Ministry Update: 1Hope4Africa (South Africa)

Last year was a mixed year, marked by significant highs and challenging lows. The ministry continues to serve vulnerable children through two baby homes in Pretoria, while expanding its reach through the African Bible Training Center and supporting church planting initiatives.

Last year marked the first time in the ministry’s 13+ year history that a child in their care passed away. Baby Issy, who had special needs, died after a long hospital stay. The staff, particularly the caregivers who sat at his bedside, have been processing this grief. The director was able to share the gospel at the funeral with Issy’s mother, who is still a child herself. The Lord continues to provide opportunities for gospel witness with her.

Three new children arrived at 1Hope’s two baby houses last year, including a one-year-old girl and two infant boys. In answer to prayers, all three have settled into their new homes and families well and are thriving physically and emotionally.

The ministry faces significant challenges with South Africa’s adoption system. Government restructuring has caused severe delays, with adoptions that previously took 6-8 months now taking years. The government is shifting from an adoption preference to a foster care model. All foreign-born children’s files must now go through ISS (International Social Services) for lengthy reviews. One boy from Ghana with Down syndrome has been waiting months for adoption despite a family being ready. As a result, children are aging beyond the typical placement window, and the ministry now cares for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds instead of the normal 1-2 year maximum stay. This has created new needs.