Meet Hazel Bomba, a devoted follower of Jesus, a foster mom, and an MBA graduate with a deep connection to African culture, history, and its diverse communities.

Hazel took on the immense challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness about the Church in Africa and inspire support for fellow Christians. Upon reaching the summit, she proudly waved the Arise Africa flag, symbolizing both her accomplishment and a call for others to join in prayer and solidarity. Open Doors South Africa had the pleasure of speaking with Hazel about her experience. Here’s what she shared:

What led you to start this journey?

Climbing Kilimanjaro has been a lifelong dream of mine. Since my varsity days, I’ve had a deep desire to explore the African continent, with summiting Kilimanjaro as a key part of this journey.

What was your experience during the climb?

The journey up the mountain was both challenging and rewarding. We took the Lemosho route, an eight-day trek that includes six days ascending and two days descending. Our journey began the moment we decided to make this dream a reality. This commitment meant dedicating weekends to hiking and joining a gym to build endurance. Despite the physical challenges, I felt well prepared. The summit push was the most demanding part, both physically and mentally. It took me just over nine hours to reach Uhuru Peak from Barafu Camp. These hours were filled with intense reflection and deep prayer – a true “me and God” moment.

How did you feel when you reached the top and held the Arise Africa flag?

Reaching the summit was an incredibly emotional experience. Achieving this long-held dream felt deeply gratifying. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for being healthy and able to stand at the highest point on the continent. Holding the Arise Africa flag at the summit added profound meaning to the moment. It reinforced my belief that God is sovereign and cares deeply for His Church. If He granted me the privilege to fulfil this comparatively small vision, how much more will He extend His grace to the persecuted Church? It renewed my faith in God’s care and goodness towards His people.

What lessons did you learn throughout the journey?

This journey taught me that anything worth achieving comes at a cost, but it’s a cost worth paying. It reminded me that big dreams are valid and that the only way to achieve them is through small steps and consistent habits. It’s safe to trust God with your dreams. While you can’t guarantee the outcomes, even the journey itself is valuable.

How would you encourage people to stand for the persecuted Church in sub-Sahara Africa?

When we look at the overwhelming statistics and numbers, it can feel like our efforts won’t make a difference. But like summiting Kilimanjaro, it’s impossible to reach the top by focusing only on the peak – your focus needs to be on the next step. When thinking of standing with the persecuted Church, the next step is prayer. While not everyone can take tangible action, everyone can pray – daily, small prayers. The Lord moves mountains with these prayers.

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