Miguel Castillo – Coaching church planters and exercising careful stewardship
September 26, 2025
Sabita Thapa — Pouring God’s love through training, counselling, and mentorship
October 25, 2025
From Hesitating to Raise Support to Harnessing the Power of Local Generosity
My wife and I have been involved in children and school ministry since 2006. We began in KwaZulu-Natal before relocating to Pretoria in 2009, where I now live with my family on an 8.7-hectare farm. We developed the land into a camping site, where we have served since 2011.
I combine my theological training with my wife’s background in eco-tourism management and teaching to deliver life skills programs. I focus on equipping children, training teachers at schools and Sunday schools, and managing crop and poultry farming on our property. I also guide a small Baptist church in our village, serve as acting chairperson for our provincial pastors network, and participate in the fraternal within our Baptist denomination at both provincial and local levels.
Donald (on the right) at a GTP regional event in Lusaka, Zambia, in March 2023
I first encountered GTP during a Today for Tomorrow Southern Africa training. In 2023, I joined the onsite Stations of Generosity and Journey of Empowerment (JOE) training in Zambia. Since then, I have completed several GTP on-demand courses, including Faith and Finances and When Money Goes on Mission (WMGM), prioritizing them despite frequent travel and a demanding schedule.
WMGM, in particular, came at a pivotal moment in my journey. Before the course, I hesitated to request financial support, assuming people would contribute naturally because I serve the Lord. WMGM taught me that strong local networks sustain and expand ministry. It also equipped me with principles and practical tools to raise funds with intention.
One key lesson centered on building local support instead of depending solely on external supporters. I applied this principle immediately after completing WMGM in February 2025. By April, I began fundraising for a one-year experience with the Global Children Forum (GCF), which included a four-week intensive in Sri Lanka.
Donald among the participants of the on demand When Money Goes On Mission course
Rob Martin’s advice during WMGM — “Target your fish. Find the fish and catch that fish” — stayed with me. I shared my fundraising appeal on Facebook, and many people responded, asking how they could help. To my surprise, local supporters contributed 95 percent of the funds, with gifts ranging from 20 to 5,000 rand. Their generosity lifted a heavy burden from my family and enabled us to avoid using personal funds.
After completing my training in Sri Lanka, I joined the GTP Global Gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There, one speaker emphasized the value of expressing gratitude to givers. His practice of writing personal thank-you letters challenged me to improve my own. I had previously thanked givers at the time of giving and relied on Facebook updates. Now, I plan to prepare personalized thank-you notes with photos, training highlights, and future plans to involve supporters more intentionally.
Donald at the GTP Global Gathering 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Another lesson I learned through GTP is the value of collaboration and accountability. In South Africa, pride among senior pastors and officials often hinders cooperation. I often hear from elders in their sixties and seventies, “We started this ministry before you were born.” Such attitudes make progress difficult.
However, I have learned that ministries must work together to steward God’s resources with integrity. As Gary Hoag, GTP Founder, said, we need to “put our house in order.” We must maintain a consistent and credible voice.
WMGM and other GTP resources have reshaped how I think and serve. I plan to integrate these lessons into my talks and adapt them to various audiences. Whether through preaching, WhatsApp, Facebook, or in my own family, I remain committed to sharing what I have learned.
My wife and I are building a house, and the budgeting principles from WMGM have guided us in laying the foundation and raising half the wall, step by step, using what we have rather than what we lack. I teach these same principles to my three daughters. Because I want to share them with others, I also volunteer as a course moderator for Faith and Finances and When Money Goes on Mission.
Donald with GTP staff and fellow volunteers from the EPSA (English, Portuguese and Spanish-speaking Africa) region during Global Gathering 2025
My week at the GTP Global Gathering reminded me that service must focus on the Kingdom, not on self. That conviction means doing what is right, even when it demands sacrifice. I have received much and now must act.
Inspired by the Sri Lanka intensive theme, “Children Everywhere Walking with Jesus,” I plan to launch a new initiative that combines agriculture and discipleship to empower child-headed households beyond spiritual care.
This initiative will help children start small vegetable gardens and raise chickens. I plan to train them in basic farming skills and financial management to operate sustainable micro-businesses: growing food, selling produce, and meeting essential needs such as school supplies and groceries.
This effort addresses serious societal challenges, such as boys leaving school and turning to drugs, and girls facing exploitation and early pregnancy. Through this program, I intend to provide protection, purpose, and a path forward. I have confidence in my growing network and the fundraising skills I developed through WMGM to make this vision a reality.
