South Africa Missions Summer 2017
An announcement was made at church that the Missionary team was planning to go on a mission’s trip to South Africa in June 2017. As I heard the announcement something leaped within my spirit and I knew that I was going on that trip. When I was 12 years old I promised God that I would serve his people as a missionary in foreign lands, especially Africa. My first missions trip was in July 2007 to Kenya. It was life changing to serve, minister and worship with some of the most loving humble people on the planet, the Kenyans in Nairobi, Bondo, Kitsumu, Kigali and many other villages that we ministered in.
Traveling to South Africa as a part of the HOPE Church Pearland missionary team was an answer to prayer and a promise. From the moment I arrived in Johannesburg and met our Adventures in Missions leader Joshua Beebe, Impact Africa leader Logan Daly and all the awesome interns as well as other missionaries from all over the nation I knew that this would be an unforgettable experience. My Daddy, God, he does things like that, lol. What an awesome God we serve, right.
After the first day, we hit the ground running. Sunday morning church service at the Assembly of God church in Diepsloot was on fire as the worship team ushered in the spirit of God. The word was brought forth by one of our missionaries, humble Michael Martin with conviction and power. A fellowship with Impact Africa enthusiastic young interns was a nice way to meet the passionate Godly leaders that would act as guides in the Squatter Camps. We ended each day with a debriefing session with anointed praise and worship lead by Pastor Ellis Fortune, awesome testimonies and powerful life changing prayer sessions.
God showed up mightily every day from our start with prayer lead by Logan Daly before breakfast, friendships were acquired as we shared a meal or ministered in the field and powerful testimonies came forth as we shared the love and word of God with people in the Squatter Camps. We experienced so many “God Moments” and I know that my life will be forever changed as I reflect upon the miracles, healings, deliverance and salvations that we experienced during this trip. Chuh Chuh! The beauty in the hearts of most people living in the Squatter Camps was so touching and heart wrenching when you look at their circumstances and then look in the face of a brother, sister or child which held bright eyes exhibiting a look of hope and a beautiful smile of acceptance. We experienced “agape love” as we were welcomed into their homes, offered a seat, food and warm hugs. The people were hungry for the word of God, prayer, hope and love, which we gladly extended. I left a part of my heart in South Africa in the Squatter Camps in Diepsloot, Cosmo City and with our translators. May God bless them abundantly.
When I prepare for a mission’s trip I know that I will work very long days, from daybreak until bedtime. Well, Impact Africa with founders Rich and Michelle Franzen has figured out how to make serving as a missionary in South Africa one of the most unforgettable experiences ever! During our missions’ trip, we toured a mosque, shopping, dinner at The Carnivore, and went on a safari with a campfire dinner in Pilanesberg National Park!!! Awesome! I checked an item off my bucket list. Oh, and I can’t forget that I have an amazing picture of myself sitting next to a beautiful graceful Cheetah at Lion & Safari Park. Look at God! Bold as a Lion, NO FEAR!!
Thank you Pastors Thaddeus & Desiree Eastland, HOPE Church Pearland, Adventures in Mission, Joshua Beebe, and Impact Africa, Rich and Michelle Franzen & Logan Daly.
