My Life-Changing Mission Trip to Zimbabwe: A Call to Advocacy for Orphaned Children

A firsthand account of Hope’s Promise Orphan Care Ministries’ Connection Trip and why every child’s story matters

by Maddie Pringle

Introduction: Why I Went to Zimbabwe

In May 2025, I embarked on a journey that would forever change my perspective on global orphan care. As part of a team from Hope’s Promise Orphan Care Ministries (HP), I traveled to Zimbabwe on what the organization calls a “connection trip” – a mission designed to help participants understand the global orphan crisis firsthand.

Hope’s Promise exists to strengthen families through ethical, Christ-centered foster care, adoption, and global orphan care. Their core belief is simple yet profound: every child matters to God, and change begins with one child at a time. Rather than removing children from their home countries, HP focuses on placing orphaned children with relatives or trusted caregivers within their own communities, honoring God’s design for family as the safest environment for children to grow and thrive.

The Reality of Global Orphan Care: What I Witnessed in Zimbabwe

Confronting Poverty and Injustice

Reading about poverty in statistics and news articles is vastly different from walking among it. The air, the faces, the weariness mixed with hope – these experiences become part of you. Zimbabwe, under corrupt leadership and crushing poverty, presents a reality where many people aren’t dreaming of a better future – they’re simply surviving each day.

As someone who has always been patriotic and believes deeply in the American Dream, visiting Zimbabwe revealed how absent liberty, freedom, and justice are for millions of people worldwide. This realization was both heartbreaking and humbling, especially as someone who serves in the US Army because of my belief in these fundamental rights.

Prince’s Story: A Testament to Resilience

One story that will never leave my heart is that of 16-year-old Prince. Living in rural Mutare with his mother Merium, his blind grandmother (Gogo) Loveness, and 4-year-old brother Christian, Prince’s daily routine illustrates the harsh realities facing many Zimbabwean children.

Their home consists of a one-room shelter, a small cooking hut, and a garden. Each morning, Prince walks 3 kilometers to fetch water, then travels 8 kilometers to school. Despite being sponsored by Hope’s Promise, he carries the responsibilities of a son, brother, and provider while still being just a boy whose childhood has been stolen by circumstance.

What strikes me most about Prince is not his hardships, but his response to them. He excels in school, maintains a radiant smile, and dreams of becoming a pilot one day. When we asked for his prayer requests, he didn’t ask for relief from his burdens or for his circumstances to change. He simply asked for a bicycle – just a bike to make his daily journey easier.

Prince’s faith, quiet strength, and abundant selflessness shattered my heart. In a world that has given him so little, he gives everything.

Discovering Joy Beyond Comfort: The Gogo Olive Experience

Finding Hope in Unlikely Places

One of the most powerful moments of our trip occurred at Gogo Olive, a local ministry that employs formerly imprisoned women. As we arrived, we were greeted with loud African singing and dancing that literally shook the floor and brought tears to my eyes.

These women – many imprisoned unjustly – radiated a joy that seemed impossible given their circumstances. Gogo Olive provides these women with:

• A renewed sense of purpose
• Tangible skills they can use to generate income
• Connection with the Gospel message

Witnessing their joy taught me what happiness looks like when it’s not tied to material comfort. They have little reason to be joyful by worldly standards, but they have Christ, which they know is enough.

The Church as Community Foundation

Faith as the Lifeblood of Zimbabwean Communities

In Mutare, faith isn’t confined to Sunday services – it serves as the lifeblood of the entire community. The church supports families, ministries, and organizations in a vast network of care and support.

Paul and Lydia Neshangwe, Hope’s Promise’s country coordinators and pastors at a local Presbyterian church, beautifully describe their role using an umbrella metaphor:

• The church serves as the handle
• Ministries like Gogo Olive, Call to Care, Waneini Rehabilitation Center, Peplow School, and Cortex Health form the protective fabric
• The child remains safe and protected underneath

This model demonstrates a culture where faith and community are inseparable, creating a support system that extends far beyond traditional church walls.

How This Mission Changed My Perspective

Personal Transformation Through Service

This mission fundamentally changed me. Returning to American life, I found that some of my old priorities now feel trivial. I’m frustrated by our culture of entitlement, especially when contrasted with the stories and strength of those we met: Abigail, Emily, Dean, Prince, Loveness, and so many other precious lives.

The experience serves as a constant reminder that every child of God in Zimbabwe has a story that deserves to be heard and a life that matters infinitely.

Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference

Supporting Global Orphan Care Initiatives

The mission didn’t end when our plane landed back in America. I carry Zimbabwe with me daily – the names, sounds, dust, dancing, smiles, and tears. More importantly, I’m committed to continuing to tell these stories and advocating for change.

Prayer Requests for Zimbabwe

I ask you to join me in praying for:

• Provision for families like Prince’s who struggle daily with basic needs
• Increased support for Hope’s Promise so they can serve more children
• Our team as we continue in purposeful reflection and advocacy
• God’s kingdom to flourish in Zimbabwe despite challenging circumstances

Getting Involved Locally

I encourage you to:

• Keep Zimbabwe in your hearts and prayers
• Consider supporting organizations like Hope’s Promise Orphan Care Ministries
• Share these stories with others who might be moved to action

Conclusion: Every Child’s Story Matters

The 153 million children worldwide who have lost one or both parents represent more than statistics – they’re individuals with dreams, hopes, and incredible potential. Through organizations like Hope’s Promise, we can support ethical, community-based solutions that keep children in their home countries while providing the care and support they desperately need.

Zimbabwe taught me that advocacy isn’t just about raising awareness – it’s about carrying these stories with us and allowing them to transform how we live, give, and serve. Every child matters to God, and change truly does begin with one child at a time.

To learn more about Hope’s Promise Orphan Care Ministries and their work in Zimbabwe and other countries, visit their website or contact them directly about connection trips and support opportunities.