Are you open to the will of God on your life? This was a question that I was confronted by while reading Richard Stearns’ A Hole in Our Gospel. In this book, we are challenged with helping those who live in extreme poverty. As I poured through the book, my heart was broken when I read the statistics regarding those living in extreme poverty who struggled daily to eat even just one meal, locate safe and clean water, attend school and have access to health care. I began to question whether or not I was neglecting God’s desires by not serving our “neighbors” who just happened to live at a different latitude.
As I continued to read, research and contemplate the circumstances in countries with extreme poverty, I felt a gentle nudge to begin exploring mission trips. What an intimidating thing to consider as a mom of 3 young children. I tried to talk myself out of it, but there it was, everyday in my heart and on my mind. So I began to learn about the available trips, and over the course of a few months I contacted several potential groups organizing trips to visit orphanages in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The first trip I contacted was already full, so they added me to their waitlist and told me they would call if a spot opened up. Two groups told me that they were only accepting members of their church for the trip. And I didn’t receive a call back for the other three. My prayers throughout this process were for patience and guidance because I certainly didn’t know which trip God wanted me to go on, or if this is something that I should even do. And as each of these doors closed, I realized that I could be disappointed, or I could be thankful that God was guiding me. I chose the latter and kept praying and listening.
Then one day while at church, I was encouraged to talk to another member whose daughter had gone on a mission trip to Ethiopia. As I introduced myself to her, I realized that there was an instant connection. After listening to me share what had been put on my heart, she offered to set up a meeting between me and her daughter. I met with her daughter a week later and she shared with me about her experiences in mission work in Ethiopia, and how she had been working with an orphanage called Lola Children’s Home in Mekele, which is a village north of Addis. The Director, Abebe, had been orphaned as a child while living in Mekele, but had moved to Addis and had lived in an orphanage there until he “graduated”. After leaving the orphanage, Abebe had persevered and had obtained a college degree in social work. His mission in life was to set up an orphanage in Mekele so that HIV+ orphans in his hometown would have a place to live and receive the appropriate medications to treat their disease. This dream came to fruition last year, and my new friend had been there to help him establish the orphanage. I felt compelled to partner with Abebe and his vision, but I felt constrained by the fact that ALL of the available mission trips only went to Addis. I thought that this was not an option, but of course, God’s plans are always greater than what I can even consider!
My new friend also shared that she was going back to Mekele two weeks later to visit Abebe and to bring medical supplies to the orphanage. I asked if she would be able to inquire about recommended mission trip organizations while there. So, I waited (somewhat patiently) for the 14 days that she was gone, and when I received an e-mail from her I was very excited. She shared that her trip went well, and that she did inquire about reputable organizations and was told that I should look into All God’s Children International (AGCI). When I first read this my heart sank. I knew that I had already been on their website and that it was marked as CLOSED. I thought that this door had already been closed on me. But, I decided that if God was putting this in front of me again, that the least that I could do was to call AGCI.
So I called AGCI, and spoke with Rebekah, the Ethiopia mission coordinator. I inquired about the trip and whether it was possible to still register. Her response was an uplifting, “YES!!!” Then she proceeded to explain the trip was included 5 days in Mekele at Lola Children’s Home. I was completely overwhelmed and in disbelief when I realized that she was saying that I had an opportunity to go and serve God at an orphanage that I felt I already knew through my new friend! I shared with Rebekah the unlikely coincidence (which, I know was all part of God’s plan) and how I knew of Abebe and she shared her excitement with me. I KNEW, without a doubt, that this was the trip that God wanted me to go on!
As I booked a 10 days mission trip as a mom of 3 children, I realized that I felt no anxiety—only peace knowing that God is walking with me. I also understand now that there is no perfect time for serving others. At every stage in life there will always be challenges to overcome and barriers to cross. No matter what you current situation, God can make a way for you. It is not about doing things for God, but being with God: living in His presence, hearing His voice and direction, and being available to serve him — through His strengths and gifts, not your own.
On this mission trip I will:
· Fly from Washington DC to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 20th and return on May 30th.
· Spend 2 days at Hannah’s Hope Orphanage, loving on the children there and doing crafts and games with them.
· We then fly up to Mekele, and spend 5 days at Lola Children’s Home.
· We will also be working with an organization called Rachel’s Faith, which empowers women by teaching them vocational skills (like basket weaving, embroidery, salon skills) so that they can take these skills back to their village and make a living.
My hopes for this trip are to:
· build, clean, and serve as much as I can while I am there visiting the orphanages.
· love on the orphaned children (this is my favorite part!).
· listen to the needs and prayers of the orphanages, and see if there is some way to support them in the future.
· worship God in a new community with new “neighbors”.
I know that God will be directing me while I am there. I know that my life will be changed after this experience and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with others so that we can continue to foster these relationships with our “neighbors”.
And so I leave you with a closing question that I continue to ponder. Bono, from the band U2, states “We can be the generation that no longer accepts that an accident of latitude determines whether a child lives or dies. But will we be that generation?” (Foreword to The End of Poverty (2005) by Jeffrey Sachs).
Are you open to the will of God on your life?
Happy Thursday,jen
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