God at Work in Eswatini, Africa

​There are some trips that leave a stamp on your passport—and others that leave a mark on your soul. My recent mission trip to Eswatini, Africa, with Soles for Jesus was one of those unforgettable journeys that has forever changed how I see God, the Church, and the world.  Let me tell you a little about it...

Preparing to Serve
​Long before we boarded a plane, God was already preparing our hearts. Through phone interviews, team meetings, devotionals, and prayer, our team began to form—not just in logistics, but in spirit. The weekly email devotionals gave me a chance to know my teammates in meaningful ways. These weren’t just introductions; they were invitations into each other’s lives. That connection made the work we did together in Eswatini even more powerful.
What stood out most in our preparation was the clarity of our mission. We were told what to expect—and to expect the unexpected. And that was key. Serving in another country isn’t about comfort; it’s about calling. It’s about flexibility, humility, and letting go of control so that God can move through us.

Ministry on the Move
​From the moment we landed, I sensed God’s presence leading every step. Whether we were on dusty roads or packed into a bus headed to a rural village, there was a clear sense that this trip was guided by divine hands.
Our accommodations and transportation were more than sufficient—but what mattered most was the spirit in which we served. Diane and the Soles for Jesus team made sure we were safe and supported, but they also helped us stay grounded in the reality that ministry is not about ease—it’s about faithfulness.

Sacred Moments in Simple Acts
Every village, every community we visited was a sacred space. We washed feet. We gave out shoes. We served hot meals. We laughed with children and prayed with elders. And in each act, I felt God whisper, “This is my kingdom.”
I was reminded of Jesus in John 13—kneeling to wash the feet of His disciples. That same posture of love and humility was present in every interaction we had. We didn’t just hand out shoes; we offered dignity. We didn’t just give food; we shared fellowship. We didn’t just visit churches and orphanages; we met the living Church—in children, pastors, widows, and neighbors who welcomed us with joy.
One of the most moving moments for me personally was when I had the honor of washing the feet of a bishop and presenting him with new shoes. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I’m being blessed by an anointed man of God.” That humbled me deeply. I wasn’t there to be anyone special—I was just there to serve. But God used that moment to show me how powerful humble service can be when it’s done in love.

Seeing Christ in Every Face
Throughout our time in Eswatini, I kept thinking of Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another humbly in love.” That’s exactly what we tried to do—and in doing so, we encountered Christ over and over again.
I’ll never forget the widows who hesitated to let us wash their feet, their eyes filled with a mix of strength and vulnerability. Or the children at the Elshadai orphanage, full of laughter and resilience. Or the moments when people shouted “Thank you, Jesus!” as they slipped on new shoes. The joy on their faces wasn’t about material gifts—it was about feeling seen, known, and loved by God.

A Heart Changed Forever
This mission trip didn’t just bless those we served. It transformed me.
I came home with a deeper awareness of how alive and active God is in places many of us will never see. He’s not just the God of our hometown—He’s the God of the whole world. The same Spirit who moves in Milwaukee is moving powerfully in Eswatini. I saw it in the pastors who pour out their hearts daily. I saw it in the widows and children who live with such deep faith despite having so little. I saw it in our team, united in purpose and fueled by prayer.
Through this experience, God taught me that love must be embodied, not just preached. Compassion must have hands and feet. And worship doesn’t always sound like music—it often looks like service.
I don’t want a faith that is only comfortable. I want a faith that moves me, stretches me, and places me in the middle of God’s work—even if it’s on the other side of the world.

Moving Forward with Purpose
Evenings spent in team devotionals and debriefs helped me see the bigger picture of what God was doing—not just through me, but through all of us. We encouraged one another, prayed together, and grew in unity. It was a reminder that mission is never a solo act—it’s always a team effort, a divine collaboration.
As I reflect on all that I experienced, one truth keeps coming back to me: God’s love is limitless. It crosses borders. It breaks barriers. And it calls us to be His hands and feet wherever He sends us.
To those of you who prayed for us, supported us, or are considering going on a mission trip yourself—thank you. Know that your love and support truly matter.
And if you’ve never experienced this kind of service before, I invite you to pray about it. Ask God to show you where He might be sending you next—whether it’s across the street or across the ocean.
My heart is full. My faith is deeper. And my eyes are now more open than ever to the heartbeat of God—a heartbeat that echoes through the villages of Eswatini and into every place where His name is lifted high.
Thank you, Eswatini. You have changed me forever.