The love of God permeates the homes of very poor widows who take in abandoned babies. They greet us with such warmth, it is clear the children are being well cared for at each home. Let us share one precious moment: We asked Mama Sarah about her church. She told us she loves her church & has been teaching Sunday School since 1980. Though it was embarrassing for her to answer, we asked if she had her own Bible (so many here do not). She dropped her head and said "No, I use a Bible that belongs to the church". What a blessed privilege it was for us to give her a Bible of her own! She prayed for us asking that "Imana (God) continue to fill our baskets, because they have hearts to help others". When we travel here we carry our things in baskets as the Burundians do, so everything we gave her came out of our baskets. She knows the things & the support she received is by the hand of her God. PTL, this woman of faith is raising two abandoned babies for the glory of Imana!

Jim & Vicki Brooks Missionaries to Burundi, Africa

"Twenga! Twenga! My crude Kirundi brings laughter from the small sea of orphans pressed close around me, and then a slight smile from the child I am photographing (the Kirundi word "twenga" means smile). Vicki and I realize we have so many reasons to smile as we look around at this multitude of precious Burundian boys and girls the Lord has placed in our life paths. Burundi is often referred to as the "heart of Africa," due to its geographical location with in the continent and its physical shape. It is also one of the poorest countries of the world where well over half of the population is under 15 years old and the average life span is a mere 47 years. Over 95% of the population survives by subsistence agriculture, and civil war, disease and tribal division have left multitudes of children in distress.

Allow The Children is partnering with Burundian churches and care givers to answer the cry of these children. Through God's abundant grace and his faithful provision we are helping blind and deaf children, orphans, street children, malnourished infants, abandoned babies and HIV+ infants & children.

Jim and Vicki Brooks manage the outreach to the children of Burundi, Africa. With their previous experience in ministry to children, especially deaf children, God has uniquely prepared them for the work He has given to them in Burundi.

The Brooks have over 25 years of local church ministry experience and a tremendous heart for what God is doing among disadvantaged children of the world. Jim has served as a children's and youth pastor and Vicki is a gifted interpreter for the deaf. The Brooks served seven years ministering to deaf children in Jamaica and now, God has directed their hearts to the children of Burundi, Africa.