In 1998, Zimbabwe was in the middle of a severe HIV/AIDS crisis. During this time, over a half a million children were orphaned. Gideon and Jennifer Chishamba’s hearts were called to a remote village in Bulawayo that was being ravaged by HIV/AIDS. Parents were dying, leaving many children without anyone to look after them. Several orphans left behind were also infected with HIV and AIDS. The children would tell Gideon and Jennifer that when their parents died, their relatives would come and take away everything; some were chased from their homes.
In obedience to God’s calling, the Chishambas moved to the village in Bulawayo. At that time, Gideon and Jennifer didn’t even have a room to live in, but through fasting and prayer, they came to a pivotal realization- their lack of a home was not going to stop them from obeying God’s call. God spoke to them through Isaiah 58: “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.” Gideon and Jennifer started where they could—providing daily meals to a small group of orphans in their community.
A Desperate Rescue
One day, the parents of a small family in the village died. They left two young girls, Rejoice, who was ten and Tinashe, who was 7 years old. Rejoice was infected with HIV. The community thought she would not survive, so they closed the two girls inside their home and left them to die.
When Gideon and Jennifer heard about the girls, their hearts broke. They said, “We will not leave children to die.” They immediately went to rescue the two girls. When they opened up the door, there was an awful stench that came from inside. Rejoice was alive, but had infected wounds all over her body and was in desperate need of medical care. With no means of transportation, Gideon and Jennifer asked a volunteer to carry Rejoice on his back to the nearest hospital which was 14 miles away. Meanwhile, the Chishambas took the younger sister, Tinashe, to their home to feed her.
At the hospital, once the doctors and nurses discovered Rejoice had HIV, they refused to give her any care and told the volunteer to take her back home. Gideon and Jennifer refused to abandon the sisters. They welcomed Rejoice and Tinashe into their home, determined to fight for them. A local doctor stepped in, visiting daily to tend to Rejoice’s severe condition. For eight months, her infected wounds oozed, filling the air with a harsh stench. Friends donated medicine, and with the doctor’s steady care, Gideon and Jennifer nurtured the girls back to health. Slowly, Rejoice’s sores dried up, and she began to thrive. God’s mercy and provision were evident. Rejoice’s story became a testimony to the whole community of the miraculous power of Christ.
We will not leave children to die.
Fountain of Hope: A Legacy of Love
What began with meals for a handful of children, led to the founding of Fountain of Hope in 2008. Starting with just two children, Rejoice and Tinashe, Gideon and Jennifer’s family quickly grew to nineteen. Today, 29 children call Fountain of Hope their home, with many of their earlier children now thriving in universities or starting their own families.
Fountain of Hope is a sanctuary for orphans and vulnerable children. Nestled on an expansive farm, the homestead and its surrounding cottages provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow, learn and thrive. The children of Fountain of Hope receive not only a loving home, but also a quality education, setting them on a path toward a brighter future.
As for Rejoice, growing up at Fountain of Hope allowed her an excellent education and valuable training in dressmaking. Through her skills training, Rejoice was able to get a job in South Africa, where she now lives with her sister, Tinashe – whose name means, “God is with us.”
Join Us In Making A Difference
With the help of faithful partners, children like Rejoice and Tinashe have hope. However, many more still need help. Your support ensures that the children at Fountain of Hope have food, education and a loving home.
