Drum and dance from Tanzania

Beyond Momentary Relief

I was 15 years old, when I embarked on my first mission’s trip to Gera, East Germany. Little did I know that this would be the experience that sparked the beginning of a lifelong passion. The team and I worked hard to help restore an old church that had been overtaken by the Nazis during WWII. Even at such a young age, I could sense the lack of hope that seemed to dwell among those living there. The native pastor and his staff worked hard to bring hope to this communist-devastated people and I was grateful to be part of such a task.

 In the year of 2003, my heart was burdened to help the helpless. From the moment I stepped into the orphan wing of the Romanian state hospital, my heart was utterly broken. So many babies abandoned and forever branded, in that culture, as “unlovable” and “unworthy”. Scanning the room of filth-covered babies, I saw one little boy, Sebastian, who was not only labeled as “unlovable”, but was also mentally retarded. I picked him up and his little body stiffened from lack of physical touch. Tears burned my eyes at the knowing of the worth he had, but would later be told he lacks. Silently rocking him and praying over him, I wept and with a knowing that even if every ounce of love I had could be wrung out for him, it would never be enough; it was Jesus he would need. 

From 2003 to 2005, God opened the door for me to work in Sudan, East Africa. There are too many life-changing experiences to list here, but I can honestly tell you that I left that country of beautiful people, knowing what my purpose in life is. I left, not only with a determination to follow God wherever He leads, but with a knowing that I was created to love people with every ounce of love I can muster, and most importantly, to share the hope that is Jesus. 

To help rebuild broken pasts, to love the unlovable, to hold the hurting, to feed the hungry, to empty my pockets and give all that I have for the poor may help momentarily, but it does not leave a transformed life- It is only when these are done with the hope that Jesus brings; With his healing power that restores, heals, and makes brand new; With his freedom from the bondage of sin; With his promise of forgiveness and eternal life with Him. This is the Hope. 

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Sukuma Harvest Dance