I ache knowing that others may die not feeling the peace and completeness that come from a close relationship with Christ.
Coach Development Manager
My call: I am specifically working with the Coaches, Basotho young adults, who teach Thrive Africa’s AIDS prevention program in local schools. Their hearts are eager for God to use them to reach their community and I am privileged to have this opportunity to pour into them as they are pouring into their classes. Being the Coach Development Manager, I recruit and train new Coaches, as well as develop the 13 Coaches thatwork with us at the present.
My past: I was born in Ohio and had lived in the same city until heading off to college at 18. I attended Olivet Nazarene University and received a Bachelors degree in Psychology. After college, I interned with Thrive Africa for a year before returning as a staff member. When I was at home, I lived with my three brothers, Brandon, Matt and Dustin, and my parents Brenda and Doug. Being the only girl with three brothers was interesting at times, but I think it has prepared me for the adventure I am now living.
What is Leadership Summit?
Leadership Summit is a two hour after school program developed by Thrive Africa. The aim of the program is to empower the youth to: find and fulfill their purposes for their lives, become Godly leaders that will one day run the country, make wise decisions and abstain from sex until marriage. The program involves students from grades 7-9 in activities, singing, and a teaching founded on the Bible.
Thrive Africa’s curriculum has been specifically developed for the Basotho youth and touches on topics that are relevant to the students’ lives in each grade level. The Bible is used as a foundation for all principles that are taught. In 2008, grades seven, eight and nine will go through our curriculums: Living on Purpose and Save Sex. Living on Purpose is designed to help students find and follow God’s purpose for their lives. Save Sex teaches students the facts and myths of AIDS, STD’s and the importance of waiting to have sex until marriage.
Who Am I Reaching?
Approximately 3500 students of which:
83% walk to school
30% live in a household where no one has a
job
Only 61% know what AIDS is, 37% believe it is not real
Only 37% know what an STD is, 14% admit
they have an STD
61% think they will never achieve anything
42% believe that their sin is too big for God to forgive
*Statistics taken from a data survey taken February 2007 with 8th and 9th graders attending Thrive Africa's Leadership Summit
Where Am I?
I live in Harrismith, South Africa. South Africa is the country at the very bottom of Africa. Harrismith is located in the Free State, which is predominantly farming country. Approximately 7,000 people live in Harrismith, although I do not live in the city. I live with the other missionaries outside of town on a farm of 2,500 acres with three mountains making up my backyard where many African deer roam. It is a beautiful country and I am so fortunate to live here.
