From Burundi to Belonging: A Story of Faith, Survival, and Calling

Alliance Samuragwa grew up in Burundi, a nation deeply impacted by political division and violence between ethnic groups. As a young man, Alliance became involved in a peaceful movement focused on solidarity, reconciliation, and democracy. As the movement grew, the government responded with violence. Many people were killed, and Alliance himself was arrested, imprisoned, and tortured for his involvement.

After being left near a river to die, Alliance survived by God’s grace. With the help of others, he escaped Burundi and eventually made his way to the United States in 2014 as an asylum seeker.

When Alliance arrived in America, he had no family nearby, no job, very limited resources, and did not speak English. The early years were marked by fear, uncertainty, loneliness, and survival. While navigating the long asylum process, he depended on the kindness of strangers, churches, and friends who helped provide food, housing, and basic support during some of the hardest seasons of his life.

Yet even in those difficult moments, Alliance says he experienced the faithfulness of God in profound ways.