A group of young people from Goodwood Corps in the Western Cape Division, under the leadership of Lieutenants Mpumelelo and Desire Dathini, recently had the opportunity to serve in the USA Southern Territory for three weeks. Three of the young people share their testimonies and experiences of serving God in new pastures.
Xavier Bagoe shares his story.
From the moment we arrived, I knew this trip would be special. Stepping out of the airport, the heat hit us, and we excitedly packed our bags into the Salvation Army car. We were thrilled to meet Majors Tim and Bethany Delaney at Evangeline Booth College. Meeting them, along with Lieutenants Shania and Samuel Mhasvi from the Atlanta Kroc, marked the beginning of our hard work and dedicated service.
The impact of the Army’s work moved me deeply. I saw how God’s servants could touch not just one life but hundreds, even thousands. Handing out food and water allowed us to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and I truly witnessed God’s presence. One memorable moment was when all the children from the camp came to the mercy seat after Clive’s testimony. Our fellowship with people at the Red Shield was equally inspiring.
God has done everything …
When asked to share a testimony and answer what the trip changed in my life and what God has done for me, to be clear, God has done everything from the plane tickets to the wonderful host we had in the US. But really, the most important thing was showing me that I am capable of ministry to a broad crowd, whether in Africa or outside. God has also shown me that there is more to be done elsewhere and that people even outside of Africa are in need of His word and gospel. This has completely changed the maturity of my mind and my heart, and I have learned so many things.
While our mission was our focus, we also had a lot of fun. I remember the wonderful meals and fun outings, like Top Golf. My favorite, though, was Disney World. On our first day there, we couldn’t stop laughing when we heard Lieutenant Mpumi scream on the roller coaster.
The kindness we experienced from the Delaneys, the Mhasvis, and Captain Jeremy and his wife from Lakeland, Florida, was overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to them, the Territorial Commanders, and our Lieutenants. Without their hard work and dedication, I wouldn’t have realized that God’s love extends beyond Africa.
Janice Wood recounts some of her experiences.
The first thing I would like to share is about the Sunday I found out about this trip. That Sunday morning, we were singing the chorus “All that I am” in church, and during the second verse, we sang these words: “Take every passion, every skill. Take all my dreams and bend them to your will.” That was my prayer that morning. I stood there and surrendered my plans, my dreams, and my future to the Lord, and I prayed that His will would be done in my life. That very same afternoon, we got the phone call to tell us about this mission trip, and from that moment, I knew that this trip was of God.
on a mission to serve and to give people hope.
Another significant highlight was getting to experience how the Salvation Army is the hands and feet of Jesus in every community. We had the opportunity to visit many Salvation Army corps and social centers. We visited various homeless shelters, adult rehabilitation centers, and communities of hope, and one thing that stood out from each place is that the Salvation Army is on a mission to serve and to give people hope. Hope for a better life and also the hope that can only come from knowing Jesus. Just like the Salvation Army is here, they too in the USA are saved to serve. I would like to challenge my fellow team members and, in fact, all of us to reach out into the community and make a difference and bring hope wherever we can.
We had many fun moments. From Disney World to playing electronic golf, we had a ball. We got to enjoy many different types of food and experience driving on the right-hand side of the road. Everyone was so generous, and we all felt very special.
Along with the fun times, we also had many opportunities to minister and to serve others. Through praise and worship, testimonies, and dances, God used us, an ordinary group of youth, to touch the lives of others. The Holy Spirit worked in and through us the entire trip. I can say for certain that each and every one of us experienced God in a personal way on this trip, and what a privilege that was.
Throughout the trip, the verse that the Lord gave me was Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This trip was life-changing. We got to experience the world, broaden our horizons, and experience the international Army. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Major Tim and Bethany Delaney, who went the extra mile for us. Their vision, dedication, and hard work ensured that we had the best trip of our lives. I would like to say a special thank you to Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, who also played an essential role in this trip. To our hosts in Atlanta, Lt. Samuel and Shania Mhasvi, and our hosts in Florida, Captains Jeremy and Kris Mockabee, thank you for welcoming us and making our time so memorable.
To Lt. Mpumi and Desire Dathini, thank you for being inspiring leaders who were always ready to support us and guide us in the right direction. We are all incredibly grateful for you two. Thank you to the Goodwood Corps family for praying for us and for ensuring that the corps was running smoothly while our officers were away. And lastly, but most importantly, we thank God for this opportunity. All glory and honour to Him. “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Moreblessing Mandirahwe speaks about her opportunities in the USA.
While so many of my friends were preparing for university, my plan was to use this year to save up money for my studies. However, that was not really working out for me because I went from job to job, feeling more uncertain about my future. Little did I know that God had something else planned for me. God opened a door I never imagined could be opened.
God opened a door I never imagined
I was over the moon when it was announced that we would get the opportunity to go and do ministry in America! And during those three weeks, God really opened our eyes to see that He can not only use us in South Africa but in any part of the world. It was such a blessing serving in the community and meeting so many wonderful people.
My time in America did not just end after the three weeks. I was fortunate enough to stay for a few more weeks after the team went back home to South Africa. The biggest highlight for me was attending the Territorial Music Institute (TMI) in Texas. I enjoyed using my gift of dance to glorify God, and during that week, God transformed my way of thinking, and He reminded me that in this walk of life, He is always with me. And I am so grateful for everything I learned and how I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone.
I thank God for everyone who was involved in making this trip happen. And I know that this is the start of many more lives getting to encounter God in ways they could have never imagined. My prayer remains: “All that I am, all I can be, All that I have, all that is me, Accept and use, Lord, as You would choose, Lord, Right now, today. Take every passion, every skill, Take all my dreams and bend them to Your will; My all I give, Lord; For you, I’ll live, Lord, Come what may.”