In July 2025, a team of 30 people from the Avondale University Community travelled to South Africa under the banner Love, Learn, Serve. Our mission was to partner with Khomelela Community Center in their vital work of caring for orphans and the elderly by providing one nutritious meal each day.
Khomelela, which means “Hold On”, is led by the inspiring Martha Mawela and her dedicated team. They serve with love, resilience, and faith in the face of significant community challenges. Our goal was to support and strengthen their ministry through both practical projects and relational engagement.
Over the course of our trip, we were able to accomplish far more than we initially planned, thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters. Through various fundraising efforts, the church and community raised $50,000, enabling us to make a lasting impact.
Project Highlights
Our primary construction project was to build a food service center for Khomelela. This facility will allow them to prepare and serve meals more efficiently and safely, helping them continue their vital mission to feed some of the most vulnerable members of their community.
"This space is not only a place of worship but also a hub for community gatherings, spiritual encouragement, and hope."
We also took the opportunity to refurbish the church located on the Khomelela property. This space is not only a place of worship but also a hub for community gatherings, spiritual encouragement, and hope. Fresh paint, repairs, and improvements have breathed new life into the building, making it an even more welcoming space.
Another major aspect of our mission was running a kids club for local children. On the first day, we expected about 30 children — but were overwhelmed when 85 turned up! By the end of the week, the number had grown to 130 children. Each day was filled with singing, Bible stories, games, and crafts, creating a joyful and safe space for the children to learn, play, and experience the love of Christ.
"We expected about 30 children — but were overwhelmed when 85 turned up!"
A big shout out to every one of the 30 team members who gave of their own time and covered their own travel costs to be part of this mission. They poured themselves into the work — whether mixing cement, painting walls, cooking meals, or leading songs for the kids — with energy, joy, and a servant’s heart.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every person who prayed, gave, or encouraged us along the way. Your generosity allowed us to not only complete the food service center but also bless the community through additional projects and resources. You have partnered in something that will bear fruit for years to come.
"We return with our own hearts full, having learned much from the resilience, joy, and faith of the people we met."
Looking Forward
Our prayer is that our presence in South Africa inspired, equipped, and empowered the Khomelela team to continue to hold on — to hope in humanity, and more importantly, to hope in Jesus Christ. We return with our own hearts full, having learned much from the resilience, joy, and faith of the people we met.
The Lord truly has done great things, and we are filled with joy.
