Are you ready to hear a story of God’s incredible faithfulness over the past 19 years?

To share the BIG news with you, we need to take a journey back in time—a journey full of unexpected twists, clear whispers from God, and moments of profound grace.

In 2006, I was an 18-year-old trying to figure out life. That summer, I was invited on a trip to Africa to teach abstinence in Zambian high schools. We partnered with Dream for Africa, equipping students with education about HIV/AIDS and healthy life practices. Before heading out, hundreds of us young adults gathered for a week of training. I didn’t know it then, but Ian Maxwell, who would later play such a pivotal role in my life, was leading some of those sessions.

That trip changed me in ways I couldn’t fully understand at the time. It planted a seed—a deep love for Africa and its people. But as life moved forward, I couldn’t have imagined how God would water that seed and grow it into something far beyond my plans.

Fast forward to 2015. I was working at North Point Community Church when I was asked to lead a team to Project Canaan in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) with Heart for Africa. Honestly, I had never even heard of Eswatini, but after prayer and research, I said yes—mostly because I longed to return to Africa.

I’ll never forget my first trip to Project Canaan. Driving through the gates, I was amazed. There were about 80 kids at the time, and we spent the week playing with them and helping the staff create engaging Sunday environments. As I left, I thought, I’ll be back.

For the next four years, I led annual teams to Project Canaan. It was a dream to return to the same place, watching the children grow and seeing the community expand and develop. Each visit deepened my love for this incredible ministry and the children it serves.

In 2019, I stepped away from my full-time ministry role at North Point. Shortly after, David Bryant approached me about joining Heart for Africa. I was hesitant—especially about fundraising and living in Africa—but David said something that stayed with me: “If you’re good at fundraising, you’ll never have to ask.” That simple yet profound statement shifted my perspective. Fundraising wasn’t about asking for money; it was about inviting others into the story God is writing.

Over the past five years, I’ve witnessed God work through people’s generosity in ways that have left me speechless. Again and again, He’s shown up to provide for His work in Eswatini, using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

During this time, I’ve also fallen deeply in love with Project Canaan. My favorite moments there are the simple ones—sitting with the kids, talking about life, faith, and everything in between. One moment stands out:

Last July, I was chatting with a group of boys aged 9-12. We talked about soccer, school, cell phones, and sweets. At one point, one of them noticed my tattoo and asked about its meaning. I shared the story of how, during a retreat, I felt God tell me I was “free to soar.” I’d gotten the word “free” tattooed with three birds to remind me of that truth. Titus, an 11-year-old, then asked, “How did you know it was God, and what did it sound like?” His question took me by surprise. I did my best to explain, and he said, “Wow, I hope I can hear from God one day.” I told him, just ask, and God will speak in a way you’ll know it’s Him.

Moments like these grow my faith in ways I can’t describe. They remind me that God is at work, not just in big ways, but in the quiet, sacred moments of connection.

About a year ago, I felt God stirring something new in my heart—a calling I’d tried to ignore for years. I’d always dismissed the idea of living abroad, but this time, the feeling wouldn’t go away. After spending two months at Project Canaan last summer, I returned home to Atlanta and felt an overwhelming whisper: Don’t get used to this.

In October, after we lost one of the older girls, Miriam, I attended her funeral. As I pulled through the gates, I had an unmistakable feeling: This is home. After weeks of prayer, I knew what God was asking of me.

In November, while leading a team at Project Canaan, I met with Ian and Janine Maxwell to share my desire to move there full-time. Their response was filled with tears, laughter, and joy. We’ve talked about this possibility for years, but I always dismissed it—until now.

So here’s the BIG news: In January 2026, I will be moving to Project Canaan full-time to serve with the Spiritual Life Department. I’ll be helping with spiritual development, discipleship, and dreaming big for the children’s future. It’s a dream come true that I didn’t even know existed.

This also means I’ll be transitioning out of my full-time role with Heart for Africa in the U.S. at the end of this year. While the details are still unfolding, I trust that God is leading this transition and will continue to provide.

Moving halfway around the world isn’t easy, and I’ll be leaving behind incredible people. But I’m filled with peace and excitement, knowing God has prepared the way. I will spend the next 11 months preparing for this move and will be raising financial support to live in Eswatini. If you would like to follow along on my journey you can sign up HERE to receive updates along the way.

Thank you for your generosity, care, and prayers. Your support is part of the village raising these children at Project Canaan. Together, we’re witnessing God’s kingdom at work in Eswatini.

Here’s to the next chapter—and to the God who is faithful in every season.

Hannah Gaddis, Relationship Manager, Heart for Africa (and soon long term volunteer!)