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 are inspired by the belief in every individual's inherent worth and potential and the conviction that together, we can create positive change in the world.
Our story
More than three decades ago in Atlanta, Georgia, Doug and Rhonda Mincey began their life together in marriage. Doug, an Army Veteran and retired Telecommunications Network Engineer from Lucent Technologies in Atlanta, Georgia, and Rhonda, a retired educator, award-winning mentor, and renowned International Motivational Speaker, embarked on a path rich in service and exploration. We have three children who are now adults and continue to reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Over the past years, we have traveled extensively across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, Africa—and particularly Rwanda—has genuinely captured our hearts. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda earns admiration as one of Africa's cleanest, safest, and most forward-looking countries.
In 2022, we deeply connected with Rwanda by living in Kigali for two months. Immersed in its culture, we were captivated by the stunning landscapes, its people's resilience, and the country's vibrant energy.
The genesis of the nonprofit, Hope Springs Africa, was as unexpected as it was profound.
Just weeks before our return to the United States, divine destiny unfolded. While traveling to a local village, Rhonda spotted a young girl, no older than eight, with a baby strapped to her back, accompanied by her two little brothers, ages four and five, all trudging along a dusty road. This image, so powerful, spurred Rhonda into action.
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Armed with just a photograph and determined to make a difference, Rhonda, with the help of local residents and Azizi Life, a respected nonprofit, managed to locate the family's village. What we found there changed the course of our lives. We met Yvonne, a single mother living with her five children under eight and one pregnant teenage daughter in a typical rural Rwandan village home.
Their living conditions were dire—150 square feet of clay construction without an indoor toilet, bathroom, electrical power, running water, or mattresses.
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None of the children were in school because of financial constraints—a stark contrast to the United States, where education is free and social safety nets protect the poor and oppressed. Additionally, in the U.S., no one is denied emergency medical care for lack of funds.
In Rwanda, however, these crucial support systems are missing, and our translator encapsulates the harsh reality with the words: "It's simple: if you don't work, you die."
Compelled by a deep sense of responsibility and blessed with the means to make a difference, we could not turn away. We committed to adopting Yvonne's family within minutes, ensuring their immediate needs and paving a path towards sustainable self-reliance. Our actions that day, supported by the local community and guided by divine grace, marked the birth of Hope Springs Africa.
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After returning home, Rhonda maintained our commitment by coordinating with Rwanda contacts to monitor the family's progress. Our mission expanded as we learned more about the challenges facing many rural villages in Rwanda, particularly the severe health implications of consuming polluted water.
This revelation prompted us to launch a "Clean Water" mission and our Cultural Exchange Impact Trips. These trips offer individuals, churches, and civic organizations from America an extraordinary opportunity to connect with their African roots, immerse themselves in Rwanda's rich culture, and contribute to meaningful change.
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. Every prayer, every donation, and every hand lent in support fuels this ongoing journey of love and transformation.
We warmly invite you to join us on this life-changing journey. Travel with us to Rwanda and see firsthand the impact of your contributions. Experience the ancestral connection, embrace the culture, and help empower communities to rise above adversity.
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Thank you for your prayers and support, and we look forward to welcoming you to Rwanda.
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 are riding through a village in Africa and see an 8-year-old girl carrying her baby brother. Behind her, two younger siblings follow.
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 a week. Time is not on your side. So you are desperate but determined.
You reach out to a nonprofit organization, Azizi Life, and send them a picture to see if they can find this family. And, by a miracle, they did! What's more, you will meet them on Thursday - two days before your flight to the States.
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 know her or speak her language is coming to her rescue? Remember, she had no food. She had nothing. And there I stood.
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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 her food 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.
sipha - 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 survining 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.
Our TEAM
Chairman of the board
Robert Stephens
Robert Stephens leverages his entrepreneurial and corporate management background to infuse our board with strategic marketing and organizational competencies. His guidance is pivotal in streamlining our operations and fostering sustained growth.
Rwanda PROGRAM advisor
Jean Claude Dusabe
Jean Claude Dusabe lives in Rwanda and is responsible for strategic planning, program design, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and partnership development.