Mission: Bring hope, health, word of God to HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa

“Supposedly, Jeffrey's Bay is the ‘surfing capital of Africa,' and I hear the scenery is breathtaking,” said Cassie Twaddle. But that's not why Twaddle is headed to “J-Bay.”

She left today, Sept. 6, heading to South Africa for eight months of mission work among orphans of HIV/AIDS victims.

Cassie's long mission trip follows two weeks spent in Johannesburg, South Africa, by her brother. Justin and Cassie Twaddle grew up in Carthage and now each live in Quincy. Justin traveled with a friend, Neal Woollard of Hamilton, the worship leader at The Crossing in Quincy. On that trip in July, they visited two HIV orphanages, one at Hartbees-poorte Dam and another in northern Pretoria.

“They also met with leaders of Doxa Deo, a church with an amazing vision of changing cities for God,” Cassie explained. “From his experience, Justin received a vision to start a not-for-profit organization, Chariot Mission, dedicated to exalting God by sending people and money from the United States to serve the people of South Africa.”

Cassie begins her trip with two weeks of training camp provided by the sending organization, Adventures in Missions, near Atlanta, Ga. During her eight months in Jeffrey's Bay, she will serve in HIV clinics and orphanages, as well as other health clinics in the area.

“I hope that this experience will also help form a foundation for Chariot Mission,” she said.

The need of the area is great.

“Nearly 30 percent of the South Africa population is infected with the AIDS virus and almost 40 percent are without jobs. Most of the population lives in poverty-stricken squatter camps. Indeed, the ministry opportunities are endless,” Twaddle said.

Her primary ministry will be in AIDS clinics and other health clinics in J-bay.

“Because I will be in the healthcare profession, I expect to gain experience while doing ministry there. As a team of 13, we will also do general ministry in J-Bay, especially in orphanages and setting up after-school programs for kids.”

After graduating from Carthage High School, Twaddle graduated in 2004 with a degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University.

“The past two years I have been in Quincy working at Advance Physical Therapy to gain experience for a physician assistant program, which I will enter in May 2007 at Arcadia University near Philadelphia, Pa.”

With plans to begin that program next May, she could have continued working in Quincy, but she saw this as an opportunity.

“The number one reason I chose to go on this mission? I am simply compelled by the love of Christ... God gave me a real heart for mission work back in college, and now He has put before me almost a year of time,” Twaddle said.

“I had some options, but this opportunity remained an open door. It seemed like a good way to spend my time and resources. Even though I will miss home and my friends and family, I trust my time overseas will minister to people here just as much as it will be used to bring hope to the people of South Africa.”

Both Cassie and Justin want their efforts to encourage others to help.

“The greatest needs I can see are time and money. Find an organization, sponsor a child, give of your talents. Just DO something. The needs are endless in Africa,” Cassie said. Twaddle must pay her way through the Adventures in Missions organization.

“I am still in need of almost $4,000, which includes a plane ticket home for Christmas.”

Financial support or a request for an AIM pledge card can be sent to: Cassie Twaddle, 2730 East County Road 400, Augusta, IL 62311. If support is sent in with a pledge card, a receipt will be sent back, and the donation is tax deductible.