Dearly Beloved

Dearly Beloved,
 

We are very happy for this opportunity to bring you up to date on the ministry of Villages of Hope Africa! As we reflect on the faithfulness of God over the past 25 years, we are filled with gratitude for your ongoing prayers, support, and encouragement. Your partnership helps us provide care for more than 7,200 vulnerable children across five different countries in Africa: Burundi, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Each child is receiving the holistic care they need—body, mind, and spirit—at our 12 VOH Centre locations.

From the very beginning, our mission has been simple: to ensure that every child who comes to a VOH Centre knows that they are deeply loved by God and by us. We believe that God’s Word calls us to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), and in response to that call, we have dedicated ourselves to walking alongside these children with compassion, dignity, and hope.

VOH Africa’s commitment to holistic care means we minister to every part of a child’s life:

● Education – We provide quality, free education to all children in our care. Classrooms are alive with curiosity and joy as children learn reading, math, science, and life skills that will equip them for a bright future. Many of our teachers are believers who integrate biblical principles into their teaching, helping children grow not only in knowledge but also in godly character.

● Nutrition – Nutritious meals are provided daily, ensuring that each child has the physical strength and energy to learn, play, and thrive. For many, these meals are the most substantial food they receive, and we see firsthand how proper nutrition transforms health and mood.

● Health Care – Our children receive regular health checkups and access to medical care when needed. We also teach them and their caregivers the importance of hygiene, helping prevent common illnesses.

● Discipleship – Perhaps most importantly, we regularly gather the children for Bible teaching and prayer. They are learning to trust God for their needs and to follow Jesus in their daily lives. We have the joy of watching many of them commit their lives to Christ and share their faith with others.

This year marks over 25 years of ministry for us, and we are humbled by the ripple effects of God’s work through the VOH Centres. We are now hearing from more and more graduates—young men and women who grew up attending school at one of the VOH centres who are now adults, raising families, working in various professions, and serving in their communities.

Many of these graduates find ways of giving back to their VOH centre by donating goods, volunteering in some capacity or coming to speak with the current children, sharing their testimony and offering them encouragement and hope for the future. We rejoice to see them breaking the cycle of poverty and living as shining testimonies of God’s provision. Even more exciting is the number of graduates who remain faithful members of local churches. They are teaching Sunday School, leading youth groups, serving on worship teams, and mentoring others, just as they were once mentored.

One of our graduates recently shared that:

“I will always thank God for the love I received at Village of Hope. You not only gave me food, education, and a place to live—you gave me Jesus. Now I can care for my family and teach my children to follow Him too.”

Stories like these remind us that our work is not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about planting seeds of faith and hope that will bear fruit for generations.

As we think about your location in the Comox Valley, we remember that God calls us all to share his love wherever we find ourselves. As you continue to minister in your community, both individually and as a church, we know that God is faithful and that He will bless your efforts so that more will understand and receive His love through you.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to serving each VOH child with excellence, knowing that we are ultimately serving Christ Himself. Please continue to pray for our children, staff, and graduates. Pray for protection, provision, and open hearts. Pray for the countries we serve, that they may experience peace, justice, and the light of Christ. And pray for wisdom as we navigate the unique challenges of each location.

We stand together in the assurance that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

From all of us at VOH, thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to thousands of precious children. Together, we are making a difference that will last for eternity.