Meet Stephen and Tsitisi:

Stephen and Tsitsi are from Zimbabwe.  Zimbabwe was once a flourishing country and because of greedy leaders is now a very difficult place to live - homes and land have been taken away from families, no jobs to be found, leaving many fleeing for safety and security in nearby countries.   Many have come to South Africa.   Stephen and Tsitsi are among them. They left Zimbabwe about 4 months ago with hopes of finding work and a home in such a prospering country as SA.  They left Zimbabwe with their hearts breaking as they had to leave their two small children with grandparents, planning on sending money in a short while to have them come and join them.  They entered South Africa with plans and dreams which have so quickly changed.   They quickly learned that living as foreigners in SA is a very difficult thing.  Jobs were not to be found, not many people were welcoming to them and proper housing was too expensive to afford.  Tsitsi has just found a job at a city fast food place - making $3 a day. They live in a small room with 2 other families and after paying $50/month for rent are often left without food. The hardships of daily survival however, do not compare to the longing to be with their children.  It has been over 4 months since saying goodbye and they are often receiving messages of how the children have no food and are in need of clothing.  Tsitsi had a visa that was good for 3 months - but since money was scarce she was not able to make it back to the border to renew it and is now in South Africa under “asylum” status - which means if she goes back to her country she would not be allowed back into South Africa. This dear couple is living in rougher conditions than many of the refugees we have met in the city but they are also the most thankful and joyful people we have met.  They love the Lord, and as they talk about their children through tears, they pour out thanks and blessings to us and others in the church who have been bringing them food and visiting them.  Please pray with us as we seek to make a plan to bring their children to them and to find proper housing.  If anyone is interested in supporting this family monthly or in giving a one time gift please send an email to our 1hope address:  We praise the Lord for the example and light this couple is shining among so many many refugees - joy in the midst of trials!!!   We are blessed to have them part of the new church plant here in the city - Living Hope Community Church.