Hope Art Africa started with one word from God
Pastors Paul and Marinette van Coller pioneered The Zambia Project in 2003, and in 2008 the couple planted Hope Church Mongu. The work continues to flourish under Paul and Marinette’s leadership. Visit thezambiaproject.org to be inspired with what God’s doing in Western Zambia!
In 2009, Paul and Marinette knew they had been called to start a village for vulnerable children. Marinette prayed and God gave her one word: “Art”. Marinette then gathered a group of impoverished Zambian women who were part of Hope Church Mongu. Some of these women were widowed, some HIV positive, but each one had a desire to make a difference! They used what they had, recycled paper, and started making paper bead jewellery!
Happy little customers with their lion critters, made from new socks.
Hope Art Africa’s paper bead products were an instant hit! The majority of our products are made from recycled materials. Customers immediately started to order from all over the world! To date, Hope Art has generated a profit of over R4 million that’s been invested into The Zambia Project – where thousands of children in need are being cared for.
Hope Art Africa empowers women
Hope Art Africa started in Zambia where we currently empower and uplift 11 previously impoverished ladies. Paul and Marinette relocated to George, South Africa, in 2012 where they started Hope Church George. Hope Church George went on to start a community church in an informal settlement near George in 2015, Hope Church Wilderness Heights. Hope Art Africa expanded to South Africa when 5 ladies from Hope Church Wilderness Heights started to gather to make Hope Art products!
Rhema South Family Church in Johannesburg ordered 1800 custom woven bracelets with custom tags for Father’s Day 2019.
Our adorable sock critters are made from new socks and hand stitched with love. They are stuffed with a soft fiber made from recycled plastic bottles.
Every bead is lovingly hand rolled with meticulous care.
“I am Chilombo, I am 61 years old and am a widow. I grew up in an extremely poor family and was unable to attend school. It is a real privilege to be able to send my children to school with the income I earn through Hope Art, not to mention the joy of providing food for them!” – Chilombo Chinga
“My name is Irene and I am 62 years old. Prior to my involvement with Hope Art, I had no income and I struggled daily to support the 8 orphans left in my care by family members. It was very difficult for me when they cried for food and I wasn’t able to provide. I am so grateful that now, with the money I earn through Hope Art, I am able to care for and educate these children and look after my own health.” – Irene Kawele
“I am Brenda and I am 26 years old. My parents were very sick while I was growing up – I had to care and provide for them since I was a child. By the time I was 20 they had both passed away and I had a child of my own. Hope Art has helped me to provide for my family!” – Brenda Plaatjies
Changing lives, investing in futures
Isaiah was one of the first children to join our children’s homes and he was welcomed into a loving family. Today he is 10 years old! Through the support he has received from Hope Art Africa, he has been able to receive a great education and has grown up to become a strong, healthy, and talented young man!
Pastor Marinette continues to lead Hope Art Africa with grace and wisdom. She often reminds our Hope Art team that God is a progressive God and the best is yet to come for Hope Art Africa!
So Others May Live.
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Date published: 12/02/2021
Feature image: Leader and founder of Hope Art Africa, Marinette van Coller (left), with Irene Kawele (right). Irene joined Hope Art in 2009 when it first started. Today, over 11 years later, Irene continues to faithfully turn paper into hope!
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