Much is learned about this great ministry that had a “mustard seed (very small)” beginning that is further revealed in the brief radio links below. It began with the fine pastor of Judi and Bob Bertels, the late FRED WINTERS, in the late 1990’s requesting congregational families to house overnight members of a Zambian Children’s Choir that was to visit their church in concert.
The property of the Bertels church, First Baptist of Maryville, Illinois, is located 30 minutes northeast of the St. Louis Arch. Judi and Bob Bertels – dedicated followers of Jesus, mortgage brokers, long time advertisers on St. Louis Bott Radio — readily agreed to host two of the children in their home overnight.
That simple act of obedience to God led to step by step additional acts of obedience that has resulted, as I write, to the development of African Vision of Hope, that now provides education, food, housing when needed, and loving protection for 3,140 precious children in Zambia!
(What is not as widely known was that their fine Pastor Fred Winters — during a Sunday morning worship service in 2009 – was murdered in his pulpit, shot by a demented gunman. Thus, the act of that dedicated Pastor Fred — in agreeing to host the Zambian Children’s Choir — led to the Bertels hosting two of the children … which led to the great ministry of African Vision of Hope!)
To hear …”Five minutes with Pastor Fred Winters in a video entitled: ‘Why do we exist?’.. (recorded shortly before his death) …click on… https://youtu.be/AfUBY11DXHY
The AVH ministry hosts a great, joyful “GALA” each year. The next one, as I write, is on the evening of Thursday, November 7th, 2019. If you are reading this before that evening, are before the ticket deadline, for more information click on www.afticanvisionofhope.org. If reading this later than that date, and if Jesus tarries in His return, the “GALA” is an Annual Event.
Related radio links to the content above …
To hear … “Bob & Judi Bertels of STL area founded ‘African Vision of Hope,’ caring daily for 3,140 precious Zambian children! Bob and Zambian ‘Haward of the jungle’ tell a remarkable story, invite us to AVH’s ‘GALA!’” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2019/10/24/bob-judi-bertels-of-stl-area-founded-african-vision-of-hope-caring-daily-for-3140-precious-zambian-children-bob-and-zambian-haward-of-the-jungle-tell-a-remark/
To hear … “Widow Cindy Winters and FBC Maryville, IL, present a 10th anniversary memorial service for husband, Pastor Fred Winters, martyred in his Sun AM pulpit” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2019/03/07/widow-cindy-winters-re-fbc-maryville-il-10th-anniversary-memorial-service-for-husband-murdered-martyred-pastor-fred-winters-in-his-sun-am-pulpit/
To hear …AVH Pastor Kennedy Hakobwa and Bob Bertels caring, protecting, feeding 3,000 Zambian Children daily” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2019/01/02/avh-pastor-kennedy-hakobwa-and-bob-bertels-caring-protecting-feeding-3000-zambian-children-daily/
To hear … “Pastor Fred Winters murdered in his pulpit. Widow Cindy Winters talks about it.” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2009/03/26/winters-cindy/