I grew up in a faith-filled home, where my parents, young in their own walk with the Lord shared their love for Jesus with us in a real and personal way. From an early age, I felt drawn toward ministry and outreach. Whether it was starting Bible studies in school or leading student ministries in college, I always carried a desire to build something that would point people to Christ.

At the same time, I had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Before 2012, I was working in business, sales, and consulting learning how organizations grow, operate, and sustain themselves. Looking back, I can see how God was preparing me, even then, for something I couldn’t yet see.

A Trip That Changed Everything

In 2012, a high school friend, Tim, invited me to join a mission trip to Zambia. I had never been overseas, but something stirred in me to go. Years earlier, I had read a book that challenged readers to become “world changers,” and one of the final steps was to go on a mission trip. I had never completed that step until this moment.

When I arrived in Zambia, I met Bishop Caddie Ngambi at a small children’s home he had started with almost nothing. His faith was unshakable. Despite limited resources, he carried a bold vision to care for vulnerable children and trust God for what seemed impossible.

What I saw there changed me.

I remember two young men, Augustine and Thomas, standing at the end of the food line, fully aware there would not be enough left for them. Still, these adolescent boys chose to put the younger children’s needs before their own. There was a young girl named Mulenga, around 12 years old, who stayed close to my side the entire time longing for the connection of someone who might help, someone who might genuinely care. I remember the tears in her eyes as we said goodbye. She was heartbroken by the thought of being left behind once again.

And yet, in the middle of that hardship, there was faith. Bishop was teaching the children to speak life, to literally recite and declare scriptures of hope over their futures, to trust God for more. It was unlike anything I had ever seen.

A Calling to Build Something

A few days after leaving, the Lord spoke to me clearly.

As I continued building a relationship with Bishop and his wife, Rhoda, I learned that others had come before with promises to help but had ultimately taken advantage of their story. In that moment, I knew I wasn’t just called to visit, I was called to stand with them.

I returned home, fasted, prayed, and took a step of faith to start Mercy Kids Africa.

I didn’t feel equipped. I didn’t have a clear roadmap. But I knew I was called and I wanted to be obedient, one step at a time.

Building Mercy Kids Africa

The early years were full of both excitement and learning. We traveled often, building relationships with the children, staff, and community. We learned the culture, the needs, and what it meant to operate a nonprofit with integrity.

Along the way, a community began to form, people who prayed, gave, traveled, and believed in the mission. We called them our “Zamily.”

Over time, Mercy Kids Africa grew into a place of stability and care for vulnerable children, and we began supporting education and long-term development opportunities. Through it all, we relied deeply on the Lord’s provision and guidance.

The Personal Cost—and the Question of “What’s Next”

Mercy Kids Africa was born just before I met my husband, Nate, and it has been part of our marriage from the very beginning. He often says he “married into” this mission.

Over the years, this calling has required time, travel, finances, and sacrifice. As our family grew and I stepped into motherhood and homeschooling, there were seasons where I simply didn’t have the capacity to give the ministry the time it needed.

During and after COVID, we experienced a significant dip in funding. There were months when basic needs at the children’s home were uncertain. And yet, somehow, God sustained the work. Even in those difficult seasons, the opportunity to grow and support education never disappeared; it was nothing short of miraculous.

By 2024, I found myself asking a difficult question: Can we continue?

I had never been paid through Mercy Kids Africa, and I felt the weight of needing to support my family. I even began exploring other career opportunities, wondering if perhaps the ministry had reached its end.

But through a conversation with a trusted mentor, the Lord gently redirected me. He challenged me not to step away for the sake of stability but to trust that if this was God’s work, He would provide.

Within weeks, doors began to open. Donors reached out to us and expressed a desire to help support the foundation of the organization so it could continue to grow. The timing was implausible, miraculous. 

It was clear: God was not asking me to step away. He was asking me to step deeper in.

A Vision for What’s Ahead

Over the years, we have watched children like Thomas, Augustine, Mulenga, and so many others grow into young men and women because of the care and opportunities they were given through Mercy Kids Africa. Children who once lived with uncertainty were given education, meals, shelter, loving support, and the chance to hope for something more.

Over time, we began to notice something incredible: some of the deepest transformations were happening through trade school sponsorships. Young men and women who once struggled just to survive were beginning to believe they could actually build a future.

When Augustine was given the opportunity to learn a trade and complete his certification, everything changed. What once felt impossible became attainable. He was able to provide for himself, support his family, and step into a future filled with dignity, purpose, and hope. What began as a sponsorship became a life-changing opportunity, one that will impact generations after him.

But for those who don’t have that opportunity, the reality is harsh. Many age out of care with nowhere to go, facing poverty, instability, or life on the streets.

This is where my heart has been drawn in this next season.

I believe the Lord is leading us to expand our work, building pathways for vulnerable young adults to step into sustainable, hope-filled futures through trade education.

Stepping Forward in Faith

Today, I am stepping back into this work in a greater capacity, walking forward in faith, without guaranteed provision, but with deep confidence in what God is building.

This next season feels both exciting and stretching. We are trusting God to bring the right partners alongside us, people who share a vision to see vulnerable children and young adults not only survive, but truly thrive.

An Invitation

If this story resonates with you, I invite you to be part of it.

You can pray for the work, stay connected, or partner with us as we continue building what God has started.

We truly believe the best is still ahead.