Burkina Faso Missions
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, once known as Upper Volta, and
as the longtime kingdom of the Mossi people, was colonized
by France in the late 1800s. Its name was changed to
Burkina Faso when it gained independence
 from France in 1960, and subsequently
after that dependence, suffered from
numerous military coups which ended with country
wide elections in 1992. The results of those elections
helped form a stable coalition government. With a high
population density and very limited natural resources,
most of the region remains economically suppressed.
Local health conditions are improving, but still
generally poor in the rural areas. The country is
reported to have the second-highest illiteracy rate on
the planet. The inhabitants of Burkina Faso
are also known as Burkinabe. Islam has had a
long history in Burkina Faso and represents around 55%
of the total population. Christianity has a smaller
presence representing around 10%
of the population.
Our Mission
It started in 1983. That was
the first time I went to Burkina
Faso. Then, after a few years of
writing back and forth to a Burkina Pastor,
the Lord had me go back. Now
after more than 20 years-my wife and
I are still going. We have built
around 400 churches...roofs. That has
been the main focus of our ministry
...roofs. Most of the churches are
around 1000 square feet. Most are made
of mud brick and most of them are located in
the `bush`. The churches are used for
services almost everyday. They can hold
up to 200 people. Many times they are
the only main structure in the
village.
What a blessing that has been for
us. To be able to give the roofs and see how the
Lord has used it to build His Kingdom. (I Cor 3:11
For no one can lay a foundation other than that
which is laid, which is Jesus Christ)
Besides giving roofs, we do
teachings for pastors . During the years we
have had over 50 pastors come from the US to see
the ministry and to teach other pastors. Some of
the pastors have come more than once.
All of the pastors that came have been blessed, and
all of them have blessed the Burkinabe.
Besides that-we teach in the Bible
schools. Many of the students that we taught
have been pastors now-for years.
Jerry and Jan in the Bush
So, our ministry has been
The time is not over-yet.
The Lord has us still going back and continuing the
work in Africa.
It is a mission that both Jan and
myself never dreamed would be our life`s
work.
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