HOPE IS RISING IN SOUTH AFRICA

“They’ve already carved out a place with a building for a women’s center. We’ll open the men’s first, then the women’s. The judicial system has already agreed to work with us, and everything is falling into place—it’s moving fast! All of this came together within just a few days while I was there.”

— Josh Hannah, President and Founder

Sometimes, God moves so clearly that all you can do is step back and say, “Only He could have done this.” That’s exactly what’s happening in South Africa.

In a matter of days, doors began opening in ways that only God could orchestrate. What started as a single introduction has grown into a powerful partnership that’s already laying the groundwork for a new Hope Center halfway around the world.

Through a mutual friend, Josh Hannah and Executive Leader of World Missions Gary Grace were introduced to Jacques, a ministry leader in South Africa whose heart for people mirrors our own. Jacques leads a ministry called Reaching a Generation, which is transforming communities across South Africa by sharing the gospel and empowering local leaders to reach children and families.

From the very first conversation, it was clear—this wasn’t coincidence, it was calling. Before Jacques ever visited the U.S., everyone involved recognized that their hearts were aligned and their vision was the same: to bring hope and recovery to those who need it most.

When Jacques later traveled to the States on a previously planned trip, we had the privilege of sitting down with pastors, business leaders, and friends of the ministry. Jacques shared firsthand about the impact Reaching a Generation is having in South Africa—how God is using his team to feed children, equip teachers, and reach a generation with the message of hope.

“What’s happening there isn’t just another international project, It’s a partnership, strengthening the nets, building relationships, and believing that God wants to reach a generation in South Africa through the same hope that’s changed thousands of lives here.”

— Gary Grace, Executive Leader of World Missions 

Since those first conversations, God has continued to move quickly. A property has already been identified, and land has been set aside for both a men’s and women’s center, with plans to open the men’s first, followed by the women’s. The judicial system in South Africa has already agreed to collaborate, creating an open door to reach those battling addiction and incarceration with a message of restoration and new life.

Leadership interviews are now underway, and plans are moving forward for what will become the first Hope Center in South Africa, set to open in early 2026.