I’m Ellen Stines, an American missionary serving in South Africa and a doctoral student studying how missionaries can build sustainable support for long-term ministry.
My work is centered on walking with people, helping create space for discipleship, and pointing people toward hope and freedom in Jesus. I want the way I serve to be both practical and deeply personal.
I serve with Fire & Fragrance South Africa in Potchefstroom, living and working in a missions community committed to prayer, evangelism, training, and seeing people meet Jesus.
Through Hope Again, I help lead a weekly outreach to people in recovery, creating space for honest conversations, prayer, Bible study, and the hope and freedom found in Jesus.
My doctoral work explores how new missionaries can build sustainable, relational support so they can remain healthy, faithful, and effective in long-term missions.
For me, Hope Again is about showing up, listening well, and walking with people as they find hope and freedom in Jesus.
Each week, I serve with Hope Again, a local rehabilitation outreach. It’s a place for honest conversations and renewed faith.
How can we equip new missionaries to fundraise in ways that are biblical, relational, culturally aware, and sustainable for long-term missions?
My goal is not simply to teach people how to ask for money. It is to help form healthy missionaries who understand generosity, communicate with courage and gratitude, build genuine partnerships, and remain in their calling for the long haul.