“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

This partnership started with a dream in 2020—Church on the Move planned its first South Africa trip that year, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed those plans. Despite the challenges, God kept the relationship strong. From Hope Family Church, Pastor Clifford Sheldon (Lead Pastor) and Pastor Natashja Kitching (Executive Pastor) recall meeting Pastor Aaron Davis in person for the first time in 2022—a pivotal moment that deepened the connection between our two churches.

Since then, the partnership has flourished. In 2024, Church on the Move conducted its first outreach in George, followed by another in 2025. These trips have not only blessed communities but also forged lasting friendships. “You truly feel like family to us,” said Pastor Natashja.

When COTM teams join Hope Family Church, the focus is clear: sharing the gospel and uplifting the community for God’s glory. Together, we’ve engaged in:

These efforts complement Hope Family Church’s year-round ministries, which include youth and young adult services, Sunday worship, kids church, small groups, and street outreach.

The impact doesn’t end when the trip does! Hope Family Church follows up with prayer cards, invitations, and personal calls. Their Project Exodus program helps individuals battling addiction, and many who encounter the team during the COTM trips later join small groups and bring their families to church. “When we [do outreach], we focus on small groups and allow the Church on the Move team to pray and evangelize while we support them. [Our communities] absolutely love and appreciate it,” said Pastor Clifford.

But the transformation goes both ways. For COTM team members, these trips often become defining spiritual moments.

Todd reminds us that missions isn’t about choosing local or global—it’s about joining God’s one story. Trips like South Africa help us see that story in action and remind us that the Gospel is moving everywhere.

Todd loves that COTM partners with established local churches like Hope Family Church instead of trying to start something new. “We come alongside what God is already doing,” he said. And when we do, transformation happens—not just in the communities we serve, but in us.”

He points to stories like Cole Kuykendall, whose trip to Moldova unlocked a new sense of calling. “It took him going overseas to realize even holding babies is Kingdom work. Now he serves in our nursery, praying over kids every week.”

South Africa offers similar opportunities for growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones—into new cultures and new ways of worship—reshapes our perspective and deepens our faith.

Todd’s own story began in college: a simple missions slideshow led him to India, where encountering the global Church shattered assumptions and ignited a lifelong passion. He calls our trips a discipleship step—a journey that includes learning, community, and practice:

And for anyone asking, “Why go overseas when I can serve here?” Todd’s challenge is gracious but clear: Are we serving here? Sometimes it takes going halfway around the world to awaken our hearts to what God is doing right next door.

The partnership has sparked countless life-changing moments. From drug addicts finding freedom to families receiving housing, the testimonies are powerful. One story stands out to Pastor Clifford: while walking the streets, two young children approached the team. After a heartfelt conversation and prayer, hope was restored. Financial contributions also helped renovate facilities, creating a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere that continues to draw people in.

“We appreciate the team so much and cannot wait until next year,” Pastor Clifford said.

This partnership is more than a series of trips—it’s a shared mission to bring light and hope to communities worldwide. And if you ask us, the best is yet to come.

If you’re interested in joining a Church on the Move mission trip, we’d love to have you! Here’s a quick outline of what you can expect from joining a team: