Hello friends and family!!
We have been in Jefferys Bay, South Africa for about two weeks. I am so excited to catch you all up on what the Lord has been doing in my life as well as those around me!! I cannot get over how blessed I am to be able to develop a new understanding of who God is and see that growth in those around me as well. God is SO good!!!
-Team Agape –
Within our squad of 19 people, we are each assigned to a team who we do daily ministry with as well as team bonding and discipleship. This is Team Agape!! From left to right, meet Silas, Kate, Reagan, Alexis, (me), and Jonas! These are the young men and women that I get to come alongside and do ministry with! It has been a privilege getting to know each of them and learning how God has worked in each of their lives
After spending time praying and discussing who we want to be as a team, we decided to call ourselves team AGAPE.
The earliest followers of Jesus who wrote the New Testament in Greek didn’t learn the meaning of agape by looking it up in an ancient dictionary. Rather, they looked to the teachings of Jesus and the story of his life to redefine their very concept of love. Agape love is the love that IS GOD. 1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us that agape love “does not insist on its own way,” and we as a team want to love one another in this manner; through the laying down of our own preferences and desires for the sake of our brothers and sisters. However, it is only through experiencing the agape love of the Father that can we love others in the same way.
Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. The one who doesn’t love has yet to know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:7-8
Ministry
Team Agape has had the privilege of teaming up with an after-school program called Beats and Books! The vision behind Beats and Books is to cultivate an environment where children can grow and thrive spiritually, intellectually, and musically. Our time is spent pouring into the kids as spiritual mentors, tutoring them as they learn to read and write, and engaging in musical worship together to connect them with the heart of God.
The first few days that we arrived in J-bay were spent getting to know our primary ministry, beats and books, and the people involved. However, because the kids had started a holiday break we were unable to meet with the kids for the second week. God was so gracious in this time, being quick to provide us with other forms of ministry including painting the classrooms on a school campus as well as sharing the Gospel and praying for people in town.
While painting the classrooms, I had the opportunity to meet Pastor Lucas. He shared his powerful testimony and many lessons from his walk with the Lord. His passion for spiritual discipline was inspiring, and through our conversation, I felt God encouraging me to remain dedicated to my quiet time with Him. Pastor Lucas also emphasized the importance of finding a special place where I can consistently meet with the Lord, free from distractions, allowing for deeper focus and connection.
As I’ve embraced spiritual discipline more intentionally, especially through daily quiet time with the Lord, I’ve noticed profound changes in my understanding of who God is and who I am in Christ. Before this trip, I often struggled to quiet my mind and just be still in the Lord’s presence. But in these last few weeks, spending time in prayer, scripture, and reflection has revealed to me more of God’s heart. I’m learning that God isn’t just powerful and sovereign, but also deeply personal and relational. He is love itself, and He meets us right where we are, with open arms.
This deeper connection with God has also transformed how I see myself in Christ. Through the practice of spiritual disciplines, I’m realizing more fully what it means to be a child of God—chosen, loved, and secure. When we allow space for God to speak to us through spiritual practices, our identity in Christ becomes more than just a belief. It becomes a lived reality, and I’ve seen that truth take root in my own life as well as in the lives of my teammates.
Part of our mission here in J-bay is not just to grow spiritually ourselves but to help others develop their own spiritual disciplines. One of the ways we’re doing this is through our ministry at Beats and Books. As we mentor these kids, we aim to guide them in spiritual practices that will help them grow in their walk with the Lord. Through musical worship and daily prayer, we’re encouraging them to make space for God in their lives.
As a team, Agape is also creating space for one another to foster spiritual disciplines. Each night, we set aside time to reflect, pray together, and encourage each other to grow in our daily time with God. Whether it’s through prayer, scripture, or simply being still in God’s presence, we believe that fostering these habits is crucial for discipleship and spiritual growth. By doing this, we hope to not only grow ourselves but also equip others to carry these disciplines into their own lives, long after this mission trip is over.
If you want to check out some more pictures from my ministry feel free to check out my news letter or sign up for future newsletters with the links below!
sign up for future newsletters:
this newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/6a528753d92e/adventures-in-missions?e=%5BUNIQID%5D
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I can’t tell you all how much it means to know you’re with me on this journey, even from afar. Please keep praying for continued growth and strength as I prepare to serve, and I’ll keep updating you as much as I can!
With love,
Faith <3
