Heidi Lum’s Story
What began with one step of faith has grown into a ministry transforming thousands of lives.
Founded in 2006, Advocates for Africa’s Children (AFAC) provides food, clean water, education, and hope for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa. Read Heidi Lum’s story about nonprofit mission work in Africa – in her own words.
THE BEGINNING
Three Moments that Shaped the Journey
A Step of Faith
In 2005, God asked me to do something that felt impossible. Around that time, a well-known speaker came to our church and invited us to join a short-term mission trip to Africa.
At the time, I had two young children including one with autism – and we weren’t financially prepared. Yet, as my heart pounded, I sensed the Lord saying:
“Trust Me with your family, with your finances, with everything.”
So, in faith, I said yes.
Soon after, my husband, Ellery, gave his blessing, friends helped care for my children, and God provided every penny I needed. That first trip to Swaziland would change the direction of my life.
A Heart for Orphans
Each day, on the way to our work site, our team spent time praying together and every day, we watched God answer in miraculous ways.
During the trip, I learned that 14 million children across Africa had been orphaned by AIDS. Many lacked food, schooling, and shelter. Some were so desperate they turned to prostitution to survive.
Then one night, God spoke to me through a dream.
I saw myself standing with my family on a hillside in Swaziland (now eSwatini), feeding children. Behind them, the word “Compassion” rose like a moon in the night sky.
Later, I had a vision of God planting my heart in African soil.
In that moment, I knew He was calling me.
God’s Call Confirmed
After returning home to the U.S., I couldn’t escape the faces and images of orphaned children I had encountered. During worship one Sunday, I clearly heard God say: “Feed My sheep.”
I reached out to large nonprofits, hoping to start a sponsorship program for Swaziland’s orphans. It would take at least ten years to launch and in my heart, I knew the children couldn’t wait.
Then one night, while praying with a mentor, God whispered: “You can’t pour new wine into old wine skins.” I realized He was asking me to create something new. As a result, that very week, I filed paperwork to establish Advocates for Africa’s Children (AFAC).
MIRACLES OF PROVISION
God Always Made a Way
From the very beginning, God faithfully provided exactly what was needed, exactly when it was needed.
From the very beginning, God provided through His people. First, my church sponsored our initial trip and helped fund our very first project. Then, on Easter, we received an offering that matched exactly what was needed for building supplies.
Again and again, God reminded me that when He calls someone, He also provides what is needed. Even during the hardest seasons of facing corruption, discouragement, uncertainty, or my own weakness – He has been faithful!
❝
When God calls someone,
He always provides
what is needed.
– Heidi Lum
OUR IMPACT
What God has Done Since
That first “yes” in 2005 has grown into a ministry serving more than 5,000 children and families across Africa. What began with one step of faith continues to grow through God’s provision and the generosity of people like you.
5500+ Children
Fed and Schooled Orphaned and Vulnerable Children who would not be able to get an education.
14+ Wells Drilled
Provided clean water through wells, boreholes, and irrigation projects that nourish both families and farms.
100+ Projects
Launched small businesses with chickens, pigs, goats, grain and vegetable farming, sewing and more.
3 Schools Built
Built 2 Preschools and currently working on a Primary School with Teacher Housing and plans for Dormitories.
4 Church Plants
Sharing the hope of Jesus through preaching, teaching, baptism, and prayer with plans for more.
20+ Mission Teams
Hosted mission teams who immerse themselves in new culture to serve and encourage local communities.
20 Years of Impact
It has now been 20 years since God planted my heart in African soil. What began in the rural communities of eSwatini has since grown into ministry and outreach in a coastal town in Tanzania.
Over the years, people have told me I am courageous. But, honestly, the truth is much simpler:
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Above all, I am confident in the Lord. He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
This is Where You Come In
Every meal given, every well drilled, every child sponsored happens because people like you choose to say yes. When you give, you are doing far more than making a donation. You are feeding children, building futures, and becoming a part of God’s miracle story in Africa.
So now, you have the opportunity to bring hope, healing, and the love of Jesus to Africa’s children. Join us.
Blessings,
Heidi Lum
Founder, Advocates for Africa’s Children