About us
Michelle - I was born and raised in a suburb of Houston, Texas. My dad, Joe, is an engineer for NASA, and my mom, Marcia, is a diagnostician for Clear Lake High School. I have a really cool brother named Bob, who has always challenged and encouraged me. I felt God calling me to be missional with my life from early on. I went to the University of Texas and studied French and Education (and Biology). I pretty much consider Austin as my home city because it is one of the coolest places in the world! I love to travel and learn about different cultures and languages. I also love sports, no matter what country the sport is from. I met Miah, my husband, after Christmas 2004 on my first trip to South Africa, which is now where I live. God changed me from then on, and I made 3 other trips to Africa in the next 2 years. I am passionate to help those who are oppressed and suffering and to show God’s love to those who have never experienced Him. And now I am in South Africa working with a South African spiritual leadership organization called J-life!
Miah – I’m Michelle’s husband, Miah. I was born in Muskegon, Michigan and moved to Durban, South Africa when I was five. I lived there until I matriculated (graduated) from Westville Boys’ High School in 2001. After that I went back to Michigan and studied Theology at Cornerstone University for four years. Then I moved to Austin Texas for a girl I met in South Africa on one fateful visit home in 2004. We have been married since July last year! I left my successful career as a coffee barista (?) to join J-Life Africa in 2008. Michelle and I feel very privileged to be part of a group so committed to this beautiful continent and so eager to follow Jesus.
Why J-Life?
Some of things that have drawn us to J-Life are:
1.)Their commitment to indigenous leadership development.
2.)Their desire to give anyone the chance to be trained, regardless of their language, race, or financial situations.
3.)Their vision for the local church in Africa.
4.)Their holistic view of ministry (mind, body and spirit) and a commitment to disciple-making rather than conversion.
5.)Their desire to make Christ the primary model for life and ministry.