MY ACCOUNT
In a nation ravaged by extremism, faithful supporters are bringing education, independence, and healing to displaced Christians in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso is a nation in crisis, caught in the terrifying grip of expanding jihadism. Three extremist groups have taken control of 40% of the territory, displacing more than 1 million Christians.
Yet in the face of such devastating persecution, something remarkable is happening. The unwavering support of believers around the world has become a lifeline, empowering our brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso to rebuild their lives and sustain their faith in the midst of unimaginable hardship.
Over the past several months, the impact has been nothing short of transformative:
- 2,784 students are continuing their education at 5 supplied schools
- 100 teachers have been trained and equipped to teach these students
- 110 displaced pastors and their families have received income-generating opportunities
- 250 displaced pastors and their families have received emergency supplies like food, medicine, and schooling
- 2,760 community members will receive trauma care from 50 pastors trained in trauma services
Let's take a closer look at how this support is bringing hope to a hurting nation.
A believer in Burkina Faso receives a chicken coop for income generation
Education: A New Chapter for Displaced Children
When extremist violence forces their families to flee, children lose not only their homes but their access to education. And adequate schooling can be a challenge at IDP (internally displaced persons) camps.
But our faithful supporters have stepped in to change that story for five schools.
Our community helped rehabilitate one school, resource four others, and train 100 teachers, giving 2,784 students access to Christian education.
The local community is overjoyed to see their schools "shining again," offering a vital sense of normalcy and hope for the future. In a region marked by chaos and uncertainty, these classrooms have become sanctuaries of stability and possibility.
BEFORE: School in Burkina Faso before renovations
AFTER: School in Burkina Faso after renovations
Children attend class inside newly renovated school building in Burkina Faso
Income Building: Giving Families New Futures
After losing everything, 110 pastors and their families have been able to start rebuilding their livelihoods thanks to the generosity of our supporters. From farming and weaving to goat breeding and chicken farming, these displaced pastors received the tools and training they need to create income.
In as few as three months, many of these families are generating income, achieving financial independence so they can better serve their communities.
Women receive supplies to generate income after displacement
Women receive training and weaving looms to create income
Pastors in Burkina Faso receive chicken coops for small business
Emergency Relief: Comfort in Crisis
When violence uproots families from their homes, the immediate needs are urgent and overwhelming. Where will we sleep? What will we eat? How will we take care of our children?
For 250 displaced pastors and their families, supporters provided answers to these questions with emergency relief supplies. Families received essentials like food (millet, rice, and oil), medicine, health checks, and schooling for their children.
By meeting the immediate needs of these central leaders in the community, our supporters enabled them to carry out their ministries more effectively, reassuring their congregations that they are not forgotten by the global Church.
Emergency relief for pastors in Burkina Faso
Relief being distributed to families in Burkina Faso
Trauma Care: Healing Hearts and Minds
Perhaps the deepest wounds from persecution aren't visible to the eye. Beyond the physical devastation, the widespread violence in Burkina Faso has left deep collective trauma.
Recognizing this need, our supporters funded a church-led response to trauma. Fifty pastors, health workers, and community leaders received specialized training in mental health and trauma support to guide their communities through the healing process.
These local leaders are now trained to provide faith-centered care to an estimated 2,760 community members .
Small group trauma counseling in Burkina Faso
The transformation happening in Burkina Faso is a testament to the resilient faith of the global Church. When persecution strikes one part of the body of Christ, believers around the world respond with compassion, generosity, and solidarity.
In Burkina Faso, believers aren’t just receiving aid; they’re finding seeds of hope and encountering the unwavering love of Christ.
Schools are in session again. Families are rebuilding. Pastors are leading. And the church continues to stand strong.
This is what it looks like when the global church lives out its calling to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). This is the power of standing together across borders, cultures, and circumstances.
And this work is far from over.
