Friends & Family,

Can you believe it’s been nearly 5 years since we’ve moved to South Africa?! It’s crazy how time flies!!!

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for how you have prayed, carried us in your hearts, and supported us financially over the last few years — we simply can’t say thank you enough.

WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!

It’s impossible to accurately summarize the past 5 years of life and ministry…

but here are some main events and some fun pictures!!

(above) In our last few days in San Diego. Packing our things, and getting on the plane to South Africa. May/June 2017

2017

We left the amazing thriving community at All Peoples San Diego with a YES in our hearts to whatever God had on the path ahead in Stellenbosch South Africa
We got our lives situated in our new home, found our first apartment, got a vehicle, figured out where to find our daily necessities.
God began bringing us great friends and amazing ministry connections. The beginnings of many amazing relationships formed.
We started laying the foundations of Lifegroups and raising up leaders! A church started forming!!
We had lots of fun discovering the beauty and culture of South Africa

2018

After a few years of infertility, we discovered we were pregnant! Baby boy due at the end of the year :)
The church grew, 4 Lifegroups were established, we started a regular house church meeting, and had our first baptisms!!
New team members arrived from San Diego!
Family came to visit and explore South Africa with us!!
Continued adjusting and figuring out life in South Africa, many friendships and ministry relationships went deeper and we made lots of new ones as well!

2019

Our little house church grew so much we had to decide what to do next. The Lord led us to open a public service at a venue in the township. God brought us many leaders and young people and we tripled in size over the next 6months.
We took our first church mission trip where several people gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized.
We launched two prayer initiatives on social media
Lifegroups multiplied with several being led fully by local leaders.
We formed a worship band and began to integrate more and more South African leaders into the life of the church.
Britnie and I moved to a new apartment and Olsen turned 1.
We had the opportunity to visit family and friends in San Diego.
I started baking and selling cookies as a mini-business, selling 4-5 dozen a week to a local coffee shop.

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2020

Our first School of Transformation program kicked off with 18 students! Austin served as the director of the school and we hosted many amazing guest speakers.
In response to COVID lockdowns, we converted our garage into a food packing and distribution site. Over the next few months we provided hundreds of packages to families in the surrounding communities. This endeavor involved volunteers from various churches and NGOs.
School of Transformation and Lifegroups both pivoted to online weekly meetings.
When lockdowns eased up a little, we were able to open a Soup Kitchen and served hundreds of people in the community. Additionally, we launched a CV writing workshop and helped train people in interview skills.
The church grew deep and rich in relationship with one another and Jesus.
Brit and I leaned into building healthier rhythms in our home, practicing sabbath regularly, cooking healthy meals, and spent a lot of time reading as a family.

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2021

The majority of the year we were able to meet in person for Sunday Service, albeit with restrictions on numbers, etc.
We launched our second year of School of Transformation and it went great! The team consisted of South Africans who led out in hospitality, admin, T-group discipleship, etc.
Several South African friends joined our staff in a full-time or volunteer capacity and our church grew a lot! Lifegroups multiplied. We got a church office.
Brit and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary, Olsen turned 3, and we found out we were pregnant with our second baby!! Little girl due late Feb 2022
I started selling hats and building custom cabinets as a side income and a good creative outlet.
We visited family and friends in Tennessee and California, where Olsen got to meet his cousin for the first time. We had a rich time of reflection, prayer, and counseling while attending a retreat in Michigan
I took up a more formal role as Executive Pastor in the church while Britnie began the process of stepping down from most of her church responsibilities in order to focus on being a mamma.

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Today…

We took family photos a few days ago and are so so excited for our little girl soon to come, as well as for all that God has in store for the community we get to serve here! We are overwhelmed with gratitude for how you have prayed, carried us in your hearts, and supported us financially over the last few years — we simply can’t say thank you enough.