The Salazar Family
Meet the Salazar Family: Elias, Tanisha, Ezeriah & Ezekiel
The Salazar family have been on the ground in South Africa since July, 2023. Both Tanisha and Elias had traveled and served on short term mission trips to the area before knowing what God was calling them to do.
With a huge step of faith, they bought a house and moved almost 8000 miles from Orlando, FL to Capetown, SA to begin serving at Hope Africa Collective, a non-profit organization geared toward teaching young adults trade skills so they can earn a living and serve their community.
Elias serves as their facility manager and is a Trade Skills teacher and mentor. He coaches and mentors both staff and students. “I love when the students come back (after graduation) and tell us their success story.” he said. Elias also oversees facility maintenance, vehicles, as well as the health and safety for the campus. His favorite part is getting to know the students, pray with them daily and lead them in a devotional time each morning before they start class.
Tanisha is completing her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and has already completed her Trauma Based Relational Practioner training. She is an experienced leader, trainer and teacher in multiple areas including Biblical studies and is often found imparting her wisdom to women and local church leaders alike. She is a strong proponent for staff care, wellness and celebrations and is constantly offering a hand up. “Being a missionary is hard. Harder than I thought. But there is also joy when you know you are in your calling. Loving fiercely, regardless of reciprocation, is my true calling.”
Together, they attend a local church, lead the High School Youth Group, are integrating into the community and host an Airbnb. They have two boys living with them in South Africa who are in local schools, learning Africans (pronounced Afri-cons) and are acquainting themselves with local culture and customs.
