Our vision
We envision families throughout Africa living a life of dignity and hope for a brighter tomorrow - knowing they have the resources to determine their destiny.
Our values
COMPASSION:
We approach our work with empathy and understanding, striving to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
COLLABORATION:
We believe in the power of partnerships and work with churches, organizations, and individuals to maximize our impact.
INTEGRITY:
We uphold the highest honesty, transparency, and accountability standards in all operations and interactions.
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EMPOWERMENT:
We aim to empower individuals and communities by providing access to resources, education, and opportunities for sustainable development.
DIGNITY:
We respect the dignity and worth of every person we serve, honoring their unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives.
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INNOVATION:
We embrace innovation and creativity in our approach to addressing challenges, constantly seeking new solutions and opportunities for growth.
LEGACY:
We are committed to building a lasting legacy of hope and transformation, leaving behind a positive impact that extends far beyond our time.
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FAITH:
We believe in the God-given worth of every individual and trust that through His guidance, we can collectively create meaningful change in the world.
Our story
The Beginning: A Journey of Service and Exploration
Over three decades ago in Atlanta, Georgia, Doug and Rhonda Mincey began their life together in marriage and embarked on a life of shared purpose and service. Doug, an Army veteran and retired Telecommunications Network Engineer, and Rhonda, an award-winning mentor and international motivational speaker, brought their passion for helping others into every part of their lives. They have three adult children. Doug and Rhonda enjoy exploring different countries—Rwanda (Africa) being their favorite.
Falling in Love with Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills
In 2022, Doug and Rhonda spent two transformative months living in Kigali, Rwanda. Immersed in its rich culture, they were captivated by the resilience of its people and the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes. Rwanda, often called "the land of a thousand hills," is one of Africa's cleanest, safest, and most forward-thinking nations. However, a life-changing moment during this trip sparked the creation of Hope Springs Africa.
A Chance Encounter: The Girl Who Changed Everything
One afternoon, just weeks before their return to the United States, divine destiny unfolded. While traveling to a local village, Rhonda noticed a young girl—no older than eight—carrying a baby on her back, accompanied by two little boys walking beside her. Moved by this scene, Rhonda felt an undeniable pull to take action.
With only a photograph in hand, Rhonda and Doug tracked down the girl's family with the help of Azizi Life, a local nonprofit. What they found changed their lives forever. They met Yvonne Mukantwari, a single mother of six children, five of whom were young, living in dire conditions: a 150-square-foot clay house with no electricity, running water, or basic necessities. None of her children attended school due to financial hardships. In Rwanda, the lack of support systems like free education or income safety nets is devastating, and as their translator explained, "If you don't work, you die."
A Call to Action: The Birth of Hope Springs Africa
Doug and Rhonda couldn't ignore the need they had witnessed. In that pivotal moment, they made a heartfelt commitment to support Yvonne's family. With the backing of the local community and guided by their faith, they stepped in to provide essential aid—food, school tuition, supplies, electricity, and more. This act of compassion not only addressed the family's immediate needs but also set the foundation for their sustainable future. From this powerful experience, Hope Springs Africa was born.
Expanding the Mission: Clean Drinking Water for All
Upon returning home, Doug and Rhonda's commitment to Rwanda only deepened. They coordinated with local contacts to ensure Yvonne's family thrived, and soon, their mission expanded. As they learned more about the challenges facing rural Rwandan villages, particularly the health risks caused by polluted water, they launched their Clean Water Initiative.
Recognizing that hygiene is just as critical to health and dignity, Hope Springs Africa also began supplying soap, toiletries, and feminine hygiene products. These efforts promote overall wellness and ensure that families, particularly women and girls, have access to the necessities that protect their health and restore their dignity.
A Global Team with a Lasting Impact
What started as a single act of compassion has become a powerful movement, touching lives and expanding far beyond its humble beginnings. Today, Hope Springs Africa is a nonprofit organization fueled by a global team of passionate volunteers, partners, and professionals dedicated to making a lasting impact in Rwanda and beyond. Its mission transforms lives by empowering vulnerable communities and demonstrating God's love. We invite you to get involved.
A Message from Doug and Rhonda Mincey
"Hope Springs Africa is not just our mission; it's a testament to the power of faith and compassion. The joy and fulfillment we receive from serving as conduits of God's grace far surpass any contribution we make. Our journey began with a single 'yes' on an ordinary day, and today, it has evolved into a movement of love and transformation. We invite you to join us in this mission—whether through prayer, donations, or hands-on involvement—to continue bringing hope to those who need it most. Together, we can create a ripple effect of change across Rwanda and Africa. Join us."
You reminded me that we need to love without boundaries...thank you for coming to Rwanda. I am sure it was God's mission for you to meet us.
Elisabeth, Azizi Life
a divine encounter
It began with an 8-year-old girl, Sifa, whom Rhonda saw and couldn't forget. And it led to support for her family and village.
A miraculous encounter
Picture this. You're traversing a village in Africa, and there, you spot an 8-year-old girl shouldering the responsibility of her baby brother. Trailing behind her are two younger siblings. The unspoken plea in their eyes stirs something deep within you, compelling you to capture their story with your camera.
Imagine leaving that rural village believing you must find that family to help them, but you don't know how to make it happen. After all, you will be returning to the U.S. within 3 weeks. Time is not on your side. So you are desperate but determined.
Now, picture this. You reach out to Azizi Life, a nonprofit organization, and share the picture in the hope that they can locate this family. And then, a week before your departure, a text arrives. They've found them! The family you've been searching for. You're set to meet them just two days before your flight. The relief washes over you, mingled with a surge of anticipation.
Now you're overcome with excitement and anxiety. What would you say? How would they receive you? You longed for this day. Now what?
Are you getting the picture?
Now I will ask you to put things on pause. And IMAGINE, then, ACT for a greater cause. First, watch the short compelling video which gives a snapshot of our initial meeting.
Meet Yvonne Mukantwari and her family then answer this question:
Can you imagine what she must have been thinking? A stranger who doesn't speak her language is at her door? Remember, she had no food. And my husband and I were there to see her, with food in hand.
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I know that the Lord sent me to Yvonne. Seeing her children was no accident; it was an act of God. Too many things had to line up perfectly for our paths to cross at precisely the right time. Then combined with compassion, action, and a team, we met Yvonne and brought essentials and hope. Unscripted, I encouraged her with these words:
Describe your image
" God had me to come by just at the right time to see your children walking. Because of Him, I'm here, and because I'm here, you have help. I want you to understand that. I want you to have hope. I want you to rest well tonight, knowing that help is on the way."
hope personified
GETTING READY TO MEET THE FAMILY!
RHONDA GIVES A MESSAGE TO YVONNE
a divine meeting
On a rural road, Rhonda saw these siblings and searched 3 weeks for them.
defeated and hopeless
Finding the family, Rhonda met them two days before returning to the U.S.
meeting the baby
Rhonda was elated when Yvonne brought the baby out for her to see.
sifa - the chosen one
Hugging Sifa made Rhonda's day! Such a beautiful spirit and loving soul.
delivering hope and help
Rhonda told Yvonne to rest well because help and hope was on the way.
better days are coming
The faces of despair. But Rhonda promised to change that.
new uniforms!
With a new uniform, he is all smiles!
new backpacks
New attitudes, and possibilities.
new future
Tuition paid for brings hope for all.
giving thanks
TRANSLATION FROM KINYARWANDA TO ENGLISH
I thank ma'am Rhonda. I thank her that she loved me and my kids.
She sent my kids to school, they were drop outs, but now they are studying. They received books and have uniforms. Now they are studying. They have got as well health insurance. I thank her that she gave them a mattress as well. Children now have a good place for sleep. And I really thank her for the amazing things she's doing for me. Currently as we speak now, my kids have gone to school and we are not together at the moment but next time they will be available to greet Rhonda.
Yvonne Mukantwari
from surviving to thriving
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
If you wonder why giving hope matters? Just look at the pictures then and now. Hope has transformed this family for good. It has given them dignity and education. Their future, once grim, is now brimming with bright possibility!
Your donation can transform a nation! Give today.
