Standing Together: AEA’s Mission to Burundi and a Call for Refugee Solidarity

The AEA Secretary General, Dr. Master Matlhaope, recently travelled to the Republic of Burundi for a series of strategic activities that strengthened partnerships and addressed critical regional challenges. The visit began with participation in the General Assembly of the Association of Evangelicals in Burundi (AEB), where he met with national leadership and emphasized unity and partnership.

On the second day, the Secretary General ministered at Three in One Church, a vibrant congregation in Bujumbura with a youth demographic of nearly 50%. He ministered on the theme of ‘Incarnation,’ reminding believers of the significance of Christmas and encouraging them to anchor their hope on Christ, who is the totality of the will of God. The service concluded with a special prayer for the nation of Burundi, asking the Lord to rewrite the story of the nation into one of stability, peace, spiritual and economic transformation.

The following day was dedicated to a major pastors’ training where over 500 pastors participated. The training focused on the call to African Leadership, the challenges facing leadership on the continent, and the need for leaders who understand their time and are equipped to meet the needs of the continent. The Secretary General emphasized the importance of understanding human rights from a biblical standpoint in order to faithfully uphold both human rights and biblical values.

The trip also involved data collection for the ongoing research on Upscaling Theological Education, an initiative to assess current levels of pastoral training across the continent.

The final day included an official visit to the Burundi Alliance offices, where the Secretary General met with the President, Vice President, and General Secretary. They shared their strategy and highlighted key national challenges, including the urgent need to facilitate and help refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, partnership on the education sector, initiatives on food security, support for schools and vulnerable families, introduction of table-banking models in rural communities, and addressing the rise of churches led by pastors without formal biblical training—conversations that will be explored further.

The meeting concluded with prayer for both AEA and the national alliance. The AEA Secretary General’s visit was highly successful, with many expressing that such training would greatly benefit both government and church leaders, helping them understand and appreciate the church’s contribution to national development and governance.

A Call to Action

Only a few days later after this powerful mission, another mission lies ahead of the Burundians and especially the church. It is reported that men, women, and children, in their hundreds of thousands, have fled to Burundi from the Democratic Republic of Congo, escaping violent attacks from the M23 rebel group. These families arriving with almost nothing, only the hope of safety and the strength to survive, urgently need shelter, food, clean water, medical care, and emotional support. The Association of Evangelicals in Burundi, has reported that the nation, though welcoming, cannot meet these needs alone.

Today, we invite people across the world to stand with the refugees from DR Congo. Your compassion can help rebuild lives. Your support can restore hope. Your action can save lives. Whether you can donate, share this message, or partner with organizations working on the ground, every gesture makes a difference.

Let us stand together for peace, dignity, and the protection of innocent lives.