My heart is so heavy
Yesterday I learned about four babies who need a place to live and be saved. I had to say no. The social worker begged me. I still had to say no because we don’t have the funding to care for the children we currently have. The tiny baby home is empty, and the El Roi […]
Child Sponsorship in Africa: What It Actually Covers and Why It Matters
Most people who consider supporting a child in Africa have a general sense of what it involves: a monthly contribution, a connection to a child, and the knowledge that somewhere across the world, a life is a little better because of it. This is a great start and today we want to share a more […]
23 Years Later…
While we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Heart for Africa in 2026, my journey to Africa started in 2003 on the streets of Lusaka, Zambia, and Nairobi, Kenya. I will never forget all five of my senses being assaulted and then put on high alert. I clearly remember the sight of the boys wrapped […]
There Are 86,000 Charities in Canada. Here’s How to Find One Worth Supporting
Did you know that Canada has over 86,000 registered charities? They span everything from local food banks to international development organizations, from arts programs to medical research. With so many options, it can be genuinely difficult to find one you feel connected to, confident in, and certain is doing what it claims. If you’re considering […]
What Education Looks Like for Vulnerable Children in Africa
Every year on June 16, the world marks the International Day of the African Child, a day that traces its roots to the 1976 Soweto uprising, when thousands of South African students took to the streets to protest an education system designed to limit them. The day has since grown into a global moment to […]
My Friend Tricia
Earlier this month I had the privilege of traveling to Alpharetta, Georgia, where the Maxwell family lived for six years. We moved there 20 years ago, and we have lived in Africa for 14 years, and it sometimes seems that we are just getting started. Ian and I have met so many amazing people over […]
What Real Nonprofit Sustainability Looks Like in Practice
Most nonprofit organizations are built on a familiar financial model. They rely on donations, grants, and fundraising to support their work. While some organizations generate revenue through products or services, the majority remain largely dependent on external giving to sustain their operations over time. This model is not inherently flawed. In many cases, it is […]
What We Learned From Building a Dairy Operation in Africa
Is dairy farming a sustainable solution in Africa? This is a question that comes up more often than you might think in conversations about food systems, nutrition, and nonprofit sustainability. On the surface, the logic is compelling. Dairy can provide consistent protein, support local agriculture, and generate income when production exceeds demand. At Project Canaan, […]
Why Some Development Projects Need to Slow Down Before They Can Grow
Growth is not always the goal In the nonprofit and development space, growth is often seen as a clear sign of success. More programs = More reach = More activity. From the outside, it can seem like forward momentum should always look like expansion. But in practice, building something that lasts often requires a different […]
What Does It Actually Cost to Care for a Child in Africa? A Real Look at Long-Term Care
The question behind child sponsorship For many people, the first exposure to organizations working with vulnerable children comes through child sponsorship. A monthly number is often presented (i.e. $30, $100, $500+ per month) and the assumption is simple: that is what it costs to care for a child. But the reality is more complex. A […]