Ben and Kelsi Patton

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OUR STORYWe are Ben and Kelsi. Our passion is Jesus and seeing the Gospel and revival transform families around the world.We first landed in Africa in 2018, and God spoke clearly to us about joining Overland Missions and ministering in Zanzibar.So, for the last eight years we have been committed to reaching the lost, making disciples, and training up national leaders in Zanzibar amongst some of the least reached people of the world.Since we arrived here, tens of thousands of people have been reached with the Gospel for the first time. Many thousands have called on the name of Jesus for salvation: on the streets, in the prisons, and on remote islands that previously had no Christians living on them. We have seen God powerfully transform the lives of many Muslims, witchdoctors, prostitutes and drug addicts, and even children, through the ministries we and our team launched.However, our biggest vision from the start was to raise up disciples and young ministers who would carry on the ministry well after we were gone. That vision has come to pass.We arrived to Zanzibar with a team of six missionaries. We have now helped build the team to over 40 local and Western ministers who are dear friends of ours and whole heartedly committed to the mission. They are well equipped to finish the job in Zanzibar.Now the Lord is leading us into the next phase of our ministry.SOUTH AFRICASo what will we be doing?The Holy Spirit has spoken three things clearly to us.South Africa, revival ministry, and marriage ministry.1. South Africa: From August 2026 we will live and base ministry from South Africa.2. Revival ministry: Carrying revival is part of who we are. Wherever the Lord takes us, we preach the Gospel, lead people into life-changing encounters with Jesus, and stir believers to give everything to Him — stepping fully into the calling and destiny He has for their lives.3. Marriage Ministry: Marriage ministry has been a growing passion of ours that the Lord is now releasing us to focus on. Over the years we have invested in couples through personal marriage counseling and short teachings. Now we will launch an in-depth online course to help couples experience deeper intimacy with each other and Jesus. We desire to see revival break out within families, not just in the church buildings.We will first release this Kingdom marriage course in English which can help accelerate and fund the expansion of ministry into other languages and nations.Our goal is to impact 10,000 marriages over the next couple years.We cannot wait to see where the Lord takes things from there.Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Our transition to South Africa

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FAQs

When are you moving?
July 22nd, 2026.Are you coming back to the USA first?
No. We are going directly to South Africa. We plan to spend 6 months there, then come to the US for a short visit in January 2027.Are you joining another organization or founding your own?
We believe God is leading us to build a new ministry from the ground up. We are praying and taking steps toward registering our own non-profit. For the time being we will be independent missionaries, under the spiritual oversight of our pastor Ferrill Gallaway and Bethel Christian Center in Durham, NC.Are our donations tax deductible?
Not yet. Setting up a non profit and receiving 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the US will take time.Will you still be involved in the ministry in Zanzibar?
Absolutely! We have poured our hearts and souls into Zanzibar and our disciples and team there. We will continue to counsel, support, encourage, and pray for them from afar. We plan to visit the team also.Who is taking your place in Zanzibar?
We are leaving a powerful team of 40+ missionaries who will continue the ministry there. Our dear friend and co-worker who has been assistant director alongside of us is taking our place as team leader.Are you leaving because of problems with Overland Missions, your team, or personal struggles?
Absolutely not. We have nothing but gratitude and respect for Overland and our team. It has been a great blessing working with them for the last eight years. We will continue in relationship and partnership with them. We are in a healthy place personally as well, and very excited for this next chapter in our story. We were determined to only leave in victory, and that is what is happening. We are going from glory to glory.Will you be planting a church?
We will do whatever the Spirit leads us to, but that is not our plan. We feel called to a multinational ministry to empower the church, Christian leaders, and bring revival to marriages and families.

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