KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
While celebrating Easter 2019 with friends from Louisiana, a conversation sparked an unexpected opportunity. Our friend mentioned former colleagues in South Africa whose work aligned perfectly with our mission. This revelation reminded us of God's whisper during our visit to South Africa in 2015 - that we would one day live there. After several conversations with Greg & Kristin, the path became clear. We relocated to KwaZulu Natal in August 2021, exactly six years after that initial divine prompting. We now serve joyfully with First Love International, Juniper Table (the org. run by our friends mentioned above) and other local organizations.
We love what we get to do in this beautiful nation and are so thankful for this life!
More than
A Bible Story
We're developing a unique Bible curriculum tailored for rural children, combining accessible Bible stories with original songs and hands-on activities using locally available materials. The lessons feature culturally relevant imagery of Biblical characters, making the content more relatable. While teaching, we simultaneously train local educators in modern educational concepts, emphasizing the value of creative play and learning centers in early childhood development.
More Than
a Friendship
We're privileged to partner with Pat and Leah Conti's Juniper Table ministry - a relationship that began in Tanzania in 2015. Coincidentally (or not?) we've followed each other around the globe for the past ten years. Their organization strengthens those in ministry, preventing burnout and fostering resilience.
Amanda co-hosts women's retreats and handles administrative tasks, while our family helps host family/pastor retreats in nearby Swaziland.
Thankfully the trip to Swazi from South Africa isn't too far - God knew!
More Than
an Education
We want to connect, encourage and resource these teachers as they teach and form the next generation of South Africa- but it's about more than that. The main focus of our work centers around relationship. We're showing them what it's like to live in the hope of a life lived in relationship Jesus. We're showing these kids and teachers that they are seen, not forgotten and that they are important. We are building relationships, encouraging them to grow and thrive fully into who God made them to be.
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More Than
a Church
As we've settled on KZN's South Coast, we've found our place at Freedom Gate Church. Its unique location near an informal settlement, combined with our area's retirement community, creates a wonderfully diverse congregation.
We serve in multiple capacities as volunteer staff: Bill is the youth leader for the junior youth, and he serves in kid's ministry. Amanda contributes through admin, photography, managing the church app, and speaking about Kingdom Culture. Owen plays in the junior youth band, volunteers in kid's church and serves on the tech team. We're grateful for this welcoming church family and the opportunity to serve alongside our friends who pastor here.
Through all our partnerships and programs, we have one core mission: to reveal the Father's love to everyone we encounter. Whether working with children, staff, ministers, or neighbors, we aim to demonstrate God's goodness and His desire for relationship. We accomplish this through living authentically, building meaningful connections, maintaining a prayer-focused life, and giving Him glory for all He does through us.​