Moments of Joy

Sounds of praise and jubilation filled the atmosphere as TWR Africa’s National Partner, TWR Burundi, officially dedicated its new office building and studios at a joyous ceremony held in December 2021. The event was graced by dignitaries and stakeholders from various walks of life, including listeners from the region and its surrounds.

One of the listeners of TWR Burundi programmes who attended, said, “I was really touched by the message you gave in the programme Good News for All. You continue teaching us that God is faithful to his promises. May God bless you so much.”

The Republic of Burundi is a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa. Today the population is divided between the Hutu (approximately 85%), the Tutsi (approximately 14%) and its original inhabitants known as the Twa, a Pygmy people who now make up only 1% of the population.

For over 30 years, TWR Burundi has used media to minister to the people of Burundi. They shared a building and office space with Scripture Union. In 2019, God began paving the way for TWR Burundi to have its own property that would significantly enhance the ministry’s ability to grow. The new building was purchased, and the necessary renovations and improvements were made. The old walls were retouched, external walls for the studios were built, and the roof was replaced. “We bless the Lord for supporters who gave sacrificially towards the purchase, renovations and furnishing of the property,” says Egide Bandyatuyaga, Ministry Director for TWR in East Africa.

With assistance from a TWR sound technician and a local studio technician, TWR Burundi also upgraded the audio production studios. Utilising the new facilities, TWR Burundi is able to continue high-quality production of TWR programmes in Kirundi, the “heart”-language of the people, introducing the truth and hope of Jesus to Burundi citizens. “TWR Burundi has seen the impact of their ministry for decades, and their new space will allow for this impact to multiply,” Egide adds. The facility will also be used as a training centre for believers and Christian leaders.

A longstanding programme, Good News for All, has been on air since TWR launched its services in the East African nation in 1998, and broadcasts can even be heard across borders to neighbouring countries such as Rwanda to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Tanzania to the east and south. This weekly 60-minute programme reaches hundreds of listeners, strengthening believers in their faith and boldly proclaiming the message of salvation. The programme covers specific challenges of modern-day life such as good management of resources, and independence from the bondage of sin.

Jesus is the Answer airs every Sunday on Burundi National Radio, sharing the gospel and glorifying the work of the Lord Jesus in the lives of its East African listeners. TWR has received many testimonies of salvation and healing. A listener from the south of Burundi recently wrote to share his appreciation:

“Thank you for the good testimonies I heard in the programme Jesus is the Answer. Indeed, only Jesus can quench any kind of thirst and hunger in my life. This programme has really been helpful to me.”

Another listener wrote:

“I am a farmer who spends a lot of time in my rice fields. I always listen to the radio as I work. Thank you very much for the programme Good News for All. This programme has touched my heart in such a way that I decided to receive the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. Please pray for me to keep firm in my faith.”

Prayer and praises:

· Please pray that God will bless the TWR Burundi staff and leaders as they continue ministry from their new premises, and that many more people will come to know Jesus through the broadcasts.

· Praise God that God provided the finance, logistics and human resources needed for the official office and studio renovations and upgrades, and for the dedication ceremony of TWR Burundi’s new office building.

· Praise the Lord for the ways in which he is changing lives across Burundi through the TWR Burundi programmes and media outreach.

· TWR Burundi praises God for the fruit of its ministry and is requesting prayer to continually extend its reach.