South Africa Stint

South Africa

Make a Difference in the World

Experiencing the Lord's goodness

You were created to make a difference, not only where you are, but around the world. Join what God is doing in South Africa!

Aerial view of a marina in South Africa

ARE YOU COMING?

Spend two weeks in South Africa helping Athletes in Action grow the existing sport ministry presence. Register today!

Spend two weeks in South Africa helping Athletes in Action grow the existing sport ministry presence. Register today!

Invest one or two years of your life as an intern in South Africa. Apply today!

HEAR FROM OUR INTERN, HANNAH!

CREATING A NEW HOME

Though I was told it would take a little bit of time to adjust to living in a new country, I didn’t understand that reality until I arrived. From finding a car, navigating banking, insurance, finding an apartment and buying the essentials, to buying a water purifying system so I can have safe drinking water. Those are the practical things but then there’s the emotional and mental adjustments that I am walking through from no longer having deep friendships in my daily life, to driving on the other side of the road, to navigating church life, to seeing SO much poverty, to
learning where to buy groceries, to understanding that it’s important to be less direct in the indirect culture that I am in, to finding a gym and ultimately creating new rhythms, it’s been a lot to process. Though I’ve had guidance, there is still a lot that I must do alone. I told someone recently that any ounce of courage that others may see is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in me. On my own, I am not brave. Praise the Lord for giving me boldness!
It’s impossible to share completely all that I am experiencing and all the ministry opportunities before me, however my hope is to give you a snapshot of my life and how I am daily experiencing the Lord’s generosity

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EXPERIENCING THE LORD'S GOODNESS IN SETTING UP LIFE

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MINISTRY

(L to R), Russ & Mary from the US serve with AIA, Geoff & his wife Caroline (not pictured) are from the UK and lead Leader Impact, me, Nyameka oversees 4 different ministries of Cru, Esmarie and her husband, Henk (behind her) are South African and are on staff with the Student Lead Movement (SLM), Paul and his wife, Stella (not pictured) are from South Korea, they are serving with SLM and Eddie serves with SLM and is from Zambia. We meet each Friday morning for prayer.

Meet Mieke, she is a long jumper who became a Believer about a 1 1/2 ago. The first time met and went through Scripture she said, “This is what I need, someone to go through the Bible with me.” Also, kind of funny, but her name and appearance are strangely close to Nienke, former Michigan State field hockey player and good friend.

Nienke and I in Amsterdam! I was able to see her in January on my way to South Africa. Such a joy!

HOW AM I FINDING SOUTH AFRICA

This is the question many South Africans ask me when they learn that I recently moved here. It’s an easy response, everyone is so friendly and genuinely desires to help me. From the butcher to the barista, to the furniture sales lady, to my older neighbor taking out my trash or my younger ones having me over for dinner. I feel VERY welcomed! But how am I really doing? Life looks different, in many ways I can’t explain how I feel, because I am still navigating that. I miss having people in my daily life who know me on a deeper level. As you can tell, the Lord is providing people (many who aren’t pictured) to build relationships with me- depth takes time. Then ministry is different, in some ways we are at the bare bones start.
One thing I am certain of though is that I am supposed to be here. It’s truly mind-blowing for me as I experience so many conversations about faith and I have had multiple opportunities to share the Gospel.

Meet my new housemate and co-worker, Marlise! She is from Pretoria, South Africa. She played field hockey at Pacific and U Mass
in the US. In addition to working with me she is currently playing for the South Africa National Team.

HOW CAN YOU PRAY FOR ME?

• Pray for my team to have clarity on who we should move towards, there are ample opportunities at university and in the community.

• Pray for discernment in finding a church.

• Pray for me as I continue to process my emotions.

• Pray for Marlise as she starts a Bible study with her team.

• Pray for me as I train Marlise.

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