Burundi Pastor's Conference 2026

Russ and his daughter Ruthie will be traveling to Burundi from July 31-August 12 where he will be helping Onesphore lead a pastors conference with over 80 leaders from around the country.

We have an opportunity to bless them on Sunday, July 26!

  • We will pass out cardstock that will be bound in their conference handbooks. On it, you can write a note or Scriptures to encourage them (and your kids can draw pictures).

  • We will be raising $2,500 to help give gifts to the participants and help this be a special week for them.  Give $30 to sponsor a pastor or any amount you would like to contribute.

  • We are collecting new or used Christian books and DVD’s for youth and children.  They would especially like inspiring stories of missionaries.  

Prayer Points and updates will be posted on this site after Sunday and throughout the trip.

Thank you to everyone who gave!

We asked for $2500 and we raised $5292.

During our layover in Brussels, I'm going to be picking up some journals for the pastors so that they can write down what the Lord is speaking to them. As I prayed for the time with them, I just kept being reminded by the Lord that ONE WORD from Him can change everything. It can give clarity, encouragement, reassurance, vision, and courage. They need to hear from Him. That is my prayer through our time.

LINKS TO FOLLOW ALONG:
WhatsApp Group
Facebook
Instagram
 
PRAYER REQUESTS:
  • For Jackie and the kids while we are gone
  • Safety and good health
  • Favor with transportation, flights, and connections
  • Bless Innocente with care and encouragement
  • Russ' words to the pastors would bring life and strength
  • We would be an encouragement to the Church and her leaders
  • That Ruthie (on her first mission trip) would get a vision for God's love for the Nations

Russ and Ruthie's Itinerary

July 31 -1:  Fly to Brussels. Spend the day with Innocente (Onesphore's wife) who is getting medical treatment there and has been away from her family for a year.  We are going to encourage her.

Aug 2 - Fly to Burundi

Aug 3-7 - Pastor's Conference in Gitega (capitol of Burundi). Each day will be sessions in the morning and afternoon and then a nice meal together in the evening. Russ will be teaching 2 sessions every morning (6 total), and Onesphore will be teaching the afternoon sessions. Russ' focus is more about the internal life of a leader and caring for your soul and for your family. Onesphore will focus on leadership training and vision.

Aug 8 - Half a day with True Vine Church and half a day visiting with families. Russ will be encouraging True Vine Church -- one of the churches we have specifically encouraged and helped support in church planting. He will meet with the elders and home group leaders and teach on leadership.

Aug 9 - Church with Onesphore and fly out in the afternoon. Russ will be preaching, and Ruthie will share her testimony.  

Aug 10 - Arrive in Brussels. Ruthie's 17th Birthday! Spending daddy/daughter time in Brussels.

Aug 11 - Depart for HOME