Our Mission and History
Since 2006, Advocates for Africa’s Children has partnered with local leaders to bring hope to orphaned and vulnerable children through education, clean water, nutritious food, and the love of Jesus. Explore our story as your read about our mission & history.
What began with one step of faith has grown into thriving communities, lasting partnerships, and thousands of transformed lives across Tanzania and eSwatini.
OUR MISSION
Six Areas of Sustainable Development
Our mission is simple: Through Christ-centered partnerships with local leaders, we equip communities with the resources they need to thrive. Today and for generations to come.
AFAC focuses on these six key areas of sustainable development:
School Education
Equipping children with quality education opportunities.
Clean Water
Providing clean water and sanitation for health and hope.
Nutritious Food
Fighting hunger with sustainable and nutritious food.
Health & Sanitation
Promoting healthier lives through sanitation and medical care.
Faith & Church
Sharing the love of Jesus, supporting spiritual growth.
Strong Community
Strengthening families and communities to thrive well.
WHY THE NEED EXISTS
Every Child Deserves Hope.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, millions of children grow up without the security every child deserves.
Many have lost both parents due to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and poverty-related illnesses. As a result, many children are left without food, education, safety, or emotional support.
280,000
Children orphaned in Eswatini.
2.7 Million+
Without intervention, many face hunger, interrupted education, illness, and uncertain futures.
But statistics don’t tell the whole story. Every number represents a child created with purpose and potential.
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Children need more than charity – they need caring adults, strong communities, and lasting opportunity.
ACHIEVING THE MISSION
Our Holistic Approach
AFAC partners with local leaders, churches and communities to build solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and locally led. By investing in six key areas, we help children, families, and entire communities thrive.
School Education
Child sponsorships,
primary education,
and school
development
Clean Water
Wells, boreholes, irrigation projects, and sanitation projects
Nutritious Food
Sustainable
agriculture,
livestock, and
food security
Health & Sanitation
Hygiene education,
sanitation,
healthcare, and
medical clinics
Faith & Church
Church planting,
discipleship,
and
evangelism
Strong Community
Vocational training and economic empowerment
OUR BEGINNING
One Step Changed Everything
In 2006, Heidi Lum took a step of faith that would change countless lives. What began as a small act of obedience became the foundation of Advocates for Africa’s Children. Today, that step continues to impact generations.
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I didn’t set out to start an organization. I simply said yes to what God put in front of me. He did the rest.
– Heidi Lum, Founder
OUR HISTORY
20 Years of Faithful Growth
What began with one step of faith in 2005 has grown into schools, clean water, thriving farms, churches, and transformed communities across Tanzania and eSwatini. Every milestone tells the story of God’s faithfulness and the generosity of people who chose to say yes. Explore how our mission & history have come alive over the last two decades.
2005
First Mission Trip
Heidi travels to Tanzania, where God plants the vision for Advocates for Africa’s Children.
2006
AFAC Founded
The ministry officially begins with a mission to bring hope through education, clean water, and faith. Development team begins working.
2007-2012
Projects on Ground
The work begins in eSwatini with building a hilltop church, feeding orphans, digging two wells and setting up several farming and poultry projects. Preschool build begins.
2013-2015
Mission Teams
Built and furnish the guesthouse for mission teams – bunk beds, bathing rooms, electricity, solar panels, refrigerator, stove, pots and pans, etc. Hoisted mission teams who ministered to children and families, built houses, conducted a medical clinics that served near 700 people.
2016
Tanzania
10 year celebration! Travelled to Tanzania to develop new partnership with Hope for Children in Adversity and Mary Masele. AFAC is expanding.
2017-2019
Drought & New Foundations
eSwatini begins recovery from drought. Land purchased and development of the Preschool in Tanzania begins. New church plant in Tanzania.
2020
Pandemic Relief
The local team in eSwatini mobilizes pandemic relief and AFAC is featured in a local paper for their efforts.
2021-2024
Sustainable Changes
The eSwatini projects become self-sustaining. The focus shifts to Tanzania as Lawrence Academy and church plants continue to grow and flourish. AFAC Headquarters move from Hawaii to Washington as Heidi takes a new role as pastor.
2025
Pastor’s Conference
AFAC conducts a successful 3-day pastor’s training for local evangelists and pastors. Electricity has finally come to Lawrence Academy, which opens up a world of development opportunities.
2026
20 Year Anniversary
AFAC reflects and celebrates all that has been accomplished in the last two decades. A new website is launched. Lawrence Academy continues to be developed. Fundraising continues for the Kiromo Church building and a medical clinic to serve the local area.
Be Part of the Story
We envision an Africa with thriving, sustainable rural communities. Where children grow up with clean water, nutritious food, medical care, education, and the opportunity for a bright future.
Every gift brings hope. Whether through a child’s sponsorship, a clean water well, or a school desk. Together, we can transform lives and shape a brighter tomorrow.
