Walking in Faith: God is Moving in South Africa!
- sofia hofstad
- Oct 13, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 30, 2024
Hey everyone!
It’s been two amazing weeks here in South Africa, and I’ve already seen the Lord move in such powerful ways! I’m excited to share some of the incredible things He’s been doing during this short time. Here are just a few highlights:
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Community
The community here in South Africa is absolutely incredible! Their deep focus on the holiness of God is both inspiring and humbling—it’s a reminder of how easily we can take such a profound aspect of our faith for granted. It’s been a joy to reunite with people I’ve served alongside for the past two years. Seeing their passion for the Lord and being welcomed back with such warmth has been nothing short of amazing. There’s an unmistakable sense of unity and purpose here, and it’s been refreshing to dive right back into what God is doing in this place!
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Worship + Prayer
As part of the 'Fire & Fragrance' school, our mission is to worship and pray in every situation, no matter the circumstances. We come together daily for powerful prayer and worship gatherings with the entire community, as well as spend intentional time in personal prayer. We lift up families, the nation of Africa, current events, and so much more in our prayers! It’s a constant reminder that prayer fuels everything we do, and we are seeing God move through it in incredible ways!
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Ministry
-Cub Evangelism
Every Friday, we have the incredible opportunity to head downtown into the clubs and bars, where we share the Good News and offer to pray with people. Just last week, we witnessed five people give their lives to Christ and even saw one miraculous healing! It's an amazing chance to meet people who are searching for something deeper, hungry for more than what the world offers. Seeing their openness and how God is moving in these unexpected places has been absolutely life-changing!
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-WOVEN Ministry (reaching prostitutes, drug dealers, and gang members) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z6dhqdhTew
This opportunity has touched my heart the most. Above, you’ll find a video with more details.
God first stirred my heart for red-light districts and those trapped in prostitution two years ago during my Discipleship Training School. Since then, my heart has broken for the men and women caught in these vulnerable places, where hope often feels out of reach. Just a week ago, we were asked to pray and seek God's guidance about joining this specific ministry. While there are risks involved, as we minister late at night in one of the rougher parts of town, the grace of God is so tangible in these moments. I immediately felt called to join, and I was accepted into the ministry!
Last week, we went downtown to worship and pray on the streets, and it was nothing short of miraculous. Women from the streets came up and joined us in worship, and I had the privilege of praying with several of them. God gave me the eyes to see them as He does—radiant, precious, and beautiful. Watching their faces light up as we prayed and worshiped together is something I’ll never forget. Incredibly, some women even turned away 'customers' just to stay and engage with our group in prayer. It was a powerful reminder that no place is too dark for God’s light to break through.
I'll have more updates on this ministry during my time here!
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-Exalted
https://ffsouthafrica.com/exalted-2024
This is an event we are putting on this week with the community here!
"What started in 2021 as a two-night event has grown, first to a multi-city event, and now to a two-day conference. Gather with us around this year's theme, "Give Him No Rest" from Isaiah 62:7 as we call believers to a lifestyle of wholehearted devotion and pursuit of Jesus, giving Him no rest until we see all that he has promised for our nation.
We believe in the power of gathering the Saints. Something special happens when we gather together from different churches, communities, cities, and cultures as God’s people. This is the heart of Exalted, that we as the body of Jesus in South Africa will come together to see him lifted high and from there impact South Africa together."
This week is going to be packed with ministry opportunities leading up to the big event! On Monday, I’ll be helping with food distribution, and on Tuesday, I’ll be working with 'Woven'. Wednesday, I’ll spend time at a senior care home, then back with 'Woven' on Thursday. Finally, Friday and Saturday are the main event days! It’s such a blessing to serve in so many different ways throughout the week, and I’m excited to see how God will move through each of these ministries! More to come next week on what God does1
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Going to 'The Send New Zealand'
First off, what is the send????
"THE SEND is not just an event, it’s a call to action to see every believer activated into their missional calling, mobilizing you to reach Schools, Universities, Children, Neighbourhoods and The Nations. Join thousands of other believers in November to believe for Jesus to transform our nation, and find your part to play."
Two years ago, I was on a tour in New Zealand preparing for an event that’s finally happening on November 23rd. Ever since then, I’ve been praying for the chance to attend, but it seemed impossible—especially when I found out we’d be heading to South Africa. I knew that if I was meant to go, God would have to provide for it, as the plane ticket alone was $1,100, not to mention food and housing. It felt ridiculous to hope for, but God knows far more than we do.
One day, I was chatting with my friend Emma about 'The Send' and how I’d been praying about going. Out of nowhere, she suddenly said, "Wait, I’ll buy your plane ticket!" I was completely shocked, and at first, I couldn’t bring myself to accept such an incredibly generous offer. But she explained that she had extra money she’d been praying about, asking God what to do with it, and she felt the Lord tell her that this was exactly where it should go! My prayer of, "God, if you want me to go, you need to provide the plane ticket," was answered in an instant through Emma’s simple obedience.
I started asking around to see who else might want to join me, but many responded with, “I wish I could, but it’s just too expensive,” which made sense. I thought, “Okay God, it’s just me and You.” But God wasn’t done yet. The next morning, Emma texted me and said, “I think God is asking me to go with you—and to give up another plane ticket.”
We immediately prayed about it, asking God if this was truly from Him or just our own thoughts. Emma heard a clear "GO," and I heard the phrase, "I want you to go." When I told Emma what I had heard, she said, “Wait, that’s exactly what God spoke to me when He called me to go to Norway!” We were both filled with excitement and anticipation, knowing God was doing something special. When we talked to our leaders, they were fully on board with what God was speaking.
Then came the step of buying the tickets. Originally, they were $1,600 Canadian each (Emma’s from Canada), which felt way out of reach. But, the night we were about to purchase them, the prices dropped by $500 each—saving us a total of $1,000! It was clear God was honoring Emma’s obedience, willing to sacrifice nearly $4,000 for a four-day trip!
^^ Me and Emma after buying the tickets^^
After securing the tickets, I reached out to some people from my time in New Zealand, and through those connections and their generosity, we now have all of our housing and transportation completely covered! And even during one of our layovers in Hong Kong, God’s faithfulness continues to show—one of our friends who also felt called to go used to live in Hong Kong and knows the city well! So even in our layover, God is taking care of every detail.
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Personal leadership
Staffing Track
Through staffing the track, I’ve been entrusted with greater responsibility and have the opportunity to help lead and disciple some of the other participants. It’s such an incredible privilege and a real joy to step into this role! Being able to pour into others and watch them grow in their faith has been so rewarding, and I’m excited to see how God continues to move through this season.
Leading small group/bible study
As part of staffing the track, I also get to lead a small group Bible study, which has been so much fun! It’s given me the chance to connect more deeply with the girls in the track, building stronger friendships and meaningful connections. I love seeing how God is moving in our group as we dive into His Word together!
Help leading devotionals/intercession worship sets
God has been calling me to step out more in worship, so in a moment of obedience, I auditioned to help lead worship for the track. Now, I have the amazing opportunity to help lead weekly prayer sets with a group! Our focus is on Norway and women in vulnerable positions—two things my heart burns for. It’s been such a blessing to worship and intercede for causes so close to my heart, and I’m excited to see what God will do through these times of worship and prayer!
I'm filled with so much anticipation about what God is doing, and I can't wait to keep you all updated as more happens!
If you feel called to join my prayer/finance support team, please do not hesitate to reach out! Below is a QR code to partner in finances! :)
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