African Vision of Hope; A Local Ministry

to Africa Offering Real Hope Thru Christ

By Jim Day

While many teenagers in American are worrying about getting their driver’s license, Samson had already witnessed the ravaging effects of AIDS. His father was dead from the dreaded disease. Growing up in Zambia, Samson’s childhood was filled with disease, hunger, fear and poverty. Word came that his mother also had AIDS and his brothers and sisters would be on the brink of becoming another statistic in Zambia.

The heart-wrenching story was a wake-up call to Bob and Judi Bertels. Like Samson, children in Zambia are living with disease, hunger, lack of education and a life expectancy of only 35 years of age. It has now been nearly a decade since the Bertels were first introduced to young Samson. At the time, he was part of the Zambian Acappella Boys choir who were recruited from Lusaka, Zambia to perform in the United States. The encounter with the 16-year old traveler, who sang at their church on a Sunday morning, would someday help to bring light to children and families on the other side of the world.

A Ministry is Born

In 2003 the Bertels formed a non-profit organization by the name of African Vision of Hope and partnered with Enock Njovu, a man in Zambia, who had a vision to attend seminary, help plant churches and work with widows and orphans.

In talking with the Bertels I mentioned the fact that there were lots of ministries, multi-national organizations, etc., with various assistance programs in Africa. I asked them what was at the heart of their ministry – what was their main focus?

“Zambia’s problems extend far beyond simply being poor,” stated Judi. “We see a lot of African awareness nowadays on television, but money, by itself, is not the solution. Sending people a boatload of rice may temporarily relieve a food shortage, but it does not get to the heart of the problem which in reality is a mindset. Poverty is a mindset and a condition of the heart. It’s vital to teach people who they are in Jesus Christ. Until they understand they have a Creator who loves them and created them for a purpose, they will continue to live in this mindset, they will continue to live as though they have no hope. Once they learn who they are in Christ, they understand their value. That child or adult will then step out to make changes in their family, their village and eventually their country.“

Bob Bertels added, “The solution to helping countries such as Zambia is to help institute a change in the lives of people through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, they need things like AIDS medication and awareness, health care, education, economic help, food and skills training. But, most importantly, they need Jesus.”

To those comments I said “Amen.”

From Humble Beginnings

What began as assistance in building a two-room worship center that also served as a school has expanded far beyond the Bertels’ expectations. Today, the organization helps to fund a full staffed Christian school with some 200 children in grades Kindergarten through grade seven as well as training center for future pastors. A new school was completed in 2006, complete with bathrooms and eight classrooms. Their feeding program provides over 10,000 meals per month, as well as a shoe ministry, medical supplies, school supplies, Bibles, HIV/AIDS education, and skills training programs for adults.

Most children in Africa cannot attend school because they do not have a uniform and do not have the $25 fee for school dues. African Vision of Hope does not charge a fee for their school and they target the most vulnerable children. For those with a heart for spreading the Gospel and ministering to children in need, African Vision of Hope also offers a child sponsorship program where participants can donate $25 per month, which covers that child’s school, medical care, two meals a day at the school, other costs.

Amidst the mind-boggling rates of disease and sickness, the couple believes there is light at the end of the tunnel by helping the families grow spiritually, physically and intellectually. And, as they grow, they will able to make a difference in their own country – bringing hope and the message of Jesus Christ.

You Can Help

African Vision of Hope will be sponsoring a Benefit Gala on October 2nd at the Top of the Met in downtown St. Louis. Christian entertainer Randy Mayfield will be emceeing the event with his special musical talents and sense of humor. There will be no cost to attend but reservations are required not later than September 15th and will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. To secure a reservation contact Judi Bertels at jbertels@nuvox.net or call her at (314) 298-9955. You can also contact Joy Elder to make reservations at jelder@bottradionetwork.com or call her at (314) 961-1320 Ext. 206. To find out more about African Vision of Hope visit their website at www.africanvisionofhope.com.