"My plans aren't your plans, nor are your ways my ways," says the Lord. "Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans." Isaiah 55:8-9

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In 2019, Jo’s mom, Margaret, signed up for her first mission trip to South Africa. As the trip approached, she felt a stirring in her spirit—a sense that something bigger was unfolding. Two months before the trip, she heard clearly from God: "This journey is not for you. Send your daughter in your place." With faith and trust, Margaret passed the opportunity to Jo, unknowingly setting the stage for a remarkable journey that would unfold in ways no one could have predicted...

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Jo’s first trip to South Africa was nothing short of transformative. After endless days of pouring everything she had into serving—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted—Jo discovered a joy unlike anything she had ever known. It was the kind of joy that came not from success or comfort, but from the absolute surrender of herself to God's will. At the end of herself, she experienced unbridled joy, knowing she was walking in perfect alignment with what God created her for. In the days that followed, God planted a deep conviction in her heart: “This is your home. This is where you truly belong.”

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She returned to North Carolina forever changed, eager to share her experience with Kevin, her husband. For years, Jo would tease him that this would be the year they would sell everything and move to Africa! Kevin, though supportive of her ministry, wasn’t on board with upending life as they knew it and moving to another continent. He had 900 kids to care for at his school in Charlotte, after all. But Jo’s passion never wavered, and over time, that seed she planted in his heart began to grow.

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In 2022, Kevin finally agreed to visit South Africa with Jo. The first nine days were an adjustment. The slower pace of ministry in Mpumalanga was a far cry from Kevin’s fast-paced classroom in Charlotte. He struggled to connect, feeling out of place at times. But on the final day of their trip, everything changed. Church leaders were planning for the future of their children’s ministry, and Kevin, a veteran teacher, saw an opportunity to help. He began organizing lesson plans, connecting Bible verses to activities, and offering practical solutions for the ministry. What started as a small contribution grew into something far more meaningful. Kevin realized that his background in teaching and choir directing could make a real difference. He wasn’t just organizing lessons—he was laying a foundation for sustainable growth in the ministry, mentoring leaders, and developing a curriculum that would have a lasting impact. By the time they left South Africa, Kevin’s heart had shifted. He saw his role clearly—not just as a visitor, but as someone who could contribute to the future of these children and their community in ways he hadn’t imagined.

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"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."    Galatians 5:16

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After leading multiple mission teams with Jo, Kevin’s heart finally opened to the possibility of moving to South Africa. The moment he allowed the thought to take root, God began opening doors and lighting the way. What once seemed like an abstract idea quickly turned into a clear path forward. 

By fall of 2024, Jo and Kevin had secured their South African visas and started house-hunting, while GENESIS DIRECTIVE began to take shape. Jo’s extensive mission experience and Kevin’s background as a teacher and choir director became the perfect foundation for a ministry that would serve the children of Mpumalanga—offering not just education, but a sense of purpose rooted in faith, community, and opportunity.

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"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."    Matthew 28:19

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In summer 2025, Jo, Kevin, and their children will move to South Africa. They will live in Mpumalanga, immersed in the community and fulfilling the calling that God placed on their hearts so many years ago. Through GENESIS DIRECTIVE, they will be working to equip children with the skills they need to thrive—spiritually, emotionally, and educationally. They are building a lasting impact, one that is grounded in faith, hope, and purpose. And through it all, they remain committed to the mission that began with a simple act of obedience and the joy of following God's lead.