Following God.
Africa.
A place that holds a piece of me.
Back when I was in school, I dreamt of seeing in person the amazing sights that I read about in books. I strongly felt that one day I’d visit, but the extent of what God would show me and how He would shape my heart for these people along the way was beyond anything I could have imagined or prayed for.
In 2009, God presented me with the opportunity to join a short-term missions team heading to Kenya. The timing of this opportunity was perfect, because I had tried to go to Africa in 2001 on a study-abroad program through school. At the time I didn’t understand why I was denied the chance to indulge something I was so passionate about, but God knew when and where I needed to be in life to experience Africa in a way that would honor Him and break me, for the good. I fell in love with the children we met who desired to be touched and loved. The singing and dancing of the people we met showed a joy and celebration I have never felt before, even when I didn’t understand a single word. And the praise I heard from those who had very little when they received a package of food was humbling. God broke me in areas I needed to let go of, to lay it down at the cross, so that I may find more of Him and less of me and how to share the Hope we find in Christ in new ways. My heart was forever changed after that first trip and God has continued to sculpt and mold me since.
In 2020, I had the opportunity to go on a vision trip to Uganda and Kenya to serve wherever needed while listening and taking time to be still with the Lord. In those few months, God showed me how the intricate layers of ministry meld together and the plethora of gifts needed to run such an organization. He opened my eyes and heart to possibilities of how He can use anyone, even me, to help reach others with the Truth.
As I prayed for God to open the door to where He would lead me, He used a friend to shed light on a need at Sunflower Ministries. Although it is an administrative position more behind the scenes, He uses each individual with their unique gifts to shine His light. I am blessed and I look forward to seeing where this leads and how I can Honor Him in each layer.
