10 year celebration
It was the year 2003. All HospiVision staff stuffed into 3 offices and a little storeroom. Elsa and Anita shared an office. Funds were limited and Elsa complained. When she asked Andre about necessities for the ministry, his answer was standard: "I'll pray for it"! Times were tough and stipends small. But the motivation and faith of staff and their dedication exceeded and transcended the daily challenges. Focus was on priority number 1, which later became HospiVision's motto: Touching lives. Giving hope.
Then it happened: André's prayers were answered and HospiVision BOOMED... A huge amount of work went into developing Choose Life, the value based approach to HIV infection rate - the Christian's alternative for addressing the spread of the HIV pandemic. USAID funded the project for four years. Four years in which infrastructure developed at an amazing rate. We got our own radio program. Offices were equipped with computers and other equipment needed. Staff members were appointed. Contacts in the community in the form of mentors, trainers, facilitators, etc. grew and the Choose Life message reached some 250 000 people. New, well equipped offices in the new Steve Biko Academic hospital and Tshwane District Hospital became a reality.
HospiVision has grown beyond recognition. More than 46 permanent staff members. The Oasis is expanding. The message of touching lives, giving hope, reached thousands of patients and others from Pretoria to Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Free State and even overseas as we received a nomination for the prestigious Bill Gates award.
In humble acknowledgement to Almighty God Andre said: More than 2000 years ago Jesus told a parable where He said: “I was sick and you visited me” (Mathew 25:36). Over the millennia the church, in its various forms has understood this as a command to be obeyed. A testimony to this obedience is the chapel at the Tshwane District Hospital. 10 Years ago HospiVision took up this call and set out to “Touch lives” and “Give Hope”. We were inspired by the “Sun of Righteousness with healing in its rays” (Malachi 4:2). Thank you for celebrating God’s faithfulness with us! He will keep on doing great things in the next 10 years and beyond!