BECOMING THE BATTERSONS
Bill and Amanda met as high school sweethearts in Michigan. He pursued a career path while she earned her teaching degree from Cornerstone University. They married in 2006 and boldly moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they built a life at Freedom House Church while Bill worked for Pepsi and Amanda taught elementary school. Their son Owen joined the family in 2011.
BECOMING A TRIBE
A 17-day trip to Tanzania in 2012 changed everything when they felt God's call to Moshi. After a confirmatory visit in early 2013, they sold nearly everything and moved there that August, just 14 months after first setting foot in the country.
For four years, they served with Global Effect and Hope International School, helping transform it from a homeschool co-op into a thriving international school of nearly 100 students. Bill taught preschool and PE, while Amanda taught middle school before moving into curriculum + logistics coordinator.
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They also supported other missionaries through administration, photography, and ministry efforts, while Owen spread joy through playground evangelism where he played playground games like Poison Apple,​
REFINING THE MISSION
During a 2016 furlough retreat with life coaches, they clarified their mission: to be catalysts for transformation, equipping others by helping visionaries execute their goals. They realized they were "project managers" for God's work, meant to empower nationals and share Jesus's love through authentic relationships. This insight revealed their calling as a "nomadic tribe," ready to serve wherever needed until local leaders could take the reins.
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THE END GOAL
Through it all, their core mission remains unchanged: living as genuine witnesses to Jesus's transformative love, building healthy relationships with both locals and expatriates, and sharing the freedom they've found in Christ through their daily lives and interactions.
