Beacons of Hope in Africa

This past year the nation of Africa continued to see hungry children die in their mothers arms, babies suffering with HIV/AIDS, civil wars, and economic meltdowns. Yet in the midst of this horrific darkness stand men and women of God who, by their faith, love and sacrificial service, are making a huge impact all across this land that God so deeply loves.

World Challenge has had the blessed opportunity to walk along side and support a number of these faithful ministers. We have been able to help them accomplish the vision God has put in their hearts. Here are just a few of the endeavors touching the lives of countless needy people in Africa.

Swaziland
God is performing miracles in this small, beautiful, but crisis-filled land. Children, orphaned by the AIDS epidemic, are often abandoned. But God is on the move. Through the loving care of Kevin and Helen Ward and The Ark orphanage, God is reaching hundreds of these precious children. They have many group homes that provide a true loving, family-like atmosphere. Kids have been rescued, introduced to Christ, and experienced divine healing.

Kenya
Young men roam the streets of Nairobi lost in violence and despair; they quickly turn to drugs as a way of escape. But here, God has raised up a beacon of hope. Teen Challenge opened a center less than two years ago and today is touching the lives of many of these young men. They are turning from drugs, violence, and hopelessness and are turning to Jesus. In Christ, they are finding a future and God is putting a calling on their lives.

Uganda
In the remote northern villages, World Challenge is sponsoring and training young evangelists who are traveling throughout the region on motorbikes, sharing the Good News, helping meet the needs of the poorest of the poor and training local people to care for the medical needs of the sick. This simple work is proving to be a wonderful testimony to these villages.

Zambia
The Emma’s Kids ministry continues to provide orphan care for approximately two hundred children. In recent months, World Challenge has provided resources for their expansion in order to build homes for widows and their young children. They will be taught a trade and learn to become self-sufficient. These young mothers would be homeless without this help. Now, they are coming to know Jesus and finding a way ahead for the future, filled with promise for them and their children.

Every time I travel to Africa I am stunned by several things: the beauty of the land, the tenderness of the people and in contrast, the horrible conditions so many millions are forced to live in. You cannot see Africa without having your heart broken. This is not a bad thing. God often breaks our heart to let us know how he feels and to elicit a response—to rouse us to action.

When I return from these trips, I often sit at my computer and try to communicate both the vast needs and, more importantly, the amazing power of God that is unleashed by his faithful servants. Most of us are not called to live in Africa. We cannot work directly with these wonderful people, but we can work on their behalf. We can become aware of the needs; we can share the needs with others and at prayer meetings or church. We can intercede on their behalf and we can give to ministries that have proven both effective and faithful. The ministries listed above have a track record of faithfulness to Jesus and the people they serve. We desire to continue supporting these precious works of God. We are grateful for your continued partnership in making a difference in Africa.

Thank you!