected by excellent Godly leadership and fully trained teachers in three Denominations, Swedish Pentecostal, Anglican and Christian Life Assembly churches; one ministry affiliate, Pioneer Revival and Reconciliation Ministry As more and more children have the opportunity to come to CBS to study God’s Word, their lives are being transformed.
The Ministry
There are 2 levels in CBS Burundi C & Y translated into the heart language of Kirundi:
Level 1
Dedicated teachers teach a three year curriculum for non-readers, covering Old Testament Bible Stories to New Testament life of Jesus and His disciples in each year. This presents a solid overview and foundation of the Bible to the children using the Essentials of Bible Story, Memory Verse, Prayer and Love & Care.
Level 2
Curriculum is for readers. Level 2 is similar to an Adult study with Essentials of Individual Bible Study & Small group discussion, Teaching, Memory Verse, Prayer and Love & Care on a child’s level. Students are able to read God’s Word themselves and discuss the lesson with peers in group discussions lead by their teacher who also gives a teaching related to applying the lesson. Prayer and Memory Verse are also included in the class time… and the fruit of Love & Care is often experienced as they are drawn to the love of Jesus.
The Children
Children attending CBS C & Y classes in Burundi do not come to class with their mom or dad, as CBS Adult and C & Y ministries participate separately. The children walk, often with siblings and friends, sometimes traveling a mile or more because they are so eager to learn from God’s Word! The children must do their chores before they come, which may include fetching water, sweeping out their modest home, working in the field, tending the goats or cows and caring for younger siblings. Yet poverty does not diminish their joy and singing!
Very few of the children have a bible to bring to class and there are not enough lessons to go around, but they are happy to share the resources available. Doing a craft is not an option, children in Burundi realize they are receiving a gift in being able to come to CBS and learn about Jesus!
The three denominations using the CBS C & Y curriculum identify and train the individuals who are called to be CBS children’s teachers. Each denomination has a Supervisor who is able to train, provide oversight and handle administrative details. The class coordinators make ensure the CBS Essentials are maintained.
Many of the CBS teachers are school teachers who are willing to volunteer to teach CBS on Saturdays or in Sunday School. Most people in Burundi DO NOT own cars, so teachers too must walk to class, perhaps after making a fire to heat water at home, or before working a small patch of garden for vegetables. However, when they arrive at CBS, they are well prepared to teach the children’s lesson.
Please pray for these teachers who generously share their time and love for the children – for the Lord to provide for them spiritually, physically and emotionally.
Please pray for the decision of another denomination to begin CBS C & Y ministry.
Most of all pray for God to reveal Himself through the study of His Word to the dear children of Burundi and that they will each know Him as their Lord and Savior.