Dale and Brenda Austin have always had a heart for missions. Both grew up in households of pastors who greatly admired the work of missionaries. As a child, Brenda spent ample time around her pioneer missionary grandparents, E.L. and Nona Freeman, and was greatly influenced by their passion for souls in Africa. Dale graduated from Christian Life College in Stockton, California, majoring in missions.
Before joining Global Missions, they served for nine years as Associate Pastor and Director of International Ministries in Salt Lake City. During that time, Dale did some short-term Bible school teaching in Germany. In 2019, they went to the country of Namibia on the Associates In Missions program to work with the Ikerds. They served in various capacities that included preaching and teaching the GATS curriculum in several locations around the country.
While serving in Namibia, they were asked if they would consider transferring to South Africa. After much prayer and counsel, and a request from the General Board of the UPCSA, they went to South Africa in December 2019. Since their arrival there, the Austins have pastored a church in Vanderbijlpark, a city in the industrial hub of the Gauteng province. From there they branch out to minister in various capacities and events throughout the country. In 2021, they were promoted to Associate Missionary status, and in May 2023 they were appointed Intermediate Missionaries to South Africa. They continue to preach and teach around the nation and work with the GATS program, while also assisting in the administration of the UPCSA.