20 Years of Faith, Hope & Impact
A Conversation with AFAC Founder Heidi Lum
For twenty years, God has been writing a story far bigger than any one person could have imagined. What began with a calling on a short-term mission trip has grown into a ministry that has served thousands of children and families through education, sustainable development, church planting, clean water, and the hope of the Gospel.
As Advocates for Africa’s Children celebrates its 20th Anniversary, we sat down with our founder, Heidi Lum, to reflect on where this journey began, what God has done over the past two decades, and the vision that continues to lead us into the future.
A Calling that Changed Everything
1. What inspired you to start Advocates for Africa’s Children?
In 2005, God called me to take a short-term mission trip to Swaziland (now eSwatini). While I was there, I witnessed the devastating impact of AIDS on children who had been left behind. During that time, the Lord confirmed His calling through a series of dreams and visions.
When doors didn’t immediately open, I continued to pray. The Lord impressed upon my heart that I needed to “make new wineskins for the new wine” He was pouring out. Looking back over the last twenty years, it has been obvious that this ministry has always been His work. He has faithfully provided every step of the way.
“It has always been God who has poured out so much through this ministry.”
A Vision That Continued to Grow
2. What was your original vision, and how has it evolved over the years?
When AFAC first began, we believed building an orphanage would be the best way to care for vulnerable children.
As we worked alongside local communities, we realized there was an even better path.
Instead of removing children from their communities, we began partnering with local churches and leaders to strengthen families through sustainable farming, clean water, education, and discipleship.
As God opened doors into Tanzania, the ministry adapted again. The needs were different, so our approach changed. Today our work includes Christian education, sustainable agriculture, church planting, and community development – always responding to the unique needs of each community.
Trusting God Through Every Season
3. What have been some of the biggest challenges over the year?
Like any ministry, the journey has not been without challenges. Funding was often uncertain. There were seasons of betrayal, spiritual opposition, confusion, and hardship.
Yet through every difficulty, one truth remained constant:
God always provided exactly what was needed. Even during the leanest years, there was never a question of whether the ministry would continue. There was confidence that the God who called us would also sustain us.
“God has always gone before us and sustained us”
Looking Back With Gratitude
4. What brings the greatest sense of joy after twenty years?
Sharing the love of Jesus throughout eSwatini and Tanzania has been the greatest privilege of this journey. Churches have been planted. Local pastors have been equipped. Communities continue to grow long after AFAC’s direct involvement because local leaders have taken ownership of the work.
The ministry has always been about far more than projects. It’s about lives transformed by Christ.
The Stories Behind the Numbers
5. When you reflect on the last 20 years, what makes you most proud?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one moment! Every community we have worked in, from Mayaloza, Nsindatje, Mpompota, Makondeko, Buma, and Kiromo – all have changed because of the work we have done among them. People have clean water and enough to eat and their children now go to school. They have also heard the Gospel and responded. That really changes communities!
I remember one young boy who lost both parents and cared for his younger brother alone in eSwatini. After hearing about the love of a Heavenly Father who never leaves His children, he gave his life to Christ. Today he is in college and serving the Lord through music ministry and we stay in touch. I believe he has a calling on his life to be a minister of the Gospel. Even as a high school student he ministered to children in his church. He inspires me.
A Word to Our Supporters
6. What would you like to say to those who have supported AFAC over the years?
Your support throughout the years have been critical at every moment of our 20-year history! From developing poultry and pig farms, maize and vegetable farms, providing school fees, constructing church buildings for the church plants, the clean water – none of it was possible without your partnership in ministry! And over the years, so many thousands have been impacted.
I thank God for you! Some of you have supported us through prayer and financial support for 20 years. Some have joined us more recently. Each one of you is critical to this ministry. This is very much a partnership between you and Advocates. We cannot do this without you. Through you, more than 5,500 children have been blessed, sustained, grown up healthy, and learned of God’s love for them. Thank you, thank you for making that possible!
Looking Toward the Next Twenty Years
7. What excites you most about the next 20 years?
God is always on the move. I never know where He will lead us next. We worked in various regions in eSwatini, and now in Tanzania. I suspect He will continue to expand this ministry!
We are in the process of planting a new church about an hour outside of Bagamoyo, Tanzania. I look forward to seeing what needs will arise and how we might be used to address them. We are also in the process of constructing a medical clinic in Kiromo, Tanzania, which is right next to our Kiromo church plant. I look forward to seeing how God will use this to bring more people to Jesus.
Twenty Years Later
8. Finish the sentence, “Twenty years later, I am more convinced than ever that…”
It is God who has called us, gone before us, opened the doors, and sustained us so that the children He loves would know Him and experience His tangible love. All praise and honor and glory belong to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Story Isn’t Finished Yet
For twenty years, faithful supporters have helped children discover hope, opportunity, education, and the love of Christ.
The next chapter is already being written.
We invite you to continue this journey with us through your prayers, generosity, and partnership as together we build thriving communities for African children.
