In the African nation of Burundi, a country still recovering from years of civil strife that left many living in dire poverty, stands Imuhira Heza, a home for Widows and Orphans, a remarkable testament to the faith and determination of Boneko Bonaventure, a young Burundian orphan.

Imuhira Heza was once just a dream in Boneko’s heart during his childhood while he lived with his widowed mother. He felt a divine calling from God, urging him to care for widows and orphans. Trusting in God’s ability to perform the miraculous, Boneko diligently saved money for years, eventually buying a small plot of land in 2020 and establishing a non-profit organization called Christian Orphanage Services of Burundi.

His dream began to take shape when a Canadian teenager heard his inspiring story and faithfully decided to financially support his vision. With this support, Boneko laid the foundation for the home. While waiting for additional resources to construct the building, he planted a garden on the site, using the produce to help local widows and orphans.

As word spread, more people extended their aid, and through the assistance of the Great Commission Foundation, the garden evolved into a home. Today, two widows lovingly care for 14 orphans, fostering a true family environment where the children play, help each other, and attend school together. This home stands as a testament to God’s inspiration and Boneko’s unwavering devotion and prayers, supported by his wife, Sarah.

Imuhira Heza now serves as a beacon of hope and love within the local community. Initially hesitant about aiding the most impoverished, the community has gradually come forward to support the cause. Moreover, the local government recognizes the valuable service offered by Imuhira Heza, though they require separate housing for boys and girls due to space limitations.

To address this need, Imuhira Heza must urgently raise funds to purchase new land and build separate homes for boys and girls while keeping them close together. After an extensive search, Boneko has identified an ideal plot that would not only accommodate a second home but also provide space for a garden, play area, and facilities for worship, education, and vocational training.

You now have a unique opportunity to join this noble ministry for widows and orphans. Imuhira Heza seeks to raise $50,000 USD for purchasing the land and building the new home, with over half of this amount already pledged. Your prayers for the continuous success of Imuhira Heza in their community are sincerely appreciated, and any financial contributions you can offer will be immensely valuable in supporting the construction of the new home. Together, we can continue to spread God’s love and make a difference in the lives of widows and orphans in Burundi.

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:

We invite you to pray that Imuhira Heza would continue to be a light in their community and welcome your financial gifts to help fund the building of their new home. Your help is needed to continue to show God’s love to widows and orphans in Burundi.