Location: Zambia, Africa
Ministry Focus: Sergio and Nancy are the directors of Villages of Hope (VOH) - Africa. They are currently providing care to over 3,500 orphaned and vulnerable children in nine African locations: Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania (two locations), Zambia (three locations) and Zimbabwe. The ministry of Village of Hope brings "Hope for Today, Tomorrow and Eternity." The gospel message and discipleship are at the centre of all that is done. The care provided includes community-based education, health care and feeding programs. Children's homes are also provided for orphans who have no safe place to live.
Sergio and Nancy moved to Kitwe, Zambia, in April 1999, where the first VOH was established. Today their main responsibilities include providing training, support and leadership to each VOH location and ensuring that best practices are being followed so that all of the children are receiving quality care. Working very closely with national leadership, the Bersaglios focus on developing strong Christian leaders at each VOH location to ensure that the ministry is sustainable and well managed and that all children are loved and cared for.
Ministry History: The first Village of Hope was opened in Kitwe, Zambia, in 1999, a response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic that left many children orphaned and vulnerable. It was located next to Racecourse, a large shanty compound teeming with children. The site began with free education for children of the nearby community who had no other access to education, and a children’s home to provide care for orphans. In five years, this VOH grew from one orphan home and a single classroom into a fully functional care facility for children in need in Zambia.
Since then, due to growing national and international support for Villages of Hope - Africa's holistic approach, and the growing need, Villages were opened in other sub-Saharan countries, from Zambia to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Burundi and Tanzania.
Prayer Requests:
- For wisdom for VOH directors as they oversee the care of the children
- That every VOH child knows they are loved and that they will be open to receiving the life changing gospel message
- Safety for the Bersaglios as they travel by air and road visiting the various VOH locations
- For resources needed for the children currently being cared for and also to expand the ministry
