Sifa's Story
Some moments mark your life forever.
For us, it was the day we saw a little girl named Sifa. We could not forget her and searched for her for weeks. But we found a story written in heaven, unfolding before our eyes. And our lives would be forever changed.
Rhonda Mincey, Founder, Hope Springs Africa
The Search
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."
The Significance
Because of Sifa, we now serve hundreds.
Because of Sifa, we launched initiatives in Rutembo and beyond.
Because of Sifa, Hope Springs Africa was born—not from strategy, but from surrender.
Her story has touched families, inspired missions, and helped raise a village.
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She is no longer just a girl in need.
She is a leader in training. A light in her community.
She is a reminder that one “yes” can change everything.
From a quiet girl in need to a radiant reminder of God's purpose - Sifa's life reflects the power of obedience, the fruit of faith, and the spark that ignited a mission. Her story is still unfolding.
Do you want to be part of the next one?
Rhonda Mincey, Founder, Hope Springs Africa
Want to Help More Girls Like Sifa?