From Tragedy to Training to Multiplication: How One Refugee's Biblical Education Transformed Multiple Nations

When Philbert fled his homeland of Burundi in the early 2010s, he never imagined that his time in a Kenyan refugee camp would become the foundation for a ministry that would eventually impact pastoral training across multiple nations. His story demonstrates how accessible pastor training can create ripple effects far beyond a single classroom, reaching from refugee camps to national church movements.

Finding Hope in Kakuma Refugee Camp

Life in Kakuma Refugee Camp was challenging for Philbert and thousands of other displaced people from across East Africa. Yet it was here, in 2013, that Philbert discovered the Bible Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP) program. What began as affordable pastor training in a refugee setting would prove to be life-changing—not just for Philbert, but for countless pastors and church leaders across the region.

"This is the training that positively transformed my life," Philbert reflects. The BTCP curriculum opened his eyes to proper biblical interpretation through its systematic approach to observation, interpretation, and application. "I realized that is where many pastors miss, or they misinterpret the Bible because they don't have proper training in biblical interpretation."

The two-year program provided Philbert with solid theological foundations that many pastors around the world lack access to. In refugee camps and impoverished regions, traditional seminary education is often impossible to access or afford. BTCP's model of easy pastor training filled this critical gap, offering comprehensive biblical education designed specifically for contexts where seminary access is limited.

A Divine Call Back to Danger

After graduating from BTCP in 2015, Philbert was granted asylum in Canada—a safe haven from the turmoil of his homeland. However, God had different plans. Despite the safety and opportunities that Canada offered, Philbert felt a clear calling to return to Burundi to share what he had learned.

"God spoke to me to take this vision to Burundi," Philbert explains. "So I took this vision in 2015 and started sharing it." This decision required tremendous faith, as Burundi continued to be a dangerous place to live and minister.

Upon his return, Philbert quickly discovered the urgent need for church leadership pipeline development in his country. "I found that many pastors in Burundi are leading churches, and they don't have any basic training in theology or leadership." This lack of training wasn't just an educational issue—it was creating serious problems for the church and even bearing bad fruit.

Government Pressure and the Need for Training

The situation Philbert encountered in Burundi was dire. "I come to a country where the government is making pressure on pastors and church leaders. They close churches in Burundi because these pastors and church leaders are not trained in theology and leadership."

The government's closure of churches highlighted a critical problem: untrained pastors were inadvertently creating situations that drew negative attention to the Christian community. Without proper theological foundation, some church leaders fall into false teachings or poor leadership practices that gave authorities reasons to restrict religious activities.

This crisis underscores the vital importance of training for poor pastors who can’t access formal theological education. Programs like BTCP's low cost seminary alternative are essential for protecting and strengthening the church in Burundi.

Transforming Lives Through Biblical Training

As Philbert began teaching BTCP in Burundi, the results were striking. "BTCP is helping a lot to solve that issue and the problem of not training pastors in Burundi," he reports.

The transformation went beyond simply avoiding government problems. Philbert witnessed pastors changing their entire approach to ministry. "I've heard pastors say, 'I was teaching the way I wanted to, but now I teach according to the Bible.'" This shift from personal opinion to biblical authority represents the heart of what effective pastoral training accomplishes.

The program also helped churches combat false teachings that had infiltrated the region. "BTCP has changed the life of churches in Burundi, where we come against the prosperity gospel and false teachings," Philbert notes. This demonstrates how economical pastor training can strengthen the doctrinal health of entire church networks.

The Monumental Task of Translation

One of Philbert's greatest challenges was making this training accessible to local pastors. "Many pastors don't understand English, French, or even Swahili," he explains. To truly serve his people, Philbert undertook the enormous task of translating the entire BTCP curriculum into Kirundi, the local language of Burundi.

This wasn't a simple project—it involved translating and formatting all 2,300 pages of BTCP materials into the local language. "It took around four years to translate the BTCP manuals into Kirundi," Philbert recalls. This painstaking work demonstrates the dedication required to make global Bible training truly accessible to local communities.

The translation project exemplifies how accessible pastor training must go beyond merely being affordable—it must also be culturally and linguistically appropriate for the communities it serves.

Expanding Beyond Borders

The impact of Philbert's work didn't stop at Burundi's borders. "I am also taking this ministry to Congo," he shares. "Four classes are going on now in Congo." The expansion into Democratic Republic of Congo shows how effective training creates a multiplication effect, with trained leaders naturally wanting to share what they've learned with others.

The Kirundi translation has proven valuable beyond Burundi itself. "Translating BTCP books in Kirundi will also help refugees who are in Kakuma refugee camp, refugees in Uganda in Nakivale, refugees in Tanzania, and refugees in Rwanda," Philbert explains. Having experienced refugee life himself, he understands the unique challenges these communities face and how crucial biblical training can be for displaced pastors and church leaders.

Ongoing Challenges and Faith

Despite the remarkable success, Philbert faces significant ongoing challenges. "We don't have printed books. We don't have funding to get the books. It's really a challenge to get the BTCP manuals," he admits. "The teachers are not supported financially. It's also really a challenge."

These resource limitations highlight a common struggle in pastor training for missions contexts. While the training itself may be affordable, the infrastructure needed to deliver it—printed materials, teacher support, transportation—requires ongoing financial partnership.

Yet Philbert continues his work with remarkable faith and determination. "Training from Burundi to Congo is not easy. We really need your prayers," he acknowledges, recognizing that this ministry requires both practical and spiritual support.

A Model for Global Ministry

Philbert's story illustrates several key principles for effective global pastoral training:

Accessibility is Essential: Training must be available in local languages and appropriate for local contexts, not just affordable in price.

Multiplication Mindset: Well-trained pastors naturally become trainers themselves, creating sustainable church leadership pipelines.

Addressing Real Needs: Effective training addresses the actual challenges churches face, from government pressure to false teaching.

Long-term Commitment: Sustainable ministry requires years of dedicated work, not quick fixes or short-term programs.

The Ripple Effect Continues

Today, Philbert's ministry demonstrates how one person's training can impact entire nations. From his initial experience as a refugee in Kakuma camp to his current work training pastors across multiple countries, his story shows the transformative power of accessible, biblical education.

The pastors he trains are now leading stronger churches, teaching biblical truth instead of personal opinion, and creating positive relationships with government authorities. Churches that might have been closed are remaining open because their leaders are properly prepared for ministry.

Supporting Global Bible Training

Philbert's experience with BTCP represents thousands of similar stories worldwide where accessible pastor training is creating lasting change. The Bible Training Centre for Pastors continues to provide fun Bible study materials and comprehensive pastoral training to leaders who cannot access traditional seminary education.

For ministry partners seeking effective solutions for global pastor training, BTCP offers a proven model that adapts to local contexts while maintaining biblical fidelity. The program provides affordable pastor training that creates sustainable church leadership pipelines in even the most challenging environments.

Whether in refugee camps, politically restricted nations, or economically disadvantaged regions, the need for qualified pastoral training remains critical. Philbert's story demonstrates that with the right training model, dedicated local leaders, and ongoing support, the impact can extend far beyond what anyone initially imagines.

As Philbert continues his work across East Africa, he embodies the vision of biblical training that multiplies across cultures and generations. His journey from refugee to regional ministry leader illustrates the profound impact that accessible, quality pastoral education can have on the global church.

The transformation continues as each pastor trained through BTCP returns to their community equipped not just with knowledge, but with the tools and confidence to train others—creating an ever-expanding network of biblically grounded church leaders across Africa and beyond.