My Nonprofit Reviews

I learned of African Vision of Hope (AVOH) through a work colleague, who’s wife served on the board. Shortly after making a donation to AVOH, the founder of the organization, Judi Bertels, called me to personally thank me, and I though “Who DOES that??!” I’ve been donating to charities for years without ever receiving a call.
Since then, I’ve gotten to know Judi and Bob Bertels. My husband and I interact with AVOH in a few ways: we volunteered a few times, we’ve gone on a mission trip and we sponsor a college student. Through AVOH, I was able to witness people living out James chapter 1.
Why do I say that? The staff at AVOH are doers of the Word not just listeners. They “look after the fatherless and the widows in their distress” (James 1:27), by meeting very practical needs: food, shelter, medical care, a trade, and an education. By doing this, they are demonstrating God’s love through action, while they are teaching it.
In 2017 and 2018, I had the privilege of going on a mission trip. The mission team was able to visit each school, which is an Oasis of order and optimism – sitting close to an area that is neither. Each school is situated within walking distance of the community it serves – a “compound” which is a collection of randomly scattered single-room shelters with dirt floors, no water, no electricity, no sanitation. Desperate conditions that I’ve never seen in the United States. I’ve had conversations with those children that have left me completely humbled and inspired. They have lived through impossible situations, such as homelessness as a child; slavery; and chronic sexual abuse – and have learned to forgive it; overcome it; and use that experience a fuel that propels them to become doctors, teacher, and nurses. For example, I sat down with a group of girls to “teach” bible study. Fortunately, I asked them about their favorite verse and the “why” behind it. Their stories were deeply personal and painful and their insights were profound. Rather than feeling sorry for themselves, or becoming bitter, they were grateful for the opportunity to go to the school. They proved the Truth of James 1:2-3, and allowed the trials to test their faith, and produce endurance that leads to spiritual maturity.
We also sponsor a smart, determined, hardworking college student, Clothilda. In her, and in the other children that I’ve met through AVOH, I recognize that those students have the potential to change not only their own lives, but to have a much broader impact in their communities. Their experience with suffering and deplorable living conditions drive them to want change and their education through AVOH equips them to enact it.
Finally, and this is really important to me as a donor, I’m confident that the donations are being used wisely, always intended to address the area of greatest need.
God Bless! Francine