History of The Fold

The Fold was born out of a desire to show compassion to children in South Africa who have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.

Paul and Micky Prince made a short term missions trip to South Africa in 2006 and fell in love with the country and the children. In making enquiries among other African missionaries about who might need help in South Africa, they were given the names of Stuart and Marilyn Cook in Vaalwater. Upon contacting the Cooks, it was their desire to see a children’s home in Vaalwater, but they would need help doing it. Paul and Micky made a survey trip to Vaalwater in 2007 and saw that the need was huge in this area.

They went home, started praying and making preparations to move to South Africa. They could find no organization in the states that was interested in sending missionaries to South Africa to help orphans. So the Prince’s set up their own American non-profit organization (Prince Ministry in South Africa), and soon the funds started coming in.They moved to Vaalwater South Africa in February 2008.

The children’s home will be an environment where children who have been orphaned, will be raised by national Christian houseparents, so the children might become disciples of Christ. Property was located late in 2008, and purchased in mid 2009. Funds are still needed to pay off loans on this property and enable us to continue the work toward providing a home for our coming children. As of March 2010, we are still waiting for the deed to the property.

The Fold has obtained a South African non-profit, tax-exempt status and also Section 21 Status. This means we are legal in the light of the government and making progress to having children placed with us. We have also obtained tax free status, giving us additional funds for supporting the children.

Don't think for a minute that we are just sitting on our hands now. We are busy working on the property to clear the land of unwanted rubbish, establishing fire breaks and cleaning the underbrush. Additionally we have been to many nearby towns networking so they will know what we are doing and how they might get involved. The signs with our logo and name are installed, and all those traveling through this area know who and where we are.
After eight months of waiting on the deed to the property, the director’s have voted to step out in faith, and building the first children’s home on the property will start April 2010.

We have also had new residents move onto the property to manage it and provide security. Harry and Peggy Parham have contributed to the efforts to clean and prepare for the future. Although they are volunteers they are adding great value to this effort.

Do you have a desire to see South Africa? You may consider vacationing with us to help in the work needed to get us going. Let us know if you would like information on how you can do this by emailing us at:

4thechildren@thefold-sa.org.