Roots of Hope Ministries
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Roots of Hope Ministries is dedicated to helping the children of Swaziland, Africa.
In 2007, founder Tessa Oakley was blessed to spend a year with these children. She was able to live beside their struggles, to learn from them and to love them. Unfortunately, statistics predict that by the year 2050 the people of Swaziland will no longer exist due to AIDS, poverty and a high orphan rate. Roots of Hope was founded to erase that date and to bring much needed food, clothing, spiritual discipleship and love to the children of Swaziland. .
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Love
Pray
With so many children that we know and love, it's impossible for us to carry the burden of their stories alone. Join us and pray on behalf of a child. Keep posted, as we focus on a new child often.
Support the children of Swaziland through our program Letters of Love. Write to a child and encourage them through words of reassurance and support. This is an easy way to make a big difference!
Help Roots of Hope by giving financially. Support a family in need through providing them with food or give towards our ongoing ministry expenses as we continue to grow.
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Learn more about my experiences in Swaziland and the stories of Swazi families. Become a follower of my blog to stay up-to-date with my thoughts and the latest developments within Roots of Hope.
- Tessa Oakley
Read my blog
Clutches - $20 Expiration T-shirt - $18
If you are interested in purchasing any of our apparel for a donation, please email us at rhm.swazi_hotmail.com
Headwraps - $10
Our Video
We realize that sometimes it is hard to imagine connecting with people half way around the world, or to actually believe that you can truly make an impact in their lives. We at Roots of Hope Ministries understand this struggle, but the difference is we know their stories, we see their need, and our hearts have become connected. Because they are no longer strangers, we can do nothing but act. Let us introduce them, their story and their need to you... and once your heart has grabbed hold, let their reality compell you to action as well.
Nonduduzo (non-do-do-so)
Nonduduzo :) I can't help but smile when I think of her. Nonduduzo is in 6th grade and lives with her younger sister, Nokuthula and her mother, Dudu. Her father has passed away. They are a beautiful family and part of Roots of Hope's food sponsorship program. Dudu, the mother, can not work because she is frequently ill. They don't have any income, something many of us have trouble fathoming. When Chelsea last visited Swaziland, she was able to visit Nonduduzo's home and hear first hand from Dudu her gratefulness.
While Nonduduzo's story is hard one, her smile lights up the room. She is always laughing and singing, she loves to sing. Please join us as we lift up this beautiful young woman this week. Pray that she will rely on God for her needs and that she will trust is Him. Pray for protection against violence or any other plans of the enemy. Pray that she will continue to grow into a strong woman of God and that she will be a light to bring others to Christ.
Thank you for joining us in prayer for Nonduduzo.
Picture to come.
Letters of Love
Make a lasting impact on a child by writing them a simple letter.
Please mail to:
611 Crieve Road
Nashville, TN 37220
By: 05/07/10
Don't know what to write about? Get ideas here!
-Tell them about yourself and your family
-Write them a story
-Remind them of their self-worth
-Share the Bible with them
-Draw them a picture
We encourage you to write more than one letter!
Meet Zama. He lives in a mud and stick house with his mother, father and two younger siblings. In very bad health, his parents are unable to hold a steady job. His father tries to find work doing odd jobs like cutting grass to bring some income into the household. There is rarely money for food. During Tessa's trip in November, she met Zama's mother. She cried as she spoke of her desire to provide for her children and how much it hurt when her children looked at her and asked for food when she knew she had nothing to offer them. Would you consider sponsoring Zama's family? For $50 a month you can provide food and other household items. Help relieve the pain of starvation for this family of five.
This is Banele and Maqhawe. Orphaned, these brothers live on their Uncle's property in a small room with a separate entrance. Although lucky to have a place to rest at night, they do not receive food. Both boys have school sponsors. During the week, the boys walk to the Drop-In Center for bread and tea in the morning and return for a more substantial meal in the afternoon. On the weekends, they do not eat because there is no money for food. These boys are just children left to fight for survival. They have no parental guidance, no one to take care of them when they're sick, no one to tell them they are loved. They have fallen victim to the high orphan rate in Swaziland. Would you sponsor Banele and Maqhawe for $50 a month? Make a difference in their lives by providing them with food and other household items.
Sponsor Food
Sonkhe, Melusi and Phiwokwakha are brothers. Their mom and dad are both alive but unable to find work. Desperate for some income, their mom makes woven floor mats in hopes that she will be able to find someone to buy them. Unfortunately, she is rarely successful. All of our children are considered "vulnerable", but this family is in high crisis need. When the boys come to the Drop-In Center for a meal, the quickly devour their plate. When they've finished, it's clear they are still hungry. Please help this family in need by sponsoring them for $50 a month. You will enable them to have food at night. You can be their link to survival.
Make a one time donation towards Roots of Hope's mission. Help fill in the gaps where needed.
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