I remember the first time I prayed about going to Africa. I was laying on Herty field at the University of Georgia my freshman year in college. I had a bible study that met there, and my leader at the time was talking about it. I don't remember what specifically laid it on my heart, but I began praying that I would be able to go.
At one point I had heard about a missionary in India that had forty adopted children and was doing amazing work. She was asked "When did the Lord call you to go to India?" And she replied something like this: "The Lord didn't call me to India, He called me to go. I just ended up in India." This statement had a profound impact on my desire to serve the Lord, and how I could do it. I didn't go to Africa while I was in college, but I had several opportunities to serve the Nations in other ways. I went on several overseas mission trips, but I also did several mission trips here in the United States. I learned that whether here or there, Jesus is calling us to be his hands and feet. Whether on a train in Tokyo, a road in Kenya, a bus in Athens, GA, or (now) a tiny classroom in Lincolnton... His desire is to see our hearts stitched together as one family, knowing one God, and loving one Son.
During my first year of teaching here in Lincolnton, I was reminded of an organization called The 410 Bridge. They send teams to Kenya, among other places, and I signed up to go. I was new in my community at the time, but was overwhelmed at the support and encouragement I received from my neighbors. I boarded the plane in December of 2012 by myself, but felt like I was traveling with my entire community--everyone who had helped me get there, all stitched together. I met up with my team, a bunch of strangers at that point, and we quickly became family. Its amazing what one piece of string can do to a group of people. The only common thread we had was Jesus, and that string bound our hearts together and our efforts. We walked alongside Kenyans and helped them rebuild a road. Our hearts were then stitched to theirs.
While in Kenya for that first time, my heart was so heavy. It was so full of love, of blessings, of new wisdom, and new family. I saw Jesus in ways I had never seen before. And while we were there to serve the people of Kenya, It honestly felt like I was the one being served. I walked with people, worked with them, held babies and children, played games, and talked to them about Jesus. I helped them build a road, but they showed me what freedom was. I painted the ladies ' nails, but I saw what willing and hard working hands were able to accomplish. I worked in their garden, but I learned more about what Jesus was talking about in his parables. I do believe that Jesus blesses us all when we follow his commands.
The organization I went with is called The 410 Bridge. This is their vision:
At one point I had heard about a missionary in India that had forty adopted children and was doing amazing work. She was asked "When did the Lord call you to go to India?" And she replied something like this: "The Lord didn't call me to India, He called me to go. I just ended up in India." This statement had a profound impact on my desire to serve the Lord, and how I could do it. I didn't go to Africa while I was in college, but I had several opportunities to serve the Nations in other ways. I went on several overseas mission trips, but I also did several mission trips here in the United States. I learned that whether here or there, Jesus is calling us to be his hands and feet. Whether on a train in Tokyo, a road in Kenya, a bus in Athens, GA, or (now) a tiny classroom in Lincolnton... His desire is to see our hearts stitched together as one family, knowing one God, and loving one Son.
During my first year of teaching here in Lincolnton, I was reminded of an organization called The 410 Bridge. They send teams to Kenya, among other places, and I signed up to go. I was new in my community at the time, but was overwhelmed at the support and encouragement I received from my neighbors. I boarded the plane in December of 2012 by myself, but felt like I was traveling with my entire community--everyone who had helped me get there, all stitched together. I met up with my team, a bunch of strangers at that point, and we quickly became family. Its amazing what one piece of string can do to a group of people. The only common thread we had was Jesus, and that string bound our hearts together and our efforts. We walked alongside Kenyans and helped them rebuild a road. Our hearts were then stitched to theirs.
While in Kenya for that first time, my heart was so heavy. It was so full of love, of blessings, of new wisdom, and new family. I saw Jesus in ways I had never seen before. And while we were there to serve the people of Kenya, It honestly felt like I was the one being served. I walked with people, worked with them, held babies and children, played games, and talked to them about Jesus. I helped them build a road, but they showed me what freedom was. I painted the ladies ' nails, but I saw what willing and hard working hands were able to accomplish. I worked in their garden, but I learned more about what Jesus was talking about in his parables. I do believe that Jesus blesses us all when we follow his commands.
The organization I went with is called The 410 Bridge. This is their vision:
It is our hope that within The 410 Bridge, organizations find a freshly innovative take on the concept of missions and healthy community development. Our strategy is centered on the idea of moving the needle, in a measurable way, in a particular place such that other communities take notice of the pace and depth of development and consider adopting The 410 Bridge model.
We define true development as “that which people do for themselves.” We measure our success not by what we do, but by what the community does on its own. By partnering with local indigenous leaders, The 410 Bridge engages asset-based community initiated projects, not Western-driven solutions. The community members themselves are involved in defining solutions and reaching their desired outcomes. The projects are owned, operated and sustained by the community.
In partnering with The 410 Bridge, US organizations find themselves with a very accessible way to serve the Kingdom, not just once, but for the long-term with an entire community. When an American church or organization commits its time and resources to a village and travels there to know the people, to live with them for a while, to help in meeting their greatest needs, then it is no longer just a mission; it’s a relationship. In partnering with The 410 Bridge, you are opening the door to life-changing, culture-changing relationship… for the community and for the US organizations.
I think its beautiful. And, it works. And I believe this mission and vision could change the WORLD. I went to Kenya that first time, but was able to go back the following December. It was amazing what had changed in the community. It was beautiful to walk alongside them and hear their stories and hear about what had happened in the last year.
I believe in this vision. And I want to be apart of it any way that I can. I want to go. I want to see the stitching of Jesus binding hearts all over the world. I want to see life-change. I want to see communities empowered. I want to see Jesus at work. And I want to be the hands that are willing and hard working.
The 410 Bridge is sending a team to Uganda in May. I have signed up to go. I want to bring my needle and thread. But, I need your help. I need you to go with me. I need your prayers and I need your support. I am asking you to bring your needle and thread to the table, whatever that may be. I have a fundraising page set up here. I will also be selling artwork and teaching classes to help fund the mission. Please join me in traveling to Uganda! Lets go on this adventure together.
I believe in this vision. And I want to be apart of it any way that I can. I want to go. I want to see the stitching of Jesus binding hearts all over the world. I want to see life-change. I want to see communities empowered. I want to see Jesus at work. And I want to be the hands that are willing and hard working.
The 410 Bridge is sending a team to Uganda in May. I have signed up to go. I want to bring my needle and thread. But, I need your help. I need you to go with me. I need your prayers and I need your support. I am asking you to bring your needle and thread to the table, whatever that may be. I have a fundraising page set up here. I will also be selling artwork and teaching classes to help fund the mission. Please join me in traveling to Uganda! Lets go on this adventure together.