Bringing Hope Across Borders: Abounding Hope’s Journey to Botswana and Zimbabwe

When Abounding Hope set out with Freedom Gate Church earlier this year, it wasn’t just another trip — it was a mission of love, encouragement, and practical care. For Shirley, founder of Abounding Hope, this journey was the outworking of a lifelong calling to reach people who are too often overlooked, and to remind them that they are seen, valued, and loved.

The Journey Begins

For 16 days, the team traveled through Botswana and Zimbabwe, starting in the remote village of Morapong, about 60km outside Francistown. There, in the Khoisan villages and schools, they found open hearts and smiling faces. From Botswana, the mission moved north to Zimbabwe, where the team spent a week at the Siabuwa medical camp and journeyed to surrounding villages, bringing both encouragement and practical support.

The Heart of the Mission

The true purpose of the trip was simple yet profound: to build lasting relationships with churches and communities, to share God’s love, and to offer tangible help where it was needed most. Children received school shoes, clothing, and food parcels, while the local clinic in Zimbabwe received much-needed repairs and maintenance — a reminder that hope can be both spiritual and practical.

Moments to Treasure

The journey was filled with unforgettable encounters. Families with so little welcomed the team into their homes and huts, offering what they could with incredible generosity. Along the way, the team was treated to awe-inspiring sights of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and hyenas roaming freely. And then, there was the breathtaking beauty of Victoria Falls, standing in stark contrast to the harsh realities of rural Zimbabwe.

The Road Was Not Easy

Travel across Zimbabwe tested the team’s resilience. Roads were so damaged that 80 kilometers could take over six hours to cross, and at one point, a broken trailer spring had to be secured with tree branches. Yet every setback became a reminder of the determination that fueled the mission.

Rewards Beyond Measure

For Shirley and the team, the greatest reward wasn’t the scenery or the adventure — it was the people. Meeting children whose joy shone brightly in the face of hardship, and connecting with communities who embraced them like family, made every challenge worthwhile.

Looking Ahead

Abounding Hope isn’t stopping here. The vision continues: to reach across borders, to strengthen local churches, to empower young people facing poverty and addictions, and to be a voice of encouragement in places where hope feels scarce.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your support enables Abounding Hope to continue building relationships, strengthening communities, and providing practical care across borders. Click the Donate button to contribute and be part of the impact.