Meet the Staff: Jill

Job at Thrive:

Outreach Coordinator

Hometown:

Birmingham, Michigan

What’s your favorite part of living in Africa?

It’s hard to choose – The people, the land and the animals are all so beautiful!

Tell us the best part about your job.

My first mission trip had a HUGE impact on my life, and each one since then has taught me more about God’s heart for the poor and how He wants to use us to help.  So I love equipping mission teams to serve in the villages, and am so excited to see them discover amazing things about God and themselves along the way.

If you have a few hours free on a Saturday, what will we find you doing?

Likely going for a long walk or hike.

What’s your favorite African animal?

Zebra

Share one of the most impactful moments you’ve had in South Africa.

Recently, it was a visit to the Manapo Hospital pediatrics ward.  It was a heartbreaking experience because some of the children were so sick and weak.  But at the same time it was a joyous occasion as our team loved on the kids – playing, praying and giving out gifts.  The hard-working nurses and overtired moms seemed encouraged as well.  The Lord blessed us all that day!

What do you miss most from home?

Besides my family and friends…my favorite TV shows like House, Bones, CSI and Fringe.  Sorry, I like the creepy dramas.

What’s playing on your iPod these days?

A bit of a mix.  Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flats, and some Disco and Funk favorites.

What’s a movie you can watch over and over?

Steel Magnolias

Share something unique about yourself.

I’ve had a lot of unique and memorable experiences traveling for work and missions trips…one that comes to mind is hiking up the Great Wall of China at sunrise.

3 Responses - Add yours below

1. Bill Eames says:

   Jill,
   Welcome to Africa. When it gets to be too much come down to the Cape for a break.

   [Reply]

2. roo says:

   Hey, welcome, Jill! You’ve no idea who I am, but I seriously miss being at Thrive (I worked in the Outreach department for a few summers in a row a while back) and am excited to see another member added to my “family.”
   Blessings.

   [Reply]

3. Martina Vandekerkhof says:

   Hey Jill
   Great to see your picture on the webside. I hope you are enjoying yourself again there. I can’t wait to go back in 2011. Hope to see you when your back in Michigan so you can share your experiences while your there.
   God bless Martina Vandekerkhof

   [Reply]

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