It is such a joy and honor to be able to share a bit of my heart with you. My name is Bailey Augustine, and over the last two years, God has completely transformed the way I see ministry, people, and His Church around the world.

In high school I got this vision of the church thriving around the world. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to join my church on a mission trip to Mozambique, Africa. At the time, I honestly had no idea how deeply that trip would impact my life. From the moment we arrived, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the people and despite cultural differences, language barriers, and circumstances that looked different the vision God gave me of the church was realize for the first time.

What struck me most was the realization that although we came from different countries, backgrounds, and experiences, there was something far greater connecting us all — the love and hope of Jesus. I got to truly experience the global Church as one body. We worshipped the same Savior, carried the same hope, and shared the same deep need for Him.

During the final days of our trip, our team traveled from Mozambique into South Africa to visit Kruger National Park. While the beauty of the country was undeniable, there was also something much heavier I couldn’t ignore. Even after leaving, I could not stop thinking about the people of South Africa. I couldn’t stop praying for them. There was a deep sense in my spirit that God was awakening something in me — not just compassion, but responsibility.

When I returned home to Texas, I realized that something in me changed. South Africa stayed in my heart constantly. I found myself praying for the nation, the churches, the families, and the people I hadn’t met yet — not knowing how this impression on my heart would continue to shaped into conviction.

Around that same time, I began serving at our church’s newest location, where I had the privilege of meeting Andries and Vikki Enslin. As we spoke I could tell we shared a similar love for Jesus, His Church, and the people of South Africa. There was an immediate connection and understanding between us that felt incredibly special and God-ordained.

Not long after, I also met three other girls at church who happened to be from South Africa as well. What started as simple friendships quickly became some of the sweetest and most meaningful relationships in my life. Through them, South Africa became even more personal to me. I heard stories, learned more about the culture, and grew in love and compassion for the people there.

Throughout that summer, I continued praying seriously about South Africa. I hoped that maybe one day our church would lead a mission trip there, but I still wasn’t entirely sure what God was asking of me personally. Then on Missions Sunday, our church shared from Luke 7:40–48 — the story of Mary pouring expensive oil onto Jesus’ feet in an act of radical worship, surrender, and sacrifice.

As worship continued that morning, one phrase continued replaying in my heart over and over again: “He is worthy.”

In that moment, something became very clear to me. Following Jesus often means saying yes before you have every detail figured out. It means trusting Him enough to pour out what is precious, to step into the unknown, and to believe that He can use even our small acts of obedience for something eternal.

That same day, I saw the Enslins at church and felt an overwhelming peace to ask them about South Africa and missions opportunities there. Without hesitation, they began sharing about Rebuild Africa — an organization dedicated to loving and serving South African communities through partnerships with local churches and leaders already doing incredible work on the ground.

The more I learned, the more my heart came alive. Rebuild Africa wasn’t simply meeting physical needs; they were restoring hope in Jesus, rebuilding lives, and strengthening communities in tangible ways. It reflected everything I had been praying for and everything God had been stirring in my heart since that first trip to Africa.

Today, I am incredibly honored to officially partner with Rebuild Africa and help tell the stories of the people and communities they serve every single day. It is a privilege to come alongside the churches and ministries here.

My prayer is that through these stories, others would see the heart of Jesus more clearly — a Savior who sees people, values people, and moves toward people with compassion and love. I believe with all my heart that when we give, serve, pray, and step into obedience, God can use ordinary people to make an eternal impact.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little of my story and the journey God has been writing. I truly believe this is only the beginning.

With love, Bailey Augustine”