“My dream is to live in a home…”

A Message from GLO Executive Director, PJ.

Our team met 6-year-old Micah* recently at an outreach event. He has been living on the streets of Bujumbura since he was 4-years-old. During the therapeutic art session to help the such children express themselves and to share their hopes and dreams, most of the kids drew a house.

Unpacked, Micah’s dream for home is a poignant cry for the basic needs he lacks - family, love, safety, shelter… No six-year-old should have to live like this, being exposed daily to the terrifying risks of violence, drugs and exploitation.

Micah is just one of millions of Burundians yearning for a brighter future this Christmas.

There's a story of a little waif in the ghetto who was being teased by an older street kid who said: “If God loves you, why doesn't he take care of you? Why doesn't God tell someone to bring you shoes and a warm coat and better food?” The little lad thought for a moment, and then, with tears starting in his eyes, he said:

“I guess God does tell somebody to help... but somebody forgets.”

That line haunts me.

So that’s where we come in – and you, if you’d like to share in the privilege and blessing of being involved. We’re choosing to remember the Micahs, and not be the ‘somebody’ who ‘forgets’. We’re choosing to ‘stay’ in terms of our long-term relational connection and investment in local groups who have put in the hard yards, earned trust, and are living out the authentic gospel.

I’d love it if you would consider giving $25/50/100/month, or a one-off gift to provide Micah and others with lasting hope and stability. You can do so HERE.

Micah joins me in saying a heartfelt ‘THANK YOU!’

Here’s to not forgetting and choosing to stay! Here's to outsmarting poverty in Burundi and bringing lasting change!

*Name changed