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Several years ago, after graduating from the University of Tennessee (Martin) with an education degree, Danielle landed her “dream job” teaching inner-city kids at a school in Nashville. Soon after her arrival, a friend introduced her to Brentwood Baptist.

In early 2004, through her small group, Danielle heard about a BBC mission journey headed to Cape Town, South Africa. “I really fought God about going,” she said. “I needed a billboard sign from Him. I needed the clouds to part. I needed the audible voice from Him telling me to go.”

Over the next few months, God provided all the signs—right down to the billboard and clouds. In September, she boarded a plane with a team from BBC and journeyed with them to Cape Town. “I got off the plane and fell in love. It was amazing to see all that God was doing. When I left, I knew I would be coming back,” she said.

After several trips to South Africa, God eventually opened up the opportunity for Danielle to live and serve in Cape Town as a Life Skill Educator (LSE). Nearly one year ago, she left her life in Nashville to serve with Living Hope in a two-year commitment.

Today, Danielle writes and develops curriculum and lesson plans, builds relationships and trains other LSEs, and teaches life skills to children living in the slums of townships surrounding Cape Town through Kids Clubs.

“My life has been impacted since I’ve been here,” Danielle said. “I truly feel the power of prayer. God has used people here to speak truth into my life and hold me accountable for my actions.”

Last year, Amy Carter, the Children’s Minister at BBC, traveled with a BBC team to South Africa where she served alongside Danielle in a Holiday Kids Club. She said, “These kids come after school (if they even go to school) at least 2-3 days a week. And the Holiday Club is like Vacation Bible School—lasting a week.”

The Kids Clubs serve to tell the children about God and educate them in basic life skills. “These kids suffer from extreme poverty. Most of them live in a one-room shack with seven other people and don’t eat every day. Half of the kids who were in our Kids Club have HIV. The LSEs teach them biblical, practical life skills so they can change the cycle and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS—good hygiene, appropriate relationships, home safety.”

Danielle said, “Looking back, I see God was preparing me. Everything has been a stepping-stone for what He’s doing now.”

Please pray for Danielle in the following ways:
• Pray for Danielle’s relationships with the LSEs as she mentors and encourages them where they serve.
• Pray that God would provide for the needs of the LSEs. Recently, PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) announced it will remove their funds in October.
• Pray that children Danielle is ministering to would be receptive to learning biblical and practical truths.
• Pray for Danielle’s personal spiritual growth and and relationship with God. Also pray for her emotional and physical needs during the upcoming year.

You can help support Danielle by giving to our HFTW Missions Offering. Stay up-to-date on Danielle’s journey by reading her blog at www.MissionsMomma.com.