For one week in August, churches across Burundi became classrooms, sanctuaries, and gathering places as 2,500 children and youth came together to discover the Christian faith.
More than 870 teachers and staff members led the Burundi Annual Conference’s 2026 national Vacation Bible School (VBS), which had the theme "Growing in God's Grace." The program took place in eleven parishes and was financed by the Burundi Annual Conference, parents, and Discipleship Ministries.
Attendees experienced Bible teaching, worship, games, fellowship, and discipleship. They learned the Scriptures, made friends, and reflected on what it means to live out one's faith every day.
Preparing the church of tomorrow
"The Children's Bible Program gives them the opportunity to learn God's word through games, pictures, and songs, because children often understand better what they see than what they hear. It is also a time when they hear the good news of salvation and learn to love one another by sharing with others," explained Niyirera Désiré, director of Children's Ministry for the Burundi Annual Conference.
For Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera, the week is an investment in the church's future and an opportunity to teach children God's Word in an accessible way, all while helping them build relationships. Citing Proverbs 22:6, he reminded the church of their responsibility to help children lay a solid foundation for faith from an early age. He shared, "It is a good way to prepare a church of tomorrow that stands firm in Christ."
The VBS week also included young adult gatherings in three locations. These events focused on discipleship, spiritual formation, fellowship, and leadership, and offered young people the chance to serve during the children’s Sunday school activities.
Life-changing lessons
Ngezahayo Siméon, a teacher and children's mentor, noted that VBS has also influenced children's participation in church life. Before the program, he explained, some children arrived late, were absent, or spent time in the street before coming to church. But, he said, "With VBS, everything has completely changed. The children have become punctual for the Sunday morning lessons… Some can preach during worship and lead programs. Most easily recite the memorized verses and know the rules of the church."
For Irumva Eva God Will, 14, the lessons prompted her to reflect on how Christians should treat others. She shared, "I learned to love everyone without exception and without discrimination, just as God himself so loved us that he gave his only Son to die for us on the cross.”
Niyirera said, "Parents really appreciate how we care for the children during [VBS], because they see changes in their behavior."
Parent Irabembereza Denis commented, “Before VBS, my child was shy, disobedient, and had trouble sharing with others. After VBS he became more respectful and more attentive, he showed love toward others, he prays more, and he tries to put into practice what he has learned."
The UMC connection at work
VBS also connects the church in Burundi with United Methodists in other parts of the world. For the 2026 event, a team from Discipleship Ministries and the Philippines visited participating communities.
"It was very impressive to see thousands of children gathered at the same time to learn about God, their faith, and The United Methodist Church across Burundi," said Mighty Rasing, director of central conference relations at Discipleship Ministries.
The number of children present in communities where United Methodists are active shows the church's missionary potential. He pointed out, "The harvest field is so vast and so wide, and The United Methodist Church has the integrity and the standing needed to reach the different communities of Burundi.”
He described the experience as an example of connectional ministry, bringing together United Methodists from different parts of the world. He said, "This is the global United Methodist church at work."
Looking ahead
For the Burundi Annual Conference, VBS highlights the importance of creating opportunities for children and young people to grow in faith all year long. The testimonies of parents, teachers, and children underscored the value of Christian education that continues through Sunday school, family involvement, and regular teaching of the Scriptures.
Niyirera said the church is considering extending the VBS program beyond one week, and that the administration has encouraged the expansion.
Rasing shared, "I am excited about the future of The United Methodist Church here in Burundi. I hope we can continue to work together – Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church in Burundi, and the Philippines."
Arcade Igiraneza is a communications officer for the Burundi Annual Conference.
This page was published on September 30, 2026. The contact is Laura Buchanan.
