During the Kansega Crusade held from 30–31 May 2026 in Kansega, Cibitoke Province, western Burundi, Christians from Free Baptist churches across the area were mobilized to contribute toward the construction of a church building. The event revealed that many Christians in Burundi have not yet reached a stage where they can independently finance the construction of their places of worship without support from donors.
As The Baptist Chronicle covered the event, we witnessed believers bringing a wide range of contributions, including cement, bricks, iron reinforcement bars, and small amounts of money placed in envelopes. Others who could not afford cash or construction materials brought agricultural harvests and clothing as their contribution. Many explained that while the builders would be working on the church project, they would need food and other necessities. We also met individuals who had collected donations from friends and colleagues at their workplaces and delivered them in envelopes to support the construction effort.
According to Pastor Dieudonné, these acts of generosity reflected the determination of local Christians to participate in God’s work despite their limited financial means.
“Although these contributions remain insufficient to complete the building project, they demonstrate a growing commitment among Christians to use the resources available to them to meet their own needs.” He said.
One church member who contributed a portion of his harvest said :
“We may not have much money, but we cannot sit and wait for others to build the church for us.”
He added :
“What we have belongs to God, and we are willing to share it for His work.”
Sévérin Hasabumutima, another believer who attended the crusade, reading Followreading Burundi. reading Donate emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
“If each Christian gives according to his or her ability, we can gradually complete this building. It may take time, but we believe God will provide through His people,” He said.
Samuel Nibitanga, one of the guests in the crusade, acknowledged that financial limitations remain a major obstacle.
“Many of our members are farmers and small traders whose incomes are very limited,” one pastor explained. “Yet their willingness to contribute shows that they understand the church is their responsibility. What we need now is perseverance and unity.”
The fundraising effort comes at a time when many churches are facing increased pressure to improve their infrastructure following the government’s directive requiring places of worship to comply with the provisions of the 2024 law governing religious denominations. For many congregations, particularly those in economically disadvantaged communities, meeting these requirements remains a significant challenge.
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Speaking during the crusade, Pastor Dieudonné Irambona encouraged believers not to be discouraged by the slow pace of construction.
“A church building is not completed in one day,” he said. “What encourages us is seeing people bring what they can. Every contribution, whether large or small, is helping us move forward.”
Nevertheless, the willingness of church members to sacrifice and contribute what they have reflects a spirit of ownership and responsibility that could help strengthen local churches in the long term, even as financial constraints continue to slow progress on construction projects. The scene at Kansega illustrated both the economic realities facing many Baptist congregations in Burundi and their determination to support God’s work despite limited resources.
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