Vision beyond sight – Andre and Jen’s story
A Foundation Laid
Following Jesus has never been boring for us. Some seasons have been fast and full of travel, others slower and deeply refining—but all of them have carried purpose. Thirty years ago, when our children were young, we created a family crest and chose the Scripture, “Blessed to be a blessing to all nations.” That verse has quietly anchored every chapter since. We joined El Shaddai at its inception in November 1993
We joined El Shaddai at its inception in November 1993, and from 1996 to 2011 we were involved in outreach across Asia and the Northern Hemisphere. In 2000 and again in 2004, we began taking young people on outreach to Southern Africa—Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and many trips to Botswana to the San people. We loved the adventure of cross-cultural relationships, discovering that when you understand the “why” behind a custom, what once seemed strange becomes deeply meaningful.
Between 2012 and 2025, life looked very different. Serious health challenges marked those years, and we found ourselves in a long, stretching season. Yet even there, God was at work. Andre completed a degree and continued investing in people struggling with shame and brokenness. My own visual impairment led me to develop an assistive technology product, stepping more intentionally into the disability community. In both movement and stillness, we kept asking, “Lord, how can we best serve in this next chapter?”
A Call to Adventure Again
On 5 January, our son sensed prophetically that it was time for adventure again. Within a week, that word began to unfold. On 12 January, I was invited to join an Africa Trilateral Expansion pilot project—six startups learning how to expand into one another’s countries, supported by the UK’s FCDO through UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub. It felt far bigger than “little me.” I needed to take my “team” to Kenya for a boot camp—so my biggest supporter and best friend, Andre, took leave to be that team.
At the same time, Andre was invited by New Creation Church in Johannesburg to present a workshop to 41 singles and lead a Valentine’s Date Night for 42 couples. I supported and co-presented, and it was a meaningful time of breaking shame and restoring hope. We also preached at Community Development Church in Muldersdrift, where we were prayed over before heading to our next stop, Nairobi.
In Nairobi five packed days included ten meetings and a networking event. We met government officials, entrepreneurs, educators, and people living with various impairments. We visited schools, special education projects, and workshops producing wheelchairs and assistive devices. There was genuine excitement around PadPerch as an alternative assistive technology solution. I loved sharing the words God had given me at the start: “Use what is in your hands,” and later, “Let the blind say, I can see.”
Andre was an extraordinary wingman. He connected deeply with others, and one young engineer shared in a feedback session that he would have given up if not for Andre’s encouragement and attention. We also built friendships with the Ghanaian team and shared joyful moments together.
We were deeply moved by the realities many families face—particularly mothers left to raise children with disabilities alone. Our hearts broke, yet we were grateful to speak hope and destiny over young entrepreneurs longing for love and value. We even had the joy of encouraging a new restaurant owner who proudly hosted us on the second night at his Italian bistro.
Still Saying Yes
Years ago, we told the Lord we would go anywhere, anytime, with anyone—if His presence went with us. That commitment still stands. This journey is still unfolding because Jesus loves people—especially those who may not yet know their worth or purpose.
Following Him is not dull or predictable. Wherever He leads, things happen. As we step toward 2026, our desire is not only to have His presence with us but to be fully present with Him—seeking, following, and saying, “Yes, Lord.”
Where might He be leading you next?
– Andre & Jenny Webbster