Hope for the nations

Fabian, Lisa and their two daughters, Gabriella (16) and Isabella (14 ), are in their fifth year of serving full-time with OM in South Africa. Before stepping into missions, Fabian spent 25 years involved in church leadership, short-term outreaches and working in corporate human resources. He holds an honours degree in Biblical Theology and a master’s degree in Business. Fabian is deeply passionate about seeing the gospel reach the nations and helping individuals and organisations flourish in Christ, living out their full God-given potential.

Several years ago, I was part of a short-term outreach deep in the rural heart of Mozambique. The country had just endured devastating floods that ravaged homes, crops, roads and livelihoods. Our team visited affected communities, offering encouragement, basic food and medical supplies. One visit, however, left a lasting imprint on me. We arrived at the humble home of an elderly widow. Her cement rondavel, barely standing with its thatched roof, told a story of hardship. Inside was a single empty room with a sand floor, a rolled-up mat in one corner and a few bricks arranged as a makeshift stove holding a burnt pot. As our interpreter began introductions, I felt a deep ache in my heart. What could I possibly say to someone in such a hopeless situation? I was a young, awkwardly tall man from South Africa, bending to fit inside her hut, speaking English — what did I have in common with this elderly Portuguese-speaking woman?

Before I could gather my thoughts, the interpreter signalled me to speak. I looked into the woman’s eyes, and there it was, a radiant smile. So I asked, “Ma’am, you have such a beautiful smile. What is making you so happy?” Through the interpreter, she replied, “Jesus has been here with me all the time. He protected my life through the floods and gives me food to eat every day.” Though I couldn’t understand her language, I felt the peace and joy of the Lord flowing from her voice and presence. She had almost nothing — no wealth, no possessions and just enough to survive, but she overflowed with hope and gratitude.

In that moment, I realised we had more in common than I thought. Her joy reminded me of my own childhood. I grew up in a one-bedroom apartment with my parents. Dad was a builder, and Mom did odd jobs to keep food on the table. But Dad also battled addiction; he was a gambler and alcoholic, often returning home drunk with his wages squandered. We lived in darkness, both literally and spiritually, with unpaid bills and empty cupboards. Dry brown bread and black coffee without sugar became my staple diet; it’s still my favourite today. After years of turmoil, even our religious leader said there was no hope for their marriage. My parents were ready to divorce. But one night, a neighbour invited Dad to a gathering where he heard about Jesus Christ — how Jesus loves us, died to set us free from sin and wants to live within us. That night, Dad surrendered his life to Jesus and came home a changed man. No more gambling. No more alcohol. He began reading the Bible and praying. Mom was sceptical, waiting for the act to fade. But within two years, she too gave her heart to Jesus, releasing her anger and unforgiveness. Witnessing this transformation in our home, I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 10. He filled me with joy, peace and hope. So, when I heard that widow speak of Jesus, I understood her joy. She met Jesus in Mozambique, and I met Him in South Africa. Different languages, cultures and circumstances, but the same Saviour had filled both our lives with hope, and hope eternal. Isn’t that amazing!

The world needs to hear and experience this love, joy and peace. I’m grateful to know that Jesus loves and cares for all people — from every nation, tribe and tongue.

As Matthew 12:21 says, “And his name will be the hope of the world” (NLT).