DTS Outreach 2026 Newsletter (May-July)
Outreach Update
May 3 – July 24
From the beginning of May until July 24th, I have been on outreach across the nations and South Africa. It has been a season of challenge, growth, and seeing God move in powerful ways.
🇧🇮 Burundi
May 3 – June 1
Burundi, for those who are unfamiliar, is a small East African nation, often nicknamed "The Heart of Africa" because of both its location and shape.
Burundi has endured a long and difficult history marked by colonialism, tribal conflict, civil war, and genocide. It is commonly ranked among the two poorest countries in the world and frequently appears near the bottom of global happiness rankings.
When you first arrive, those statistics feel real.
As you walk through the streets, people of all ages often shout,
"Mzungu! Give me money!"
It was probably the most common English phrase I heard.
During our weeks in Burundi, our team ministered in churches, villages, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and local markets.
If you know me personally, you know I don't usually complain. But I want to honestly share what was going through my mind while I was there.
I didn't enjoy it.
I didn't enjoy the culture, the food, the weather, or many aspects of daily life. Some of you may be thinking,
"Thaddaeus, were you just experiencing culture shock?"
My answer would probably be,
"Is it culture shock if it's exactly what you expected and you still didn't like it?"
But as I've written in previous newsletters, whether I enjoy something is ultimately irrelevant.
Who am I to decide who is worthy of my time and energy?
If God sees Burundi as worthy, then so do I.
If God loves Burundi, then I will love Burundi—even when my flesh doesn't want to.
One Cup a Day
One of the biggest ministries we partnered with was One Cup a Day, a feeding program serving children suffering from severe malnutrition.
Each child would receive a simple cup of porridge.
This was one of the most confronting parts of my time in Burundi. Seeing starving children face-to-face changes something in you.
Our team's hearts were deeply moved.
Together we raised $2,700+, providing 400 children with:
A bath
New clothes
A full meal including meat, rice, and vegetables
I genuinely believe this was one of the main reasons God sent us to Burundi.
I believe this reflected the Father's heart for the nation, and it was an incredible privilege to partner with Him in it.
Burundi stretched me.
It challenged my walk with God and my leadership within FFSA.
It was also where I celebrated my 24th birthday, which made for a memorable outreach.
🇿🇦 Durban, South Africa
June 2 – End of June
June has been a busy month.
As I'm writing this section (June 18th), Durban has been exciting, challenging, and full of activity.
The city is large and busy, and with the entire school gathered together, FFSA had around 94 people spread across four different locations throughout Durban.
Naturally, that came with its share of logistical challenges.
During this time we were also having our pastoral check-ins with the school leaders.
Leadership Changes
Partway through outreach, my co-leader experienced some personal difficulties.
Because it is their story to tell, I won't go into the details, but they made the decision not to continue with the outreach.
There are no hard feelings, and I respect that decision.
One of our school leaders, Kelly, stepped into that leadership role, and it has been interesting seeing how everything has unfolded.
The early departure of my co-leader naturally brought emotions within the team.
Even so, I trust that God works all things according to His will, and I'm looking forward to seeing what He continues to teach me through this season.
A Special Break
During the month, I also had the privilege of serving as a groomsman in a close friend's wedding.
It was a welcome break from the pace of DTS and a real joy to celebrate with him.
Returning to Outreach
After returning, outreach began finding its rhythm.
We held two outreach events in Durban—one in Giba and another in Wentworth, where I was serving.
Wentworth is a Coloured township on the south side of Durban, bordered by The Bluff, Jacobs, and Clairwood.
For this event I was assigned to the security team.
That role gave me a unique opportunity to interact with local residents in ways I otherwise might not have.
For every intoxicated man claiming to be a gangster or telling me he was "27" (a reference to one of South Africa's prison gangs), there were also respected members of the community who welcomed conversation and shared their stories.
Those conversations gave me a deeper appreciation for both the struggles and the strengths within the community.
Looking Back
As the DTS outreach came to an end, I realized how much God had been working in my own life.
He humbled me where I was proud.
He loved me in places where I carried hurt.
Throughout the entire season, God proved Himself faithful.
FFSA Outreach Impact
Across all 10 FFSA 2026 DTS outreach teams serving in South Africa and internationally, God accomplished incredible things:
1,249 people heard the Gospel.
870 people gave their lives to Jesus for the first time.
29 people recommitted their lives to Christ.
101 people experienced physical healing.
32 Bibles were distributed.
To God alone be the glory.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter.
It is a privilege to share what God is doing in my life and here in South Africa.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers.
If you feel led to support me financially, you can do so through my support page, which provides tax-deductible giving. The link is available on my website's homepage.
Whether you support me financially or through prayer, I am truly grateful.
Finally, please let me know how I can be praying for you as well.
Grace and peace,
Thaddaeus
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