The Bible, a sacred book central to the life and faith of millions, has become increasingly difficult to access for many Christians in Burundi. Despite the spiritual hunger and the deep devotion of communities—especially among Baptist believers—economic realities have made the Word of God nearly unreachable for the average worshiper.
According to the Bible Society of Burundi (BBS), the cheapest Bible sold in their official libraries costs 25,000 BIF, while in public marketplaces, the price starts at 45,000 BIF and can rise up to 80,000 BIF depending on the edition and format. For a country where a majority of the population lives below the poverty line, this cost is simply unaffordable.
Although the Bible Society of Burundi has recently published a price list that seems more affordable compared to other vendors, there is still much to be done. Rural congregants who cannot easily access city bookstores, students and unemployed youth, as well as churches with limited budgets for Bible distribution, remain directly affected by the high costs.
Vendors in town attribute the increase in Bible prices to the rising cost of the U.S. dollar, which affects the importation of materials and printing, especially as the Burundian Franc (BIF) continues to depreciate. However, the Bible Society of Burundi declined to comment many times on these claims at the time of publishing this article.
Additionally, one of the pastors who works closely with the Bible Society in Burundi, speaking to The Baptist Chronicle under condition of anonymity, revealed that there are currently few international donors supporting Bible printing in the country. This lack of external funding, he explained, creates a financial gap that must be filled through local Bible sales.
He said:
“For example, in Rwanda, the price of the Holy Book increased by 200 percent after the number of sponsors stopped their donations in 2023. That means if a similar situation happens in Burundi, the only way for the Bible Society — like Maison de la Bible — to survive is to raise prices.”
According to The New Times, during the time of the price increase in Rwanda, it was reported that some sponsors attempted to influence the content of the Bible. The Rwandan Bible Society declined these demands, which led to the termination of their financial support.
A Heavy Burden on Baptist Communities
Baptist Christians, known for their strong attachment to the Bible and the Cantique (Hymnal) book, are among the most affected.
“It’s heartbreaking,” says Pastor Pierre Claver from Mparamirundi Baptist Church in his sermon at Gihosha, later in July 2025.
“Our members want to grow spiritually, but they don’t have access to the Word. We’re witnessing a faith that is threatened not by persecution, but by poverty.” He added
While some local businesspeople attempt to purchase Bibles for vulnerable Christians, the sad reality is that many of these Bibles end up being sold again due to the urgent financial needs of the recipients.
This vicious cycle speaks to a deeper crisis, where the economic instability of the country is directly impacting the spiritual life of its citizens.
Yet, in the midst of hardship, there are testimonies of faith and providence. Alice, a member of a rural Baptist church, shares: “I prayed for a Bible, and God used a fellow believer to gift me one. Now I use it to prepare Sunday school lessons for children.” She adds that there are still many like her in her congregation—believers longing for access to the Scriptures.
Is Digital the Future?
With smartphone penetration rising, could digital Bibles be a cost-effective alternative?
“While helpful, they cannot fully replace the importance of a physical Bible in personal devotions, church liturgy, and rural areas with limited connectivity” Said Rev Dieudonné, a pastor educator of one of the Baptist churches in Bujumbura.
He added:
“The Bible is more than a book; it is life, guidance, and spiritual nourishment. Burundi’s believers are hungry for God’s Word, but they need the support of the global Christian community.”
Pastor Dieudonné’s message is clear: “If donors and mission partners could step in, they would not just be giving a book—they’d be giving hope.”
“The Bible is a book of life for me. I remember laboring for two months to get my first personal copy. It’s very hard for me to replace my old Bible because every time I see it, I’m reminded that it is a precious book, full of hope and wisdom. It is a roadmap for every believer”. He added.
You will know that there are still a large number of people with no access to the Bible in their local language, and no local church presence.
According to Wycliffe, there are about 7,396 living Languages Worldwide and languages that till August 2025, 544 are languages without any Scripture translation.
This shows that there is still work to do to significantly bring the Word closer to every linguistic group.
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Doctor Rev. Pastor ZIHERAMBERE Eliazard I know as a parents my Pastor,
was a faithful servant of God, a true shepherd of people, known for his deep love, compassion, and generosity. He devoted his life to serving others, especially the vulnerable and those in need.
The many works he carried out in Africa and in the United States will remain a lasting testimony of his heart for God and humanity. His legacy of love, service, and selfless giving will continue to live on in the lives of those he touched.
Though we mourn his physical absence, we do not grieve as those without hope. We firmly believe that Doctor Rev. Pastor ZIHERAMBERE Eliazard has finished his earthly race and has been received into the glorious presence of the Lord.
His body rests, but his spirit lives on with Christ, where there is no more pain, sorrow, or death. We take comfort in the promise of eternal life and in the assurance that those who die in the Lord are at peace
REVELATION 14:13