Adyson Waite ’22 has touched the lives of more than 450 children in Malawi through school ministry. In addition to training teachers in her community to better support the local youth, Waite hosts a Bible Camp for children, providing them with a safe and exciting space to connect with each other, their leaders, and grow closer to Jesus. From 2 to 20-year-olds, Waite loves engaging with students, inspiring them to embrace God’s divine word.
Originally from Encinitas, Calif., Waite knew she wanted to work with kids since she was a teenager. Growing up involved in church, Waite frequently helped with Sunday school teaching and went on short term mission trips. Sadly, when she was 13-years-old, her father passed away. “Many of the people I was close to didn’t know how to walk alongside my family in grief,” she said. “Caring for my loved ones throughout that time made me realize I want to be there for people who might not look like they need help, because I knew what it was like to hide that pain behind closed doors.” As Waite reconnected with God, she discovered that teaching is her calling. She hopes to be the kind of educator who notices when a student might be covering up their struggles, and can support them in the way God leads her to.
Waite had a number of schools in Southern California in mind when applying for college. A friend who had been accepted to Azusa Pacific University recommended checking out the campus. “I ended up not even going on the two additional tours I had planned at other schools because once I walked through APU, I instantly fell in love,” Waite said. She fondly recalls people on Cougar Walk saying hi to her and her mom as they explored the campus for the first time. The students’ hearts were as beautiful as the flowers blooming on campus.
In 2018, Waite began her studies as a youth and family ministries major. She loved the tight knit community of professors and students in the program, who became some of her closest friends. Her interest in elementary education led her to change majors to liberal studies. “That was the best shift I could’ve made, because I found the field I loved and that fit the calling on my heart,” Waite said. Interacting with people of various backgrounds expanded her professional, personal, and spiritual growth. “APU truly facilitates community, encouraging great conversations that are the catalyst for being firm in your beliefs,” she said.
The most pivotal experience for Waite during her time at APU was getting to study abroad in South Africa in 2020. Although her time was cut short due to the pandemic, the few months she spent there ignited a passion for sustainable development, training, and equipping local leaders in education. In 2021, Waite connected with the founder of the ministry that aligned with these values and invited her to where she is now. Two weeks after graduation, Waite moved to Malawi with a suitcase and a heart for serving the community through her God-given skills.
“I’m so thankful for the ways APU equipped me to confidently enter the field from the start,” Waite said. “Through all the ups and downs, I’ve never had a sliver of doubt or lack of peace.” For the past three years, Waite has grown tremendously, acknowledging God’s handiwork in every area of her life. “Despite studying sustainable development, I am still learning everyday. I constantly come back to the idea that I am here to bring more people toward Jesus and not the American ideals.” The improvement Waite has witnessed affirmed that good fruit is the result of keeping God at the center of her ambitions.
While training teachers is Waite’s main role, she shows up for students in unexpected ways, walking alongside children in need and being a light in times of family crisis. Hosting the annual Bible Camps is a huge passion for Waite as she watches students become empowered to follow their aspirations. “Seeing young women know their value in Christ and community is especially heartwarming,” Waite said. Her biggest dream is to establish a partnership with a lodge to host camps year round for Malawians and invite local churches to join.
“I strongly believe that God equips the called,” Waite said. “When you don’t feel like you’re enough, or like finances will come through, or the timeline feels daunting, it’s so powerful to step into faith and let God show up for you.”
As Waite reflected on her journey, she fondly remembers the joy of living with her friends at APU and having rich conversations all the time throughout college. “That’s something Malawi has, and I encourage everyone to implement the kind of mindset that upholds consistently cultivating relationships,” she said. Showing up for people in various ways is at the core of Waite’s calling, both in her vocation and life overall. “You don’t have to travel somewhere far. Start with who’s next door and God will multiply those efforts and lead you where you’re meant to go.”