Many of Azusa Pacific University’s Global Engagement trips include some aspect of youth ministry because it is a joyful and impactful experience for students. This summer, the South Africa team, made up of nine students, spent two weeks working with Jabulani Africa Ministries (JAM) assisting The Dream Center, a children’s ministry program. Gracie McDonald ’27 is a liberal studies major with a graphic design minor. Her time in South Africa allowed her to cultivate meaningful relationships with the local children and her teammates.
McDonald wanted to go on the South Africa trip last summer, but she was unable to attend. After talking to friends and peers about Global Engagement work and the various trips, she prayed for clarity when it came to signing up for a trip this summer. “If God wanted me to go on a trip, I asked Him to open up the necessary doors and make it clear where He wanted me to go,” she said. One of McDonald’s friends was the team leader, and knowing that McDonald had experience working with children, she thought the team could benefit from her experience and kind heart.
During their two week trip, the team conducted house visits where they prayed over families in the area and helped run an after school program for children. While the children were in school, the team would visit the locals and participate in prayer based ministry. When school ended, the team would meet the children in the village for an after school program. Together, the team and the children played on the playground, ate lunch together, put on Bible skits, read Bible stories, and focused on creating genuine connections full of love and support. The program hosted 35 children, but on the final day of the trip, other kids from the village were invited. The team played and interacted with 200 children that day.
Throughout their time fostering a supportive community with the children, the team was able to form meaningful relationships with each other as well. They played card games, cooked meals, watched sunsets, and did devotionals and Bible studies together. McDonald shared that she and the rest of the team formed close friendships with the members of JAM as well.
Spending time with the children and her teammates positively influenced McDonald’s
time in South Africa. What started as a trip focused on youth ministry became relational
ministry. One of her most impactful memories was bonding with a 10-year-old girl.
“We started to get close on the first day because she naturally gravitated towards
me,” McDonald said.
The team was welcomed into the local community and the lives of the children, teaching
them to slow down and see the Lord in moments of peace. “Life is always so busy, so
we need to take a moment to pause and see how blessed we are that the Lord can turn
any space into holy ground.”
Reflecting on her time in South Africa, McDonald realized just how special serving others can be. Learning more about individual identity within the context of faith and seeing how even personal weaknesses can serve as stepping stones to serving the Lord were impactful lessons. “If you feel unequipped to go out and make disciples, look to the Lord and He will give you strength,” she said. “He will use your strengths and weaknesses to serve His kingdom and lift up others.”