Every Mile Brings Hope to Burkina Faso

Lace up your sneakers on June 6th for our 1st Annual Miles of Hope 5K & Fun Run. Whether you run, walk, or cheer, your participation provides clean water, meals, and education to those who need it most.

Join us at Lake Lanier for a morning of community and purpose. 100% of proceeds directly support our mission to complete our training center, provide daily meals for students, and supply medical care to displaced villages in Burkina Faso. Every step you take changes a life.

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Empowering Lives in Burkina Faso

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

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Our Mission

In 2016, Hope for Burkina Faso Ministries was birthed out of a cause. We are living in a time in history where it is possible to see every nation, tribe, village, and region can be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe God has sent us to the country of Burkina Faso where less than 30% of the populations are Christians, with Catholics representing 23.3% and Protestant 6.5%. The bible tells us in John 20:21”Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” God gave us a plan to reach a village in Burkina Faso named Nobere that has a population of 30,000. As you look at our website, you will see love in action. We are seeing a tremendous door open for us to share the Gospel not only in Nobere but surrounding villages.

If you are reading this, I’m asking you to pray for safety of Burkina Faso and the Lord’s work. In 2019, 1,111 schools out of 2,869 have closed because of terrorism. This year, there have been over 190 terrorist attacks and over 100,000 people have had to flee their homes. The Islamist militants are targeting Christians in these attacks. They are being told to “convert, flee or die.” The beautiful people of Burkina Faso need to know we are standing with them and they are not alone. Your prayers and support are making a difference in such a time as this. You are helping put boots on the ground in the front lines. They are armed with the Gospel, filled with the Spirit of God and motivated with the love of Jesus. This is a time when the family of God can shine the Glory of God. In every generation until now, there have been ordinary people just like you and me who partnered with God and brought change. Won’t you join us?

All in,
Mark Smith
CEO and Founder

What We Do

— Missions

At Hope for Burkina Faso Ministries, our mission is rooted in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 –

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Guided by this truth, we are dedicated to bringing hope and transformation to the people of Burkina Faso through clean water, education, food, medical care, and, above all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each effort we make is a reflection of God’s love and His desire to give every person a future filled with peace and purpose.

— Water

At Hope for Burkina Faso Ministries, our first mission was born from a simple yet profound desire — to bring life and hope to the people of Nobere through fresh, clean water. We built a well, meeting a physical need that transformed daily life — providing water to drink, cook, and clean. But even more, the well stands as a symbol of something eternal: the Living Water of Jesus Christ. Just as fresh water sustains the body, the Living Water of Jesus nourishes the soul. Today, the well continues to flow as a reminder that Christ alone is the true source of life — both now and forever.

— Food Outreach

Hope Amid Hardship – Since 2016, more than two million people in Burkina Faso have been displaced by terror attacks, many because of their Christian faith. Our pastor, Igor, is faithfully serving on the front lines—bringing food, clothing, and comfort to those in need. Through his courageous work and the generous support of Hope for Burkina Faso Ministries, countless families have experienced relief, restoration, and the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

— Education

At Hope for Burkina Faso, we believe that education is the foundation for a brighter future. Our school currently serves 390 students from Primary 1 through Primary 6, providing not only quality education but also essential support to help each child thrive. Every student receives a nutritious daily meal, uniforms, and school supplies, ensuring that no child is held back by lack of resources.

The school year runs from September to May, culminating in the P6 end-of-grade exam, which determines advancement to the next level. In 2024, we proudly celebrated an incredible achievement—our school was one of only five out of 28 schools in the commune to achieve a 100% passing rate on the P6 exam.

Beyond academics, our students take part in weekly Bible study, care for a school garden, and engage in other enriching activities that build both character and community.

Despite the challenging circumstances in Burkina Faso—where over 6,000 schools have closed since 2022 due to terrorist attacks—our students continue to learn, grow, and remain safe. Hope for Burkina Faso’s school stands as a beacon of resilience, hope, and faith in the power of education to transform lives.

— Health Care​

At Hope for Burkina Faso, we believe that a healthy child is a thriving learner. Every student in our school receives an annual medical exam to ensure their well-being and ability to learn. During these checkups, routine tests are performed — including height and weight measurements, ear cleaning, and vision screenings, with glasses provided when needed. Students also receive basic medicine and care as necessary throughout the year.

In a country where 25% of children suffer from malnutrition, we are deeply committed to promoting both education and health. By combining regular medical care with daily nutritious meals, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow strong, learn fully, and dream boldly.

— Training Center/ Church​

The Living Stones Training Center – We are joyfully building a new church and training center — a haven for pastors and believers to gather, learn, and grow together in faith. This center, called “The Living Stones,” is inspired by 1 Peter 2:4–5:

“As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 

Our vision is for this place to be both a beacon of hope for the lost and a foundation of strength for the faithful. We believe that everyone who enters its doors will be transformed by the power of Jesus Christ—becoming living stones, built together to honor, glorify, and make disciples for His Kingdom.

Impact Stories​

Student & Teacher Awards

Congratulations to the Hope for Burkina Faso School! Three of our students placed within the top 10 winners, one teacher, and our principal have been recognized by the village of…

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Student Testimonies

Every Wednesday, our onsite Pastor visits with the children to teach Bible stories and songs. The children and Igor both love this time together. Since the beginning of Hope for…

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Food Distribution

Hope for Burkina Faso Ministries recently sent $500 to our onsite Pastor, Igor. Igor has been in touch with other Pastors whose churches and communities have been affected by terrorists….

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Empowering a Generation with Hope

Through clean water, food, and Christian education, we are transforming lives. Partner with us to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the kids of Burkina Faso.

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