Memphis is an incredibly diverse city, with many different nationalities and ethnicities that call the Bluff City home. On Saturday, October 23, 16 teams will represent their nations in a one-day soccer tournament. At Cup of Nations, we can love our international neighbors and share the gospel with friends from around the world.

This year at Cup of Nations, Christ Church will be sponsoring the teams from Burundi! At the tournament, we will be sitting with these fans and cheering the teams on, so we wanted to spotlight this nation to share more about the Burundian people that we will be meeting. Here are some fast facts about Burundi for you to know:

Where is Burundi?

Burundi is a small, landlocked nation in central Africa. It is surrounded by the nations of Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Who are the Burundian people?

Their population is around 12.5 million people made up of 12 different people groups, with the Hutu being the largest. According to Operation World and the Joshua Project, the country is over 90% Christian. There are three unreached people groups in the nation that are either Muslim or followers of ethnic religions. 

What led to Burundian refugee resettlement in Memphis?

Burundi is one of the world’s poorest’s nations, and has severe problems with hunger, malnourishment, and lack of access to medical care. The nation is recovering from a 12-year long civil war between two different ethnicities: the Hutu and Tutsi. They each experienced different genocides in 1972 and 1993, and peace remains shaky today.  

How can I pray for Burundi?

• Praise God for increased stability in Burundi after years of wars and genocide. An elected government now includes both Hutu and Tutsi, and we pray for continued peace as they build the nation’s future together.

• Praise God for the sustained growth of the church in this country, and pray for the workers that continue to labor to spread the gospel in Burundi. Pray that the three nonreached people groups would hear the gospel and respond to this good news.

• Pray for the physical needs of those in the country that are facing poverty, and for the aid workers from around the world that are continues to provide needed support.

• Pray for the Burundian population that call Memphis home. Pray that they continue to feel welcomed in our city, and experience a peaceful and flourishing life. Pray for those that we will meet at this tournament, and for the teams’ health that will be playing.

Cup of Nations will be Saturday, October 23 from 8:00 AM-3:30 PM at Bellevue Church.
To receive updates about Cup of Nations, text NATIONS to 901-871-0525

About Christ Church Memphis
Christ Church Memphis is church in East Memphis, Tennessee. For more than 65 years, Christ Church has served the Memphis community. Every weekend, there are multiple worship opportunities including traditional, contemporary and blended services.