Bephu Bear
Bephu was born in the Great Beyond and came to earth under the guidance of the Star of the Master of the Universe. His purpose was to bring hope and comfort to all the children of Planet Earth who have been left homeless and alone because their parents have died of HIV/AIDS. His father figure on Earth is Reg Wessels who presided over his arrival at Sun Valley Bears in Kyalami, Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was Earth-born by bear spirits Biddy Roux and her mother, Jill Gurr, who brought him to life. Sporting his natty little blue waistcoat and snazzy red AIDS ribbon, Bephu set out on his mission of hope for Aids orphans all over our world.
Firstly he became the mascot of the Orphans of Aids trust, formed recently in Durban, and started helping vigorously raising funds. On his first public appearance he raised alot of money! The founding patron of the Orphans of Aids trust Dr. Jacob Zuma, appealed to Mark Shuttleworth to take Bephu with him into Space. Mark gladly obliged and they have since become firm friends and fellow astronauts.
Before Bephu became the First Official Bear in Space, he was offered a recording contract and assembled a group of South African musicians and singers to join him on his album, “High on Hope” which will be released soon. Also, he got composer and producer Sean Butler to write a song for his journey back into Space with his compatriot, Mark, which is the title of the album (Words of song below). From up there Bephu, with Mark’s help, has brought to the attention of the world the plight of Earth’s innocent children so tragically affected by the scourge of HIV/Aids, particularly in southern Africa and KwaZulu-Natal.
Bephu still has many things still to do for his little friends on Earth. When he gets back he will start telling the story of his quest from the Great Beyond, and how he came to be the Keeper of the Dreams. Avid readers, both young and old can look forward to reading about his odyssey in the “Keeper of the Dreams” when it is published later this year. In one of the most technically advanced animation projects ever undertaken, Bephu will also unfold his journey from the stars and all the wonders of the Universe. He is also ensuring that kids everywhere can help less fortunate children suffering because of HIV/AIDS by being able to buy teddy bears of himself, fun gear for kids, and an amazing computer game among other things, to raise money for his mission on Earth.
Viva Bephu the Bear…
… may his light shine on.
HIGH ON HOPE
Imagine how we seem to you
From high on Heaven’s view
A world so shining bright
A world that seems so right
As it turns through time
And for a moment ….
… everything’s just fine
Chorus
Cause you’re high on hope
And you’ll always care
Cause we’re high on hope
And we know you’re there
Can you see the pain from there?
Looking down is it really there?
Can we find our way
As we spin through night and day
Towards our destiny?
And for a moment …
… we’re free
Take our hopes and cares
All the way up Heaven’s stairs
Where we can touch the face
Of beauty and of grace
Don’t let our spirits die
So for a moment …… we’re free
Take our hopes and cares… we’re free
Take our hopes and cares
All the way up Heaven’s stairs
Where we can touch the face
Of beauty and of grace
Don’t let our spirits die
So for a moment …
… we can fly
All the way up Heaven’s stairs
Where we can touch the face
Of beauty and of grace
Don’t let our spirits die
So for a moment …
… we can fly
…
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