Beacon of Hope - Africa

The New Boys!

2011-06-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Wow so hard to believe that six months have passed. Our youth are doing extremely well! They have all adjusted well to the rules and routine of the house. I am sorry to say that classes here at the House have not been as consistent as in the past years, but will be getting back on track soon.

I personally have been sick so that throws things off. Time seems to fly by and getting thing done seems to be harder. The "TO DO List" seems to grow not dwindle. Documents, paperwork all seems to be stalled or a battle to achieve.

Yet all is still moving forward just slower than I want. The youth have finished their first semester of school and although we have a few areas to focus on improvement they did pretty good!

We are all adjusting to the cold weather as we are entering our winter! Although not freezing, at 48 degrees, wind blowing its kind of cold, but then the sun goes down, cold cement walls and floors, the windows don't close tightly and it feels really cold, sometimes the wind cuts through you like a knife!

As I am writing this blog our youth are out working with our community boys playing soccer. Praying and planning a program out of this... stay tuned I will talk more about this in another blog!

New pictures coming soon!

Youth Names

Leonardo
Joque
Wilson
Jose
David
Isaias
Alfrado

Staff

Samito
Chico
Germano
Popo
Hercolano

Keep us all in your prayers!

Angie, youth and Staff

Hard Times

2010-04-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

Blessings on this Friday!

God is good and we here at the Hope House are all in good health. The boys are busy with school, taking first semester test, will soon be on a 2 week break. The ministry has been going through really hard times, car issues, finances, some sickness, lose of animals due to the RAIN... It has rained for over a week every day every evening, the grass is so tall, the lawn mower is down and we are back to cutting grass by hand.... oh my it takes for ever.

The exciting part is in all these hard times God is still God and He is faithful. We may not have till overflowing yet but God provides with what we need. Praise God!

Soon I will post new pictures of the youth... our interent is still down so my time online is limited!

Blessings to you all!
Staff and Youth
Beacon of Hope - Africa

2010-03-24T02:46:00.000-07:00

Blessings everyone!

I am so sorry for the lack of posting blogs over the last 2 months... Our internet has been down and that makes life a bit more difficult. Things are moving along just a bit slower than we expected this year. Our 4 youth are doing well, enjoying learning new things daily. They are about to finish their first semester of classes and will have a 2 week break. Hopefully during that time we can get the garden cleaned up and planted and the property grass cut!

Thank you so much for your prayers and please continue to pray for each of us here in Mozambique. Pray for health, protection, finances, open hearts, and more!

Blessings,
Angie, Staff, and Youth

2010-01-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

Oh we had so much fun Saturday night! The youth have been working really hard cleaning the yard and working in the garden, with little complaint, and adjusting really well to the house rules so we decided to have a party to thank them, celebrate there completion of 2 weeks as so much more is to come as school is starting and Hope House classes. So we had a cook out with Hamburgers and all the fix ens, french fries, cabbage salad, coke and chocolate cake. Only one youth out of the 9 had eaten a hamburger in his life so 8 of our boys had a very new experience. Not even sure if they had ever had chocolate cake!!!! It is so much fun to help them experience new things and learn so much!

Sunday we had a wonderful time at our first church service with the youth. For many this was a new experience as well and singing was a bit slow getting started but it ended on an awesome note and all left church feeling so uplifted. there is so much to look forward too.

blessings,

Hope House staff

2010-01-18T00:14:00.000-08:00

We have completed our first week here at BOHA with our 10 new youth. All have arrived well, and adjusting accordingly. This week has been about getting in to a daily routine and work duties. They have arranged their rooms, cleaning the house, yard and cooking as well. The big one is mowing the lawn, first time to use a lawn mower! They have all been working hard, no complaining and even through they have left their homes and families they seem very content.

In the afternoons they have been doing physical education, and soccer as well as praciticing their math skills with flashcard games, which they absoultly love.

This next week school is starting and that will be another adjustment as well as classes here at BOHA starting as well. There is still so much they needs to fall into place and routine, but I feel they will adjust quickly.

Blessings!!!!

2010-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

All staff started work again today with big plans to get a lot done. Some were working on room renovations, while others cleaning and mowing the lawn. Then out of no where a cold front blew in with lots of wind and RAIN. That put a stop to some of the work and made a mess. It was such a drastic change from the overbearing heat til jackets were pulled out as the wind held a bit of a chill.

So we will try again tomorrow!

keep us in your prayers and more exciting news to come.

2009-12-31T03:26:00.000-08:00

2009 has been a very hard year for Beacon of Hope- Africa. Our Vice President has done an amazing job of stepping up to the plate and taking on more responsibility. I , Angie Wheeler, am the President of BOHA and for the last 2 years have been in pain and finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Yet with all our struggles we have made it through.

Our 3 youth graduated and Praise God passed 10the grade! Junior will be joining the military in 2010, Claudio is working with family, and Germano will return her to BOHA and work with us as on January 11th our 10 new youth arrive.

We are believing that 2010 will be an amazing year for each of us, as we start once again shaping the lives of the next generation for Jesus.

Keep us in your prayers!

From Angie and all BOHA staff

March 9, 2008

2008-03-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, I knew that I was very behind on my web page and blog updates but I had no idea that I had not posted any information since last July. So sorry for those of you wanting to keep up with all do.

2007 was a good year, hard because my family was not able to travel to the US for a time away. We all did rest, the youth spent the holidays at home with families. In December Beacon of Hope celebrated 5 years. That is amazing and quite an accomplishment!

January of this year we have a total of 14 youth. Growing is always a good thing and we are growing, yet times are tough all over the world, fuel, food, and most everything are more expensive than ever.

We are grateful for your prayers and I will try and do better at blogging!

Pictures of the youth soon!

Many blessings,
Angie Wheeler

Where does the time go?

2007-07-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that we are completing July 2007!

God is so good and has blessed each of us here at the Hope House! The youth are at present visiting their families. School is out until August 20th and this has been good for all of us. I have been working hard to get reports done and the staff working hard as well.

I wanted to let you know that we are all OK and working hard to keep you informed!

Blessing and thanks for your patience!

Angie and Staff at the Hope House

Blessings Everyone!

2007-06-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry that I have not written anything new on our sites for awhile. I have been very busy and for a time we had no Internet connection.

Things are going well here at the Hope House and very soon I will have things updated and lots of information for you with all God is doing here at the Hope House!!!!!

Many Blessings,
Angie Wheeler

Pedro dos Santos Zibia, Jr

2007-03-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone who reads this!

I want to thank you for your prayers and support. Your support to our ministry is truly a blessing. For me it is a joy to be a part of the youth's lives. I am still a youth but how Beacon of Hope helped me I am a part of helping other youths lives.

Your prayers and financial support are making a difference in lives. We need your prayers and support of the functioning and growth of the Hope House. Without Jesus we have nothing. Jesus is using many to help the youth of Mozambique. I want them to know Jesus. Thank you for being a part of giving me that chance, the youth, and our staff and workers.

We need your prayers daily. Mozambique needs your prayers right now. The flooding in the north, the cyclone that hit and now the explosions are devastating. There has not been anything we can to to help in the northern parts as we are so far away but we could help here Maputo.

First we have to care for the needs of the youth and then others. We want them to learn how to help others. Please pray for us all and God's provisions! We really need your prayers. It is so hard and sad to see my country with so much disaster and so many lives lost, homes gone, people with nothing after working so hard for what they did have.

I am proud of our President Armando Gebuza for his work and compassion for Mozambique and many people who lost lives and homes. Pray for him!

God Bless!
Pedro dos Santos Zibia, Jr.

Vice President

Beacon of Hope - Africa

From Chico

2007-03-24T03:06:00.000-07:00

Blessings to all!

I went yesterday with fellow staff member Armando Chichango and two of our youth. I was overwhelmed at how many people were out in the streets with no where to go. If they had somewhere to go they had not transport or money to get there.

Many peoples homes were destroyed and many who have worked so hard to build up their lives and homes and family now have nothing. The only think I lack is tears, yet that would solve nothing. My heart is sad to see the people in my country suffer. WE here of the suffering up north and it is hard but when you see it first hand so close to you...

Thanks for your prayers. Thanks for your help. Chico Zibia

More pictures

2007-03-24T02:31:00.000-07:00

You can see the damage to these buildings

March 24, 2007 UPDATE

2007-03-24T02:16:00.000-07:00

Here you see people leaving their homes with what they can leave with or what they have left as they are told to evacuate. Many are unsure of where to go.

I want to thank each of you for your prayers for Mozambique and ask that you continue!

Today it is not to hot, a nice breeze Praise God! Many are returning home to begin cleaning up what is left of their homes and belongings. Many are still fearful and others are planning funerals. It was a blessings to see President Armando Guebuza and other government officials visiting those affected by the bombing. He visited several in the hospitals, as well as many homes and areas of destruction.

If you are interested in seeing other pictures of what has occurred here I suggest surfing the web, BBC, CNN, CBS are a few of the places I have seen pictures of what we are seeing here on our local TV stations. Here is one website to check out www.einnews.com

I found out yesterday that one of the missiles actually hit a home or landed at a home here in Machava, which is our small town. We are about 30 minutes away from where the explosions originated.

Thanks again for your prayers!

Angie and Staff

March 2, 2007 Disaster in Maputo

2007-03-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Hope House Partners!

We know and are grateful for your prayers for Mozambique, our youth and the ministry. I write today asking for your prayers and notify others to pray with us for Mozambique.

We have had yet another major catastrophe in Mozambique! Over the last few months the northern part of Mozambique has had flooding, lost homes, crops lost and I believe lives lost as well. A cyclone hit Vilenkulo, which is in the middle of Mozambique has had about 70% destruction. We have a fellow friend/missionary who is working there and the little news cast I have saw show a lot of destruction.

March 22, 2007 at about 2 PM we began to hear a horrid sound that made our windows and walls shutter. We saw a huge ball of smoke and as we watch on the TV we were informed that at one of the military bases that stores the missiles, bombs and ammunition had many of these war items began to explode due to the heat wave we have had over the last 2 days. It sounded like we were being bombed or in war!!!

I went home early from the office and closed things down, took the kids home but the youth decided that they were going to school and left about 5pm to walk to school. Enia was dressing after her bath and there was such a big boom and our tin roof shock so loud you thought it was coming off and I thought something landed on it. Enia began to cry and so the kids and I sat in the living room together and began to speak words of belief that Jesus was with us and we are ok. I began to pray to myself for all those living near this military base. About 5:30pm the electricity went out all over Maputo and surrounding towns. WE sat by candle light hearing the explosions continuing not knowing what was going on for sure! The youth came home as no one was at school, all light were out and they said because of the tremors from the bombs many cement walls and houses were falling down even 15 minutes from our house. Everyone was afraid to stay in their homes so the streets were full of people. About 9pm the lights came back on and we were able to see some information about what was going on and it was so sad. The hospitals are full with injuries, lives lost, Maputo has many business with broken windows. Chapa, our form of transport, were over flowing and having to take different routes as roads were closed. Many who live in those areas could not get home and did not know how to get to their families.

Not only was I preoccupied and praying for all of them Enia was sick with a headache and high fever. IT continued all night and still today. The clinics we normally go to for malaria testing have been closed, but we will find a place today to test her.

This morning seeing only a part of the devastation that has occurred and the temperature is suppose to exceed yesterday many are fearful! There are still many missing so far we have heard of 2 children who died at school in Zimpeto ( a town where we know many people), a family was leaving their home the husband in front with is wife behind him their baby tied to her back the bomb hit and the baby was pulled from her back and died, her husband lost both legs. It was reported that one lady's head was decapitated from a bomb. Many are still missing and the estimated death toll at this time is 85 people with 360 injured. Numerous houses are destroyed left with nothing. Many have not been able to even get back to their homes.

My staff and a few of our youth have family that live in that area. We have been trying to call to make sure they were ok, but have not been able to get through as I write this my staff and a few of the youth have went to try and locate their families. Chico just called and said, "oh Mana Angie it's so sad, there are so many people in the streets and no one has money to get to family or friends homes away from this area, so many have no where to go."

Written at 1:35pm

WE have just had 5 of one of our youths family come hear to the Hope House. At there home there was lots of smoke, many of their family members they don't know where they are, and they saw many other houses destroyed and many who had died. It is now 100 degrees F and I know that many are fearful! We have welcomed them into our home and feed them lunch and will see what we can do to help them. They are now sleeping as they are tired from the events that have occurred and feel safe.

This was unexpected I don't know if others will come here in need of shelter, safety, prayer, food, a place to think!

Written at 3:17pm

My staff have returned, they tried to take pictures of the confusion, people, and the destruction but the police and military would not allow. So the pictures I am sending with this email were taken by my staff as they were driving and these sites are the surrounding areas. It has reached 102 degrees and we have not heard any bombs today but have been informed that a few small explosions have occurred. The police are having everyone evacuate but no one has a way to get any where. Sadly enough the chapas are charging double there normal fee and therefore unavailable to many, they are leaving their homes.

Our youth's families are all ok! Chico and Popo's cousins are good and here in Patrice close to Chico's house. Their homes were hit and will be in need of repair. We are thankful for the safety of those close to us and in pray for those who lost loved ones, and their homes.

The children's center I worked at my first year here in Mozambique, they have evacuated all kids to Machava children's center. They had 4 missiles land at the center and Praise God did not explode but caused much damage and considered still dangerous as they are active. The mental hospital close to the children's center was hit, several killed and burned the inside and all in it completely.

Have a look at the pictures below and again we were unable to get pictures of the main area hit just surrounding areas.

Thanks for your prayers!

Angie and Staff

Many people in the street unsure of where to go. Confused and in a hurry
You can still see the smoke.

The hospital that was bombed the inside is burned, several Many with things in tow walking as they are told to evacuate
Were killed and others left.

Mozambique needs your prayers! WE want to help with food, transport and clothing. We want to try and work with other organizations such as Red Cross to see how to effectively help yet there has not been anything organized.

THis month we did not meet our budgeted needs and lack $3000 for food, medical, salaries, fuel, school and office supplies.

TO help our community through this hard time to help with immediate assistance we feel that $1,000 would help us to provide a meal, beans and rice, transport to families housing, clothes as many left with only what they had on their backs. This amount is not included in our monthly needs. THis would be considered disaster relief.

Donations can be sent to:
Globe International
P.O. Box 3040
Pensacola, Fl. 32516

If you want to give online go to www.gme.org, missionaries, Africa and find Angie Wheeler that will take you to online donations.

Thanks you for your prayers! I am sending out an email to as many supporters and prayer partners that I have!

Angie and Staff

2007-03-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

Blessings,

It is 3:10pm here in Mozambique, and Saturday. Since our Internet has not been working all that well along with trying to complete financial reports for this month I have not updated our blogs.

I just got out of a 5 hour meeting with my staff which went really well. WE have been so busy during the week we choose to have a breakfast meeting but it went past lunch! IT was really good and a lot clarified and new vision for this year, organization of schedules, ideas, planning ahead. I look back over the last 4 years and oh how far we have come.

We are starting some new classes with youth so here are the classes with.... Monday morning they will have Bible class with me, then either Finance (such as buying things, dealing with money and being wise from a Mozambicans experience)and/or construction class with Armando ( they will learn measurements, how to make blocks, how to build a house, what all it needed, how to make a budget and plan ahead)( I would like to have a side project of making blocks so they could have a practical side of this but that we will look at over time.

Tuesday - Health class with Angie and/or construction or fiance

Wednesday - Computer class with Popo as well as a class they have here now dealing with moral issues.

Thursday - English with Angie as one of the other classes above

Friday - Dating and Relationships class with Angie and one of the other classes above.

We are also putting in Art and drama in the afternoons as well as grass cutting and garden work, kitchen duties and school work.

IT seems like a lot but being here for 3 years is a short time and we want to equip them the best we can. Hard work will pay off in the end for them and we want to teach the how to work, study and live for Jesus!

Keep us in your prayers as there is so much to do, so many who need and want our help. Also God has given us a big vision for our ministry here and I want to see it complete in every area, that means youth, school, all our needs met and buildings build and repaired. I believe God wants the very best for us and we do not have to live in poverty even though we are in a 3rd world country. Most people here are trying to work there way to a better life. WE have Jesus and He provides and we want to be vessels ready to help who every He sends our way.

WE are so grateful for all who partner with us in prayers and fiance. Thanks for being a part of our lives!!!! I believe that what God is doing here through the Hope House will produce Nation changers through the youth!

Blessings, contact us, let us know who we can pray for you!

Angie, and staff!

2007-03-02T05:38:00.000-08:00

IT amazes me at how you think that some things are so simple but when they have not been taught as a child they don't really think about it as an adult. There are times when there is trash in front of our house or it came out of the trash can and everyone passes it by. Often the question in my head is, "why am I the only person who will pick this up." We have chores, clean up everyday but there is always trash.

I have tried to teach things in many different ways and still have to try more. The staff and I decided that we need to give them an area of responsibility, make them the boss and if the job is not done then they, as the leader will have to explain why. Always being the boss or in charge is not fun, and just because you are the boss does not mean you don't work too.

So today I had a talk with the yard maintenance boss, teach your helpers that if there is trash on the ground we never pass it by. Keeping the yard clean is something that may have to happen more than just of a morning and it's all of our responsibility.

My favorite thing to tell them is God teaches us when we are responsible with the little things he will give us Bigger things!!!!

Blessings from us all!

Angie and Hope House

Flooding in Mozambique

2007-02-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

Many have called my mom or emailed me as you have heard there is flooding and a cyclone that has hit Mozambqiue. Here in Maputo we have not been affected by the flooding. WE have had lots of rain but nothing like what has affected the Northern part of Mozambique.

Vilenkulo has had lots of damage from the cyclone that hit. I have a friend who works up in that part of Mozambique and he said 70% of Vilenkulo is damaged! Pray for them all!

Blessings
Angie Wheeler
Founder/Director

2007-02-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Praise God!!!!

We paid all school fees for the year! We need to buy books and clothes for the youth but that will come. School fees are a big deal and having them paid in full relieves some pressure and secures things for our youths education!

Boa vida, Claudio and Fair have been sick but they refuse to stay home from school! They are much better after seeing a doctor and getting antibiotic es.

Due to myself being sick we have not had Bible class this week and we all miss it, the youth and myself!

Thanks for Being a part of all God is doing here in our youth and at the Hope House!

Angie
Founder/Director

2007-02-22T00:39:00.000-08:00

One day trip to South Africa....

Popo and I left Tuesday for a one day trip to South Africa. My kids had school so they stayed at my house with Popo's mom. I personally don't like to travel alone, it is not the safest and when you are tired it sure helps having someone else to help keep you awake. Popo, finally after 2 years of hassle got his drivers license. He did this the correct way and would not give in to corruption. My son is a great driver and it has helped so much!

We stayed with very good friends, well they are more like mom and pop! I have known Michal and Lynn for 6 years and they have been such a huge help, support, family to not just me but to many missionaries and our families over many years. I am so grateful for them and we had a excellent time visiting.

They have started many projects in South Africa and it is awesome to see how God is leading them to open up small home orphanages, projects similar to ours here in Mozambique there in South Africa.

I was able to meet and make a new friend. Jessica from California is here to work with my friends in there preschools they have started. It was so fun to visit with her, here of things in the States and how things are going as well as share experiences as she had just arrived. It felt like talking to my sisters. IT was a nice refreshing time even though it was one day. Went to get our mail and get a short break.

Back home now we have 2 of our youth sick. So pray for them it is so miserable to be sick in this heat. Oh it is so hot again hard to breath at different times during the day.

Blessings and more soon!
Angie

2007-02-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Friday and everyone is glad it is the weekend. Our nice cooler weather after a few days of rain has gone. We are back to the heat, even the air from the fan is hot. I think we are all looking forward to a little cooler weather here but we still lack about a month or so.

This has been and interesting month and week. A few of the youth have been sick, hairline fracture to the hand, today Machava has a dislocated shoulder we think, we will take him to the big hospital in the morning...to late to night as it is Friday we would be there until tomorrow anyway. Nurse Angie has taken charge, put a sling on his arm so it causes less pain, ice packs and Tylenol and I wanted to say call me in the morning but they they would not get that joke!!!
Pray for Machava he had to miss school today and he is in pain!!!

I have an infection not sure from what, at the clinic they say that with the heat and bugs or mites here in Africa that my skin because it is so fair just can't handle them, they feel I need to see a dermatologist. I have cream and antibiotics and will be fine, it is just a little irritating and the fever just make you feel bad.

There is not much of anything new to tell we are all in good spirits and thank you for your prayers!

Blessings
Angie

2007-02-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

Praise God!!!!! Finances have come in to cover our monthly needs. We are so grateful and blessed by your prayers and support. Without people who have a heart to help others, serve God and be a part of the Hope House, we would not be able to be here and reach the youth of Mozambqiue!

Thanks so much we are grateful! Keep praying with us in all areas and again with finances. The needs are great and with monthly budgeted needs we also have projects big and small to complete the buildings and things needed to fully function with great potential and reach out to our community!

We pray for all of you as you are praying for us!

Let's continue to be a Beacon of Hope!
Angie

2007-02-14T01:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I am sorry for not writing on the blog for the last few days and if that happens again know that it is because of either being the weekend and I am not in the office or interent problems. Those are the too reason I have been delayed!

Not much has happened over the last few days other than 2 big rain storms with horrible lightening and a small one that was not so bad but all 3 caused the electriciy to be off for a peroid of time, not more than an hour and that is a record for them. It did look like we were at a disco as it would come on and off so much you would have thought it was on purpose to give that disco effect!!!

Second week of school and even with the rain brining cooler weather we are all still adjusting to this schedule. The boys walk around still looking like zombies at times.

Blessings
Angie

2007-02-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

Today is another record breaking hot day here in Mozambique. Our new schedule for school and attempting to make a routine here at the Hope House has become drainging. This morning during Bible Class the boys were so tired. They admitted that having school at night and up early for prayer, chores, classes here at the Hope House, as well as work duties outside has wiped them out. We are all greatful it is Friday!!!!

Abel was tired of his cast and decided to remove it. It looks better....for those who did not know he had a hairline fracture on his right hand from playing American football!! He seems to be doing really well and they all love being back in school.

Prayer needs:

1. Strength physical and spiritual
2. Sprititual growth
3. All finances, equitment, workers, missionaries to effective ministry to the youth, staff,
workers, and community.
4. Wisdom

Thanks so much for your prayers!

Write us when you can we love to hear from you and stay in touch!

Angie and all at the Hope House!!!

2007-02-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

God is so good! We had a great time this morning in Bible class with the youth. They are opening up and sharing so much and we read and studied Ps. 91! We are equipping our boys with the things they need to fight in the battle!

I informed everyone in our last months newsletter that we have a waiting list for young men who want to be a part of the Hope House. Having 10 youth living here and 2 in the community but still our responsiblitiy is a lot, overwhelming at times. Yet before me is an application of a young man who's father is 71 years old, not in good health, no finances to get to school. He is reaching out ask for help as he heard about our ministry.

I am sorry to say that at this point I have no means to help him. I could make room and bring him in but we are not at a point to do that. Pray for the youth of Mozambique as so many want help, have true needs, and want the truth.

Blessings
Angie and the Hope House staff!!!