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How did you get your start with traveling? Where was the What goals do you have for your future?
first place you went and why?
I want to see more connections between Africa and Asia. I
I always had a passion for traveling. While I was in believe South Africans are called to go to the nations and
college, I studied Travel and Tourism and I knew it was for hold some of the keys to unlock some of the unreached
more than just traveling. God had given me a heart for people groups in Asia. I’m working on being more
young people and missions. I love people and cultures. intentional and strategic in mobilizing South Africans into
The first country I visited was Indonesia when I was 20 Asia. Also, as missions has changed a lot, I want to inspire
years old (also 20 years ago this year). I was there as a Africans and Asians to fully engage with God’s heart for
steward at the Christian Conference of Asia. Later on, I the nations.
realized that God placed that passion for travel in me. As I
traveled, I saw His heart for the nations and understood Are you connected to a local church? If so, how has the
His redemptive purposes for different people groups. church helped you discover your calling to missions?
When I found out about the Youth Hostel Ministry in
Amsterdam, it was something that resonated with my When I lived in the Philippines, I went to Bradford UCCP
heart and I applied to work there for a year.
and many members there were very supportive and
helped me in my early years in missions. In South Africa, I
What are your favorite and least favorite parts about go to Shofar Christian Church in Cape Town. My church
traveling? loves missions, and I’ve had the opportunity to do a few
trips with my pastor. My small group is amazing too, as
I love meeting people and cultures. My least favorite part they always pray for me and welcome me back when I
is packing different types of clothing for different climates return from my trips.
when you travel to multiple continents ;-) Other than
that, you have to be flexible and open. Then you will
What would you say to a college student who claims
enjoy every bit of it as you learn and grow through your
Christianity is boring or restrictive?
experience.
Christianity is so far from boring and restrictive! If you
How many countries have you been to? Which one was don't have that, then you probably aren’t living fully
your favorite? surrendered to Jesus. If we see Christianity as a religion
then it is boring and restrictive, since religion is when we
I have been to over 80 countries. It’s hard to pick a hope for a reward and fear punishment. When we are in a
favorite, but I’d say The Netherlands. God taught me so relationship with Jesus, it’s so dynamic and full of
much and grew me a lot by taking me there. It was adventure. Jesus gives us life in abundance, but we have
formative in my early years in missions and made the rest to live a life not only having Him as a Savior but also Lord
of my travels afterwards easier. I do love South Africa too, of everything. It’s not always easy, but knowing He is with
as it’s the place that God has called me. I’ve lived the us and fills us with joy and hope makes this journey of
longest there outside the Philippines. Recently, I traveled faith so meaningful and purposeful regardless of
to Japan. I’m really fascinated with this nation. God has the circumstances.
given me a heart to see many Japanese encounter Him!

What practical advice can you give to a college student
Being a missionary means that you’re often away from who would like to serve God in the mission field?
friends and family, which can be pretty challenging
(especially during holidays or family events). How Grow in intimacy with Jesus. In that place, we capture His
have you coped with that, especially coming from heart and we respond to His call. We do not do it because
such a family-minded culture in the Philippines? we have to or we want to be accepted, but rather we
respond in love and obedience to Him. Engage in prayer.
The first few years were really difficult, especially God reveals His heart and imparts His love to us for
Christmas, as Filipinos celebrate it very differently than nations, peoples, and situations through intercessory
other nations. As the years went by, I learned to see more prayer. In the season of study, learn God’s heart for the
of what I gain than what I have to give up. God has given nations and the biblical basis of missions. Go on exposure
me many families around the world, and I am so blessed trips and short-term missions, visit missions’
with amazing friends. I love the quote from Jim Elliot, organizations, meet missionaries, and hear their stories to
“Wherever you are, be all there.” Having that attitude learn from them. Ask God what your part is and what
helps a lot! It’s also important to understand that as we training you should get if He is calling you into missions. If
journey through life, we will always miss something, or He is calling you to stay where you are, then stay, because
there’s some longing for something. Knowing that God is that arena of life is worthy of a calling too, if that is your
more than enough, that He fulfills those needs, enables obedience to Him. Look how to engage locally and get
you to develop joy and contentment in the journey. involved globally in every season of your life.

WORD ON THE STREET MAGAZINE 17