JOY News July, 2026

Written By Travis Dykes

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

We are so thankful for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and financial support. Because of your partnership, the Lord continues to open doors for the Gospel in Botswana and beyond.

We are excited to share that the Lord is opening another opportunity for ministry in Palapye. Our team from Francistown has begun leading this new work, and we are encouraged by the interest from people who are hungry for God's Word. Please pray that this ministry will continue to grow and that many will come to faith in Christ and be discipled.

Our new Deaf church in Maun is also continuing to grow. We praise God for what He is doing there! One of our greatest prayer requests is for the Lord to provide the right pastor to shepherd this congregation. Carella and I are planning to visit the church during my trip to Botswana in September to encourage the believers, spend time with the leadership, and help strengthen this growing ministry.

As many of you know, I will be returning to Botswana this September and plan to remain there for several months. During this trip, we have an exciting and full ministry schedule. We will be conducting training for our pastors and church leaders across Botswana, investing in the continued development of our national leadership, and working alongside our team at the JOY Life Center as we continue reaching people with both the Gospel and practical help.

To make this trip possible, I am seeking to raise $7,000 to cover travel and ministry expenses. If the Lord leads you to help with this need, your gift will directly support pastor training, church strengthening, evangelism, and the ongoing work of the Life Center during my time in Africa.

More than anything, we ask for your prayers:

  • Pray for the new work in Palapye.

  • Pray for God's provision of a pastor for the church in Maun.

  • Pray for wisdom and fruit as we train pastors and leaders.

  • Pray for the ministry of the JOY Life Center as it continues to impact lives.

  • Pray that God will provide the $7,000 needed for this upcoming ministry trip.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue to live out the Great Commission. We truly could not do this without faithful partners like you. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity are making an eternal difference.

May God richly bless you.

In Christ,

John Travis Dykes
JOY Missions
Living the Gospel. Loving Every Life.

Download a PDF copy to print: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16R405ItFd-SJnwPPyUuU2xIDzl-tNprN/view?usp=share_link

Travis Dykes

For 24 years, Travis Dykes has faithfully served as a missionary and pastor, dedicating his life to the Great Command by making disciples in Botswana and across the world. After decades of ministry in Africa, he is now stepping into a full-time role in pastoral care, leadership training, and Deaf outreach with Reach Missions. In this new season, Travis will continue to pour into global partners, equip leaders, and share the Gospel where it has yet to be heard.

As Travis begins this next chapter, we invite you to prayerfully consider becoming a monthly financial partner. Your support directly strengthens his work to reach the unreached, encourage frontline workers, and expand the Kingdom of God in tangible, life-changing ways.

Travis is currently serving in multiple nations, with a primary focus in Botswana and Ethiopia, and your partnership helps make that possible.

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