Isabel Salazar

Born and raised in a wonderful Christian home in Southern California. I was just about 13 years old when God ignited a willingness to be involved in missions. My spiritual journey from then til now has been one of discovering the God I heard about in my upbringing, and committing to placing Him as the ultimate Lord over my life. It has been a life filled with grace, mercy, and love as Jesus has faithfully pursued me in my lowest of lows and highest of highs.

I am voluntarily serving with Jabulani Rural Health Foundation located in a rural village called Zithulele placed within the Eastern Cape of South Africa. I am helping kickstart and managing a coffeehouse within their Livelihood Center. Here I’ll be dedicated to mentoring, training, and recruiting the people of Zithulele. This space is to empower locals, and visiting strangers alike, as we let the Holy Spirit guide our conversations and actions when they walk through our doors for some good coffee. Zithulele is primarily Xhosa, the second largest cultural group within South Africa. My hope is that as we serve, train, and interact throughout my time there, those that don’t know Christ, can be exposed to His light, and receive the freedom and relationship He offered us the moment He gave His life for us.

In the last couple years I have been on my feet traveling to various countries with Adventures in Missions by being a participant in their World Race program and leading a 9 month Gap Year program. Moving to South Africa has been a big step of commitment in my involvement with missions as it is longer term and solely dedicated to the people of Zithulele.