As the people of Burundi struggle to heal from their suffering, the work of the Holy Spirit is obvious in the hopeful hearts of many, yet feelings of self-survival, with no room for the poor and needy are still common.  In the face of all this, Boneko, by faith, used his minimal salary to buy a small plot of land in 2020, on which he hoped to build a home, not for himself, but for widows and orphans in his neighbourhood.  In 2021, after one young man gave his tithe to Imuhira Heza, a strong foundation of stone and cement was immediately laid, as well as a foundation of trusting in God’s Faithful Provision.  God has continued to be faithful, and construction continues.  The goal is that widowed mothers and children move into the home soon in 2022. To reach that goal, there remains the needed provision of necessities such as: finishing construction, providing basic furniture & tools, food, clothing, education, etc.

The long-term vision of Imuhira Heza is that it may be so much more than just a shelter for the poor, but that it may be just one of many homes where widows and orphans live in dignity and purpose and freedom in the Kingdom of God.  A home where widows know their value as the Bride of Christ, created not to live in impoverished dependence upon the handouts of others, but to be treasured women living in intimate dependence on God Alone.  A home where children thrive through learning of God’s Grace as well as acquiring skills and knowledge needed to help build God’s Kingdom in the beautiful land of Burundi. Boneko’s hope is that Imuhira Heza be a light for people to see and understand that God loves all people; that they are valuable to Him and to society, regardless of their high or low status.

Ministry Overview

In the poorest nations, such as Burundi, where it is hard to trust in the provision of a loving God, societies understandably develop a focus on self-survival, neglecting widows and orphans as each struggle to just provide for themselves. So Boneko and Sarah pray that Imuhira Heza not only be a home for a few orphans & widows, but also a growing Light of Faith in the local community. They trust that Imuhira Heza is a seed of God’s Kingdom where others may see the value and beauty of living by faith and caring for the poor and neglected.

This Light of faith shines already, as by faith Boneko began providing care for widows and orphans even before the home existed. By Faith, God provided a small plot of land to Boneko on his meager salary. By Faith, a young man across the ocean, when hearing about Boneko, gave his tithe to him, and by faith, a foundation was laid within the week. And on that foundation of stones and Faith, Imuhira Heza has been built.

Imuhira Heza, Kirundi for “Home of Majesty”, is a home for 13 orphaned children, who are cared for by 2 widows, so they may live the lives God created them for. In the home, they are provided for, but also educated and encouraged to realize their identity as beloved and saved children and brides of their Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus. The home was founded by Boneko Bonaventure, who grew up as an orphan with his widowed mother, after his father was killed before he was even born. He now manages the home in Bujumbura, Burundi, with his wife, Sarah.

Prayer Request:

• For continued provision for widows, mothers, and children

• For success in school for the children (they have missed many schools days not having had a proper home till June)

• For the local community to begin to support the work of caring for widows and orphans

• For the local church (Pentecostal church very close to Imuhira Heza) to recognize the good of what Boneko & Sarah are doing and desire to support them as a way of impacting their community (currently the church, which is supported by a church in Switzerland, has its own orphanage that is quite far away, and only supports that)

• For the myths to be dispelled that Boneko has some secret hidden wealth (Many people who see what he and Sarah are doing believe that there is no possible way he could do this unless he has great wealth. A belief has developed, even in the church, that help can only be provided when one has great wealth)

• For success in a small café business that Sarah plans to start later this year to help provide support for their family and for Imuhira Heza so that Boneko can focus more on the home and not have to also work in his teaching job (which pays very little)