January: Preparing Our Hearts

Hey everyone!

We’re excited to launch this new blog and invite you to join us as we share updates from our mission journey. We’re thrilled to begin our year of missions in South Africa alongside a missionary family connected with the nonprofit TCE Missions. You can check out their website to follow their updates and learn more about the incredible work they’re doing at https://www.tcemissions.com/.

They have a truly unique story, and I’ve loved getting to know them and seeing how God is at work through their ministry. We are honored to serve alongside them and support their work in any way we can during our six weeks there, including helping share the story of their ministry—so go check them out and donate if you feel led to give! Their mission is rooted in equipping Christ-affirming believers to fulfill God’s calling—starting in their homes, extending to their churches and communities, and ultimately reaching the ends of the earth.

To help in their mission, Brandon and I will be serving in specific roles during our time in South Africa—Brandon will assist with a discipleship training course, and I’ll teach an ESL course in the village. We’re grateful for this opportunity and for the ways God has already been preparing our hearts.

Right now, we’re focusing on prayer and preparation. We’ve committed to 21 days of prayer and fasting with our church, Church of the Highlands. Gathering at 6 a.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. on Saturdays, and during regular church services on Sundays, we’re intentionally leaning in—praying over our mission journey, our greatest needs, and the missionaries we’ll serve alongside.

We’ve also been learning more about South African culture, the needs within local communities, the lack of educational resources, and the everyday challenges people face. We hope this gives you a clearer picture of what we’re stepping into and what we hope to bring during our mission.

Above all, we hope to bring the light of Jesus. Through the education and resources we’ve been given, we want to empower and encourage this community to grow in leadership, strength, and lasting hope. We pray that our journey brings light into every person we encounter.

Building Hope: Our Mission in South Africa

Hope is not just a feeling. It is a foundation for change, a spark that ignites action, and a bridge to a better future. In South Africa, a country rich in culture and history but facing many challenges, building hope means creating opportunities, supporting communities, and fostering resilience. Our mission goes beyond words. It is about real impact, practical solutions, and lasting partnerships that empower people to shape their own destinies.

Understanding the Challenges

South Africa faces complex social and economic issues. High unemployment rates, unequal access to education, and limited healthcare resources affect millions. Many communities struggle with poverty, housing shortages, and food insecurity. These challenges create barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential.

For example, in rural areas, schools often lack basic supplies and trained teachers. Children walk long distances to attend classes, and many drop out early. Without education, their chances of finding stable jobs shrink. This cycle of hardship continues across generations.

Recognizing these realities helps us focus our efforts where they matter most. We listen to local voices and work alongside communities to identify their needs and strengths.

Our Approach to Building Hope

Building hope requires more than charity. It calls for sustainable development that respects local culture and encourages self-reliance. Our approach includes:

• Education support: Providing learning materials, training teachers, and creating safe spaces for children to study.

• Healthcare education: Educating families on ways to improve health and safety and raise awareness about health issues.

• Economic opportunities: Supporting small businesses, offering skills training, and connecting people to markets.

• Community engagement: Encouraging participation in decision-making and fostering leadership among youth and women.

  
  

Each project is designed with input from community members. This collaboration ensures that solutions fit local contexts and have lasting effects.

Expanding Our Mission Beyond South Africa

While South Africa is our focus for the first 6 weeks of our journey, the lessons learned here guide our work in other regions facing similar challenges. We adapt strategies to fit different cultures and environments, always prioritizing local leadership and participation.

Our goal is to create a ripple effect: empowering one community inspires others to take action. By sharing knowledge, resources, and the truth of the Gospel, we help build a global movement of hope, faith, and resilience.