Jesus talks in Matthew 25:40 of doing things for the “least of these.” In other words, those who for whatever reason cannot do it themselves. Whether it’s to provide food, clothing, shelter, medicine, etc, we as Christians are supposed to take care of everyone. An organization that is doing an amazing job at this is Thrive Africa.

The goal of Thrive Africa is to “equip and mobilize indigenous leaders to become strategic, Godly influences in their cultural communities.” When it comes to making societal changes, it’s great to have grassroots efforts, but you MUST have leaders to propel and champion change. This is what Thrive is doing by educating pastors, young people, and people of all ages.

We see poverty and heartache all over the world every day, but let’s go over so facts about South Africa that you may not know (I don’t think I did):

• Did you know that South Africa is one of the few 1st world countries (like the United States, England, Japan, etc) that have 3rd world problems?
• Did you also know that 1 in 4 South Africans has HIV?
• 88% of the population is unemployed, and 75% of the population is chronically hungry.
• 3 out of 4 children live in poverty.
• There are 250 HIV positive babies born every day.
• 1500 people become infected with HIV every day.

Those are sobering statistics in any country. Thrive Africa is training pastors, indigenous leaders, and youth through discipleship classes, AIDS prevention through abstinence, and in leadership. Their primary area of influence is with the Basotho people living in the Intabazwe and Qwa Qwa areas. This region is considered to be the poorest in the country. Thrive has also purchased what has to be an amazingly beautiful 2,500 acre game reserve as a operations base for their ministry.

Clearly, based on the information above, they have a fantastic team in place to attack such a massive problem. But you should meet Alece. She’s the founder and president of Thrive Africa. You know that list of people you have that you’d like to meet because they make you look really lazy and yet inspire you at the same time? Yeah, Alece is on my list.

So, what can you and I do? How can we help? Why now?
Part of my sudden interest is that Thrive Africa just recently came on my radar. I hadn’t heard about the organization until recently, and it’s a cause that’s close to my heart. Also, I believe and trust in the people and what they’re doing. I’m not going to encourage you to support an organization that I don’t believe in myself. They’ve got a proven track record of success; what they’re doing is working. I got this statistic from Sara’s blog:

Thrive Africa is feeding their needs. Before they began this program, one school averaged 40 pregnancies a year among 7th, 8th and 9th graders. In the four years Thrive’s program has been taught, there has not been one single pregnancy.

So what’s the best way to help? I’ll let Thrive tell you themselves.

We are facing one of the most difficult financial hardships we’ve ever experienced at Thrive Africa. We are pushing forward, assured that God’s not done with us, but the challenge confronting us is real and urgent.

Right now our financial situation is so dire that, unless there is a significant increase in funds, we will not be able to pay the bills at the end of April. We will have no choice but to scale down our AIDS prevention program and other ministry initiatives. We may be forced to decrease our staff team, affecting the 52 nationals we employ and the families who are dependent on their income.

We have taken action by reducing our expenses as much as possible. We have launched an online store and are making efforts to raise awareness through radio, billboards, and an increased online presence. Our founder will be traveling along the West Coast this spring, promoting Thrive in at least 8 cities in 6 weeks.

We have set a goal to raise $80,000 in new support by June 1.

$60,000 in one-time gifts by April 15
to get us up-to-date on our operating expenses

$20,000 in new monthly commitments by June 1
to continue our programs at current levels

We know this is a God-sized goal, but He’s given us a God-sized vision. We are trusting Him to move mightily, and hope your heart is open to Him moving mightily through you.

We humbly yet boldly ask you to help us reach this goal.

We ask you to give generously. Invest in the continued training of African leaders.
We ask you to speak up. Tell others about the need, the vision, and the opportunity to get involved.
We ask you to pray hard. Petition God for abundant provision and divine favor.

Together we can impact South Africa.
(See the nicely formatted version here)

So, I ask you to give. And spread the word. And of course pray.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ -Matthew 25:34-36