An auxiliary nurse in Bujumbura, Burundi’s largest city, tunes in to a Christian radio station, as often as three times a day and says it renews her faith and allows her to live each day with positivity and hope.

Anne Marie Mutamuriza says: “I truly love the Bible because it is the foundation of a Christian life, and that’s why I am so drawn to Ivyizigiro radio. The programs are filled with God’s word, whether through preaching, music, or testimonies.”

Anne Marie describes herself as a morning person and says she begins her day at 5am when she tunes into the station’s opening devotional programme. “There are moments when I feel down,” she admits. “During my break between 12:30 and 2pm, I listen to the preaching and enjoy the musical transition that follows. As Christians, we sometimes feel exhausted or discouraged, but the Christian music lifts me up again.”

In the evening, before going to bed, the 63-year-old grandmother continues her routine by listening to testimonies and the closing prayers. She says, “This helps me end the day in comfort and peace.”

With mast rental funded by Blythswood Care, Radio Ivyizigiro broadcasts gospel messages and health advice in Kirundi, French, Swahili and English, reaching listeners throughout Africa’s Great Lakes Region.