Working in Africa you very quickly learn that where there is the most need, hope is the answer, the anchor – but it’s a choice.
There is a tension between the harsh reality of unemployment, corruption, crime, and lack of shelter, nutrition, good education, and good systems and simultaneously the very real reality of a people anchored in hope. Hope for a better future, hope for growth, hope for justice, and hope for more.
This last quarter, our local leaders witnessed the hard and the hope. They witnessed the children face an increasing need for clothing, emotional support, school supplies, and employment for parents/guardians. However, they also saw a growth in these kids’ confidence, social skills, health, education, behavior, and relationships with others.
We met one of our partners back in 2014. Alongside them was a team of 20+ young women and men who had the desire to learn and serve their community. In the last quarter, 5 new young ladies approached this leader to ask for the opportunity to be on the food serving team. This leader has consistently seen that giving the youth opportunities to get involved is a doorway for building up the next generation of great leaders. 10 years later, opportunities are still being presented for a generation to serve, to be a part of hope in action, and to be empowered to lead through service.
Your contribution sees a child go from the queue to the serving team to becoming an essential part of the leadership and vision of these long-standing local programs. These programs provide more than just a meal and are a doorway for leadership skills, teamwork, and purpose.
Thank you for ensuring that the reality of families and communities in Africa is not just hard, but it’s growing and anchored in hope!
