Why Africa? February 8-21

 When I tell people we are going to Africa I often get the question, “Why Africa?” 

We have never expressed an interest in Africa before, what makes us want to go now? After all isn’t that where huge bugs roam about unchecked by modern pesticides? Don’t lions eat unsuspecting tourists on a regular basis? Isn’t disease and pestilence rampant everywhere? Actually we have no idea, we’ve never been there before. What we do know is we became aware of a need that created a desire within us. It all started when Heather invaded our space.

Heather? Who is Heather? She isn’t just a person, she is more of a force, an act of nature, a whirlwind of intensity that God is using to expand His kingdom across Africa. 

Heather founded Hope of Africa Youth, a mission organization that is changing the face of South Africa by empowering young people. This happens through students learning about who they are as loved and valued children of God. This gives them a sense of identity and worth. That isn’t all though. Children in Africa are living in families without parents, AIDS has ravaged communities across Africa and destroyed families. Children as young as 12 are trying to raise younger siblings and provide for them. Having no marketable skills almost guarantees a lifetime of poverty. Hope of Africa Youth, Malalane, SA is changing this through hands on skills training in a variety of fields. Some of the many things they teach are sewing, welding, computer skills, hospitality management, childhood development, elementary education, farming, crafts, and entrepreneurship. This develops young people who are confident in their worth and have the ability to change their future and the future of their communities. It really is an amazing transformation of people’s worldview about who they are in Christ and what they can do to improve their spiritual and financial future.

So why are we going? The short answer is Heather believes we have something to offer. A unique blend of skills, experiences, and knowledge that could be helpful. I (Steve) have a background in ministry, entrepreneurship, and farming. Barb has a background in ministry, elementary education, music, and a plethora of practical experience in cooking and baking. Heather wants us to see the farm that Hope of Africa is running and give insight on how to make it profitable. She wants us to be involved opening a coffee business that they are creating for tourists visiting nearby Kruger National Park. Heather wants us to understand in a deeper way what Hope of Africa is about and to help them in their mission.

When we retired and moved to Montana a few years ago we didn’t know what God had in store for us or how we could be used by Him during our retirement years. Well, here we are on the brink of another, “Catts Adventure.” Will we get eaten by lions or discover the headwaters of the Nile? Not likely, but we might get a chance to do something that could change the future for a young person, a family, a community,  and that is an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.

February 9, 2026

We’ve arrived! After about 20 hours of airports, and airplanes we are finally in S. Africa. Getting here isn’t easy, and the time change is going to be challenging, but we are looking forward to hitting the ground running today. It’s now 4:00 in the morning here 7:00 PM Montana time. I tried not to sleep too much on the plane so I could sleep once we got here. I’m usually good if I can get 5-6 hours of sleep and I’ve got that covered so while I won’t say I’m bright eyed I am excited about what today will bring. 

We are heading to the farm today. Tonight I will update with pictures of what is there and what they are doing but for now here are some pictures of our travels.

We met Heather, the CEO of  Hope of Africa, at the Newark airport.

Bamboo toothbrush they gave us on the plane.

Loads of luggage we brought with us full of coffee shop supplies, sewing supplies and other things for the kids here.

February 11, 2026

Here is a part dream team. The farm has a great team of people who plan and organize the day to day operations as well as overseeing future development. From left to right, Kevin Lytle, Steve Catts, Ernest (a real life Crocodile Dundee), Bruce, and Brad. Ernest and Bruce live year round on the farm mentoring the workers and working with them.

Farm crops being grown for sale in a local commodity market.

Peppers that are grown on the farm are dried in the sun and then sold to merchants from India who bake them and then grind them into cayenne pepper flakes.

Dinner back at Heather’s house after a long day. She has lots of people and kids as extended family members living with her. 

February 12, 2026

Today was our first day of seeing the Lighthouse where the coffee shop will be located. We also were able to begin building relationships with some of the students who have come through the program. Many of the students have made some real progress in escaping poverty and the cycles that keep them there. We visited some homes and a Christian School that helps poor children get an education. Lots of ideas were being shared as we bounced down many backroads. One thing we all agreed on was don’t buy a used rental van that comes from Africa. I am amazed where they will go.

Some animal pictures taken from where we are staying.

February 13, 2026

Today we went to Kruger National Park. We went as a team and it was an amazing experience. Having spent a lifetime big game hunting in the west and just interacting with deer and elk this was such a great time. We saw and interacted with so many different plains game. There had recently been some heavy rains so some of the roads were closed for repairs but we still got to see many animals.

 

February 16 & 17

The last two days I have spent with my business team of young entrepreneurs. We have been brainstorming coffee shop names, mission statements and vision statements. Lots of fun kicking around ideas for decorating and designing our customer experience. These kids are very smart and creative. They know and understand their culture. It has been a privilege to work with them. We visited what would be our competition and will discuss our findings tomorrow during our time together.

Barb has been working with a cooking crew teaching them how to make some scones and other baked goods to sell in the coffee shop. It is fun watching them develop confidence as they see others taste their creations.