St. Paul's Mission to Serve team is Gathered by God to Share the Love of Jesus with a goal of blessing ministries by physically serving alongside them - when possible - and by making financial contributions to chosen organizations. 100% of the Mission to Serve contributions are forwarded to the recipient organization.
Burundi is one of the poorest nations in the world and has experienced civil war, political strife, genocide and ethnic cleansing within the last fifteen years. Many citizens have migrated to other countries because of the violence and lack of economic opportunity.
Traditional schools are only available in the cities, with little access to education among the mostly rural population. The Burundi Mission we want to help was created by the efforts of non-denominational, Christian missionary and teacher Maurice Karenzo. Through his work, a “traveling school” was developed where Maurice and other teachers move weekly from village to village and teach the children in a faith-based, outdoor school, registered as a non-profit with the Burundi government. Our mission will help to fund the teacher’s salaries and expenses.
A connection to our congregation was forged between Maurice’s school and local business Coral and Blue, owned by Ashley and Andy Campbell. Coral and Blue (C&B) creates kid-friendly, artistic stationery to help children express feelings and build relationships. Coral and Blue provided paper stationery supplies to the school, in a country where blank paper is a novelty. Creating these notes and messages using C&B is part of the healing process for children who have been traumatized by violence.
This partnership has expanded over the last year. During summer 2021, C&B sponsored a VBS program attended by 5,000+ children providing drinks, food, school supplies and backpacks to the attendees at a cost of roughly $2,500. Last Christmas, C&B provided supplies and small gifts to the children helped by the mission school. Supplies are purchased in-country to help support local economies.
To support the Burundi Mission, click on the link below to be taken to our online giving portal. Be sure to select the "Mission to Serve: Burundi - Coral & Blue" fund when making your donation. You can also mail or bring your donation to church with a note that it's for the Mission to Serve.
Children learning at the traveling school in Burundi
Do you know of an organization that we should support? We're always looking for new ways to share the Love of Jesus in our community and throughout the world! Click the button below to send us your suggestion.
