Meet The Salazar Family
As you can imagine, it is difficult to live 8000 miles away from your family, long time friends and leave behind all that you knew. But just as God promises to do a new thing, this family has spent the last two years finding their spot. It has not been easy or without drama, tears, and prayer.
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.
While becoming missionaries might not have been on their radar, it was definitely on God’s. He made a way for them to purchase a home in South Africa and they are planting roots in so many ways.
It was a huge step of faith as they moved nearly 8000 miles from Orlando, FL to Cape Town, South Africa to become volunteer servants at a non-profit organization, Hope Africa Collective, designed to share the gospel and impact the lives of young adults and the communities they live in.
South Africa is a gospel friendly country with many churches of varying denominations available. However, a lack of grounded theology and a darkened past of racial unrest has allowed ancestry worship, culture, and family to define their theology. It is the love of Jesus that is needed in Africa and around the world to unseat the generations of darkness and fight the strategies of the devil.
Tanisha and Elias have two sons, 12 & 15, living with them in South Africa and one older son, 23, still living in the states. The boys are learning Afrikaans (pronounced Afri-cons) and are acquainting themselves with local culture and customs including hiking, rugby, and chess.
They have found a local church and are planting more roots. Attending services, prayer meetings, serving at the church and volunteering to be youth group leaders they are giving and receiving just as the body of Christ should be. Planted in a small group, they have found support and love from the South Africans just as they desire to give that love.
South Africa is a beautiful mix of beaches, oceans, and mountains with pockets of extreme poverty and distrust.
“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.” – Tanisha
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.
“Tanisha has started a ladies Bible Study and has been a true friend to me. I am so grateful to God for her.” – Nombulelo
She came here and showed us love. It is clear that she always wants the best for us. She sees us. She prays for us. She treats us well. She has changed my life in ways she doesn’t even know. I appreciate her so much. – Ntombi
Since joining the team at Hope Africa Collective, she is a strong proponent for staff care, wellness and celebrations and is constantly offering a hand up. Her type A personality suits her well in her pursuit to allow others to feel seen and heard.
“Having Tanisha and Elias in our lives has been such a blessing. They play a big role as they have gotten to know us. They just care about us. They ask how we are doing. How our families are doing. It means a lot and is very helpful to have someone to share your feelings with. We are really grateful to have them in our lives. I’m grateful for them. I pray the Lord continues to use them for his glory.” – Pastor Harold
Elias serves as a Trade Skills teacher and mentor. He coaches and mentors both staff and students. His favorite part is getting to know the people. Each morning he leads the classes in a morning devotional and word of encouragement inviting them to know more about Jesus and desiring that they come to that personal relationship with him. Not only does he pray with them, but he diligently prays for them.
“I started here as a job. My primary role was to teach trades. When Elias arrived, it was clear that his primary role was to teach his faith/Jesus. He has influenced me to teach Jesus first and then the trades.” – Theo
For many, these devotionals are new information. New concepts. One simple verse. One simple truth can have a drastic and lasting impact when it is the Word of God.
Many of the students come from difficult backgrounds and the goal of teaching them a trade skill is so they can provide for themselves and their family and make a positive contribution to their community. With positive graduation rates, many will take the steps to become entrepreneurs and have a successful business.
“I love when the students come back (after graduation) and tell us their success story. It is extremely rewarding to see the excitement on their face and hear it in their voice. The growth in their self-confidence is quite evident and makes all the effort worthwhile.” – Elias.
Elias also oversees facility maintenance, vehicles, as well as the health and safety for the campus.
“He does not mind getting his hands dirty.” – Theo
While he loves serving, his favorite part is connecting with the men and women he gets to serve.
As you can imagine, it is difficult to live 8000 miles away from your family, long time friends and leave behind all that you knew. But just as God promises to do a new thing, this family has spent the last two years finding their spot. It has not been easy or without drama, tears, and prayer. But, they are landing in their stride.
Settling into a house to make it a home. Dreaming of what could be. And knowing they are right where God has called them to.
Like all missionaries, they battle the spiritual realm daily. They need your committed prayers. And it takes money to pursue these passions. Their South African Visa forbids them to work so they rely on generous donors such as yourself for the living expenses, medical expenses, travel expenses, ministry expenses, maintenance and improvements to the property, generosity and yes, fun – vacations, date nights, and even a coffee to support a local shop.
They have an Airbnb on the property and your invitation is open to come visit, stay and see what they do all while supporting the mission.
I have personally spent many months in South Africa with them. This is a good place to plant some seed.
