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Follow Forward in God’s Adventure

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Adapted from a conversation with Bec Scales, former director of Life Child, on the Follow Forward Podcast.*

I moved to South Africa in 1998, when I was 23. It was ostensibly going to be a two-year church placement before returning to the UK. Little did I know that it was a massive step in uncovering God’s African adventure for my life… one that is still being revealed almost 30 years later.

Bec Scales similarly made a move to South Africa, a step into the unknown borne out of obedience to God. There’s something remarkable about leaders who keep saying “yes” to God — not because the road is easy, but because they’ve learned to trust His voice more than their comfort.

Bec’s story is full of moments of faith, where she said yes to God despite not knowing the whole picture. Her story is an honest, faith-filled adventure. And it’s the kind of story emerging leaders need to hear right now.

A Heart Formed Early

Bec grew up in a Jesus-loving family in Australia. At just six years old, she remembers saying to her mum: “I want to know God like you do.”

That simple prayer set the trajectory of her life. But it wasn’t until she encountered God in unexpected places — like a Hong Kong church service at age 15 — that her heart for the nations was ignited.

“God opened my eyes and my heart to the world… that was a key turning point for the future in missions.”

The seeds of calling were planted long before she knew where they would lead. As a 15-year-old all she knew was that the next step of obedience was to be baptised as a public declaration that she fully trusted God.

Leadership Formed through Loss

And her faith in God was tested to the core when, as a young adult, her mum unexpectedly died.

After losing her mum, she faced the hardest theological question of all: Is God still good when He doesn’t do what we hoped?

Her youth pastor challenged her: “Surely your view of God doesn’t change based on whether He healed your mum or not?”

Bec responded with a lifelong commitment:

“I’m never going to shake my fist at God because I don’t understand.”

That conviction sustained her through years of ministry among children facing trauma, poverty, and heartbreak.

A Courageous Yes to Cape Town

Fast forward a few years. While backpacking through East Africa, Bec prayed a bold prayer:

“God, I’ll go anywhere in the world — as long as I know You’ve sent me and You’re going with me.”

That prayer led her to a providential meeting with Pastor Anthony Liebenberg, who invited her to Cape Town. She didn’t know the city, the church, or the people — but she recognised the voice of God and said “yes” to the next adventure.

And true to her word, she packed up her life in eight weeks and landed in Cape Town as Life Church’s new Youth Pastor — a job she didn’t apply for in a city she had never seen.

But obedience doesn’t bypass testing. Those early months were difficult as she adjusted to a different culture and navigated various challenges. Yet God kept whispering one phrase: “Stay at your post.”

Bec’s durability was forged in those first hard weeks.

Where Beauty and Brokenness Meet

I often say that I have a love-hate relationship. I love the beauty, diversity and uniqueness of this incredible city. And yet, I hate the contrast between rich and poor, which is sewn into the very fabric of this most unequal city.

As Cape Town became home to Bec, she experienced the same tension. Cape Town is breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. Serving in Sea Point exposed her to the complexities of urban youth ministry. But it was stepping into Life Child that deeply shaped her calling.

“Kids are kids no matter where they are… they still deserve love, security, protection.”

Through the work in the Cape Town townships of Samora Machel and Kosovo, she discovered both the depths of vulnerability and the incredible resilience of families living there.

“There were incredible people shining their lights… they just needed strengthening and equipping.”

Bec was becoming a Christ-centred advocate for the voiceless, a conviction that she carries deeply in her being.

A Life-Changing Yes: Becoming a Mum

One of the most beautiful parts of Bec’s story is her journey into motherhood. In 2011, God placed twin baby girls — Buhle and Okuhle — in her arms. Again, it started with a question from God: “Will you say yes?”

She said yes before she understood the cost, the complications, or the miracles that would be required.

“I’ll be their mum if You’ll be their Father. A Father protects and provides.”

And God did protect and provide, through years of paperwork, visa challenges, and faith-testing waiting. Her daughters are now 15 and thriving.

After 15 years in Cape Town, God began nudging Bec toward another unknown step: returning to Australia so her daughters could gain citizenship. It was a new season, but it required the same commitment to obedience.

“If God wants us to do this, He has to make it all happen. And He did — miracle after miracle after miracle.”

In January 2024, they moved to Brisbane to start a new chapter — still following forward.

Advice for Emerging Leaders

I asked Bec what she’d say to young leaders who sense God calling them into the unknown. She didn’t hesitate:

“Just do it. I’m not going to sugarcoat it…. First hear God. If you can say, ‘The Lord said to me,’ then you can step out in confidence.”

She went on to say,

“I’m so grateful I didn’t hold back out of fear… My life would have been so different if I hadn’t said yes to His open doors.”

Her story is a reminder that following Jesus isn’t safe — but it is beautiful. And the adventure only begins when we take the courageous step forward.

Where might God be inviting you to say a courageous “yes” — even if it leads into the unknown?

What step of obedience have you been delaying because of fear, and how might trusting God reshape your response?

So wherever God is nudging you — a city you’ve never seen, a ministry you didn’t plan, a responsibility you don’t feel ready for — may you have the courage to say “yes”. God’s adventure always begins with obedience.

To find out more about the Follow Forward podcast, click here.
To listen to Daniel’s interview, choose your preferred platform: YouTube, Apple, or Spotify.

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Introducing the Follow Forward Podcast

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My New Journey in Christ‑Centred Leadership

In a culture where influence, platforms, and personal brand often seem to define leadership, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn back to the simplicity of Jesus’ words: “Follow me” (e.g. Mt. 4:19). Those words are shaping my understanding of leadership more than anything else. They remind me that, at its core, leadership in God’s kingdom has never been about prominence or visibility—it has always begun by following the example of Christ.

That conviction is what led me to start the Follow Forward Podcast, launching in January 2026. As a leadership development initiative of The Message Trust, I aim to create a space where we can explore Christ-centred leadership through honest and thoughtful conversations with men and women serving faithfully across Africa and beyond.

Why I Called It “Follow Forward”

The simple idea is this: great leadership grows out of great followership. Before we try to lead anyone else, we’re called first to follow Jesus. Before we think about influence, we think about obedience. Before we attempt to shape the world, we allow Him to shape us. Additionally, we should strive to follow the example of other leaders who emulate Christ, as Paul succinctly stated, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

“Follow Forward” expresses that journey of moving step by step with Christ, trusting Him to guide us into whatever lies ahead. My desire is not to elevate personalities but to uncover the deeper stories of God’s work in the lives of ordinary leaders learning to follow Him faithfully.

What the Podcast Will Be Like

Each episode invites listeners into an unhurried conversation. These are not polished success stories or leadership formulas. They’re stories of real people navigating calling, challenge, perseverance, and transformation. I want listeners to hear the wisdom that comes from lived experience—the kind that emerges through wrestling, listening, and trusting God in the hidden places.

The leaders who join me come from a wide range of contexts: local churches, community initiatives, non-profits, grassroots movements, and global networks. Many serve across Africa or within the African diaspora, each carrying a unique perspective shaped by culture, context, and faith.

Together, we explore what it means to follow Jesus as leaders today. We talk about how to steward influence without losing our soul, what we can learn from different cultural expressions of faith, and how God might be shaping leaders across Africa and around the globe for this particular moment in history.

Who This Podcast Is For

I hope that this becomes a companion for anyone who wants to grow in Christ‑centred leadership—whether you’re a young leader still finding your voice or someone who has been serving for decades but desires fresh encouragement and perspective. Even if you’re simply curious about what God is doing across the continent, I believe these stories will be life-giving.

What I long to offer through Follow Forward is a blend of practical wisdom, spiritual depth, cross-cultural insight, and a renewed sense of hope. I want leaders to walk away reminded that God is at work—often quietly, often unexpectedly—and that faithful obedience matters more than anything we might build or achieve.

Launching January 2026

New episodes will be released weekly, providing a steady rhythm of encouragement and reflection. If you’re longing for leadership conversations that go deeper—rooted in Scripture, shaped by real life, and connected to what God is doing globally—I would love for you to join me on this journey.

Real voices. Global stories. Christ‑centred leadership.

🎙️ Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/followforwardpodcast

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Grab a Towel French Edition Launched in Togo

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In July 2025, over 200 leaders gathered in Lomé, Togo for a two-day Servant Leadership Conference. Hosted by Developing Africa Together and The Message Trust, this event marked a major milestone, as it featured the official launch of the French edition of Grab a Towel, titled Saisir une Serviette.

Given my passion for equipping African leaders, this is a significant step forward. Across Africa, 21 countries list French as a primary or secondary language, with an estimated 167 million French-speaking people. This represents a huge opportunity, especially as there is a clear shortage of Christian leadership resources available in French.

Why Togo?

This is one of those incredible stories that only God could orchestrate.

A few years ago, I received a Facebook message from Steve Williams, an American pastor from Ohio, who had read Grab a Towel and wanted to buy copies for all his friends in Christian leadership. One of those friends was Emmanuel Agbovi, a Togolese expat living in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also an elder at Christ Community Chapel, a church attended by some mutual close friends of mine, whom I was scheduled to visit in 2023.

This led to a divine connection. I was able to meet both Steve and Emmanuel in person. Emmanuel had read the book and shared it with English-speaking pastors in Togo, who all felt strongly that it needed to be available in French. Emmanuel’s charity, Developing Africa Together, agreed to sponsor the translation and commissioned Pastor Raphael Guegue, a Togolese leader, to translate the book.

And so, oulà, the journey began. The final result is a beautifully translated edition, complete with the interaction guide.

Launching in Lomé

In July 2025, I travelled to Togo for the official launch. Togo is a beautiful country located between Benin and Ghana. I was joined by two South African pastors and warmly hosted by Emmanuel and Raphael.

It was an incredible experience. We have now begun praying and planning for the opening of a Message hub in Togo. As you’ll see from the feedback below, the response to the conference was overwhelmingly positive.

We now hope to serve other French-speaking nations with servant leadership resources and training. If you would like more information, please feel free to get in touch.

The French edition is also available on Kindle. You can find it here:
👉 https://amzn.eu/d/46OXqYU
Please share the link with anyone who might benefit.

Conference Reflections from Delegates

Pasteur Didier Kougblenou

“I give glory to God for the success of this conference held in Lomé on 10–11 July 2025, under the theme Christ-Centred Servant Leadership.

The sessions reminded me once again that, to be a servant leader according to God’s heart, we must love, humble ourselves, and serve, while keeping Jesus Christ at the centre of our leadership.

I was enriched, encouraged, and strengthened. It is a personal challenge I now carry into the next phase of my ministry.

I commend the speakers for the quality and depth of their teaching, and express deep gratitude to Developing Africa Together for making this impactful event a reality, for the glory of God.”

Virginie Kpamnona

“This Christ-Centred Servant Leadership conference truly challenged me. Through gospel-based teaching, I rediscovered a leadership model rooted in humility, service, and sacrificial love.

The facilitators powerfully highlighted how Jesus, by washing His disciples’ feet and giving His life, embodies perfect leadership. It made me reflect deeply on how I lead, not by trying to impress or dominate, but by serving those around me.

What touched me most was the reminder that true leadership begins with a heart transformed and fully obedient to God.

This conference strengthened my commitment to live out Christian virtues more intentionally, both personally and professionally.”

Pasteur Ferdinand Kpakou

“I give thanks to God for this powerful conference held on 10–11 July 2025, under the theme Christ-Centred Leadership.

I left encouraged, strengthened, and deeply challenged. This event has had a profound impact on me and has brought real transformation in my life. By God’s grace, it will also bring lasting change in my ministry.

The speakers were experienced and shared not just theory, but truths they live out. I have studied servant leadership before, but this conference provided practical tools and fresh insights.

One phrase still echoes in my heart, ‘In unity and mutual submission, it’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one seeks the credit.’

May God continue to bless the organisers and speakers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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A Table of Empowerment: Lessons from Nehemiah

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Many Christian leaders look to the biblical character Nehemiah for inspiration. His story—rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem amidst life-threatening opposition—is well known. With unwavering faith, he completed a seemingly impossible task because he believed deeply in the call God had placed on his life.

But beyond the big, dramatic moments of his leadership, there’s a more intimate and often overlooked scene that has shaped my approach to leadership. It’s found in Nehemiah 5:17–18:

“Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.”

To my mind, this is servant leadership at its finest.

Not only did Nehemiah reject the privileges normally afforded to someone in his position, but he also used his personal resources to provide for his leadership team. Can you imagine being a fly on the wall at that daily barbecue? No wonder his team served alongside him with such loyalty and sacrifice.

A Leader Who Empowers

Nehemiah understood that the secret of great leadership is to serve and empower others to fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives. By setting a generous table, he wasn’t just feeding people—he was multiplying his impact through the leaders around him.

That’s my dream, too.

As the African Development Director for The Message Trust, I’ve felt called to empower and equip emerging African leaders. In my context, that means laying a table of resources, opportunities, and support—a place where others can thrive and grow.

A Table for the Continent

Recently, we took a significant step toward that vision by hosting our first Africa Leaders Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. We gathered over 20 leaders from 11 African countries—each one passionate about reaching their communities with the hope of Jesus.

Our goals were simple but powerful:

  • Foster unity
  • Learn from one another
  • Launch an African Leaders Network to strengthen our shared mission

Our desire is to reach the least, last, and lost with the Good News of Jesus—and to see them flourish in both faith and life. This summit was just the beginning.

Worship, Wisdom, and a Shared Vision

Some of my favorite moments from the summit were during worship and prayer. We praised God in unity while expressing our diversity in language, culture, and style. It was a beautiful glimpse of the Church in all its richness.

Another highlight was simply listening—hearing how God is moving in different regions of the continent. The depth of insight and quality of conversation was truly inspiring.

Support the Movement

Please pray for the continued development of our Africa Leaders Network. If you’d like more information or want to get involved, feel free to reach out.

I’ll close with a powerful quote from one of our summit delegates:

“Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and different countries was truly enriching. It provided a unique opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences, cultures, and perspectives. These interactions not only broadened my understanding of global issues but also fostered meaningful connections that I hope will grow into lasting partnerships.”

The first Message Africa Leaders Summit, with delegates representing South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Nigeria, Togo, Gabon, Ghana, DRC, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Kenya and UK.