Reflecting on 2025: Worship, Service, and Community

2025: A Year of Faith in Action

2025 was a full year for Elev8 — full because people kept showing up. Volunteers, churches, and ordinary people from Greenville, North Carolina and Durban, South Africa gave their time, their strength, and their hearts to serve others. This work didn’t happen because it was easy or planned perfectly. It happened because people chose to say yes.

Serving Together: Thank You to Our Volunteers in Greenville & Durban South Africa

Many of these volunteers had never met before, yet they worked side by side as if they’d known each other for years. There were no titles or spotlights — just people serving wherever there was a need. That kind of unity can’t be forced. It was God connecting people across places and circumstances.

This blog is only a highlight. It doesn’t capture the early mornings, late nights, quiet prayers, lifting, cooking, driving, planning, and behind-the-scenes serving. There are far too many people to name, but none of the effort was small or unnoticed. Every act of faithfulness mattered.

Matthew 25:40 says it best: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Throughout the year, Elev8 stepped into communities, met real needs, and created space for worship, connection, and practical care. Lives were touched, hope was restored, and at the center of it all were people who served tirelessly — and a God who sees it all.

June: A Winter Mission Trip Across Durban, South Africa

Our annual mission trip to Durban, South Africa was a truly historic moment for us, and at the heart of it all were the volunteers. This trip was made possible because of people who gave their time, their energy, and their hearts to serve. To every volunteer, along with our amazing friends, faithful church partners, and our incredible worship team in Durban — thank you. This journey simply would not have happened without you.

We were also joined by Lynn Chen from California, who worked alongside us throughout the trip, serving selflessly and stepping in wherever help was needed. Her heart to serve was a gift. In a short window of time, so much ws accomplished because the focus was clear and the need was real.

Together, we stepped into communities across Durban to serve, minister, and walk alongside people facing very real challenges. It was humbling in every way. We witnessed firsthand how God uses ordinary people, simple obedience, and genuine compassion to create lasting impact. This trip will always stand as a defining and historic chapter, not because of scale, but because of the people who showed up and said yes.

Youth Day, June 16th marked a meaningful day of ministry as we served and encouraged young people in Verulam and at CRC Chatsworth

June is also the winter period in South Africa, and that shaped much of the outreach during the trip. As part of our winter response, a blanket drive took place, with blankets distributed to people living on the streets across Durban. This was a simple but vital act of care, offering warmth and dignity during the coldest time of the year.

Throughout the mission trip, ministry also took place in and around Durban as teams prayed, worshipped, encouraged, and served within local communities, building relationships and reinforcing the importance of being present.

On June 28th, we hosted our annual worship gathering, He Reigns, at The Station in Durban. Around 1,000 people gathered for a powerful and deeply meaningful night of worship and prayer. This night marked a major milestone for Elev8, as we held our first-ever baptism at an Elev8 gathering and witnessed people publicly surrender their lives to Christ. It was a humbling and unforgettable moment for all of us.

Elev8 2025 was one of those nights where Jesus felt close and real. People were given space to take genuine next steps, we shared our first baptism, and many walked away deeply changed in ways that are hard to put into words. It was honest, powerful, and it truly mattered.

The gathering also carried a strong focus on discipleship and real-life next steps. Through our partnership with Teamwork Bible College and the support of the Lead Like Jesus team, many people signed up for Bible college and expressed a desire to grow deeper in their faith. We also created space for additional opportunities where people could receive prayer, guidance, and practical help. It wasn’t just about one night—it was about opening doors for continued growth, healing, and support beyond the event itself..

During this same season, Elev8 was featured on Lotus FM, a Durban-based radio station known for its community-focused programming. This platform allowed the heart behind the mission to be shared with a wider audience

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September: Dakota Relief After the Fire

In September, tragedy struck the Dakota informal settlement when a fire destroyed approximately 170 informal homes. In response, a team of volunteers — supported by churches coming together in unity — stepped in to help make this project possible, and we are deeply thankful for every person who served.

The team entered the community to offer ministry, presence, and practical care during an incredibly difficult time. Meals were prepared and shared with around 200 people, providing not just food, but comfort, dignity, and hope. This outreach reflected the heart of Elev8 — ordinary people showing up when it mattered most and responding with compassion and action.

November: The Toy Drive

In November, we held our annual toy drive at St Monica’s Children’s Home, reaching over 100 children who live at the home. Now in its 10th year, this is something we have committed to year in and year out, and last year was no different. Once again, it was made possible because amazing volunteers and churches showed up and helped make it happen.

The children had a really special day with meals, gifts, and a meaningful program. St Monica’s faces real challenges every single day, and the children come from a very underprivileged area. For them, this toy drive wasn’t just about receiving gifts — it was a pause from the weight they carry daily. It was a day to laugh, play, enjoy a good meal, and simply be kids. Nothing about it was flashy, but it was honest, full of care, and it truly meant a lot to the children.

December: Carols by Candlelight — Washington, North Carolina

December closed out the year with Carols by Candlelight at Alligood Church of God in Washington, North Carolina. It was honestly just a really special night of worship at Alligood.

We’re grateful to the worship team from Greenville who pulled this together in a short amount of time, and equally thankful for the Alligood worship team, their media team, and the church as a whole. Everyone stepped in, stayed late, helped where needed, and made sure the night ran smoothly. A special thank you to Pastor Bateman — his support and the church’s willingness to open their doors and walk with us meant a lot.

This was the first time something like this had taken place at Alligood. People from the church and the community came together for a genuine night of worship, focused on Jesus and the heart of Christmas. Nothing forced, nothing overdone — just people gathering to worship and end the year together.

Carols by Candlelight reminded us what Christmas is really about—Jesus, community, and unity. Our sincere thanks to Alligood Church of God and Pastor Bateman for making this night possible.”

Elev8 Ripple: Impact Beyond Events

Elev8 Ripple is a new initiative we started in June, built on a very simple idea: one person helping one person, and then passing that care on to someone else. It grew naturally out of the heart behind Elev8 and allowed us to reach more people in meaningful ways.

Ripple isn’t about big moments or scheduled events. It’s about showing up, checking in, and continuing to care long after the event is over. Through consistency, real relationships were formed, trust was built, and practical needs were met throughout the year. It’s faith lived out in everyday moments, one person at a time.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, we truly believe we’re on the edge of something special — not because of momentum or numbers, but because of what God is doing in people’s hearts. As long as we keep our focus on Him and remember why we serve, we trust that He will continue to work everything together for good for those who love Him.

2025 showed us something simple but powerful: when Jesus comes first, everything else flows naturally. When hearts are united around that purpose, lives are changed without force or effort. We are deeply thankful for every person who served — every volunteer, every church, every supporter in Greenville, North Carolina and Durban, South Africa. You showed up, often quietly and sacrificially, and you carried this work with humility and faithfulness. You are the heroes of this story.

John 4:23 says it best: “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.” That’s what this has always been about — not activity, not recognition, just hearts aligned with God.

This journey isn’t finished. We move forward with hope, staying rooted in worship, continuing to serve, and trusting that God is still writing the story. And if we remain faithful, what’s ahead will be even greater than what we’ve seen so far.

2026 lies ahead, and our heart remains the same: Elevate the King, keep Jesus at the center, and walk forward in faith and obedience.”