| |
God has a plan for my life and I don’t know what exactly it is, but it will involve me loving the poor, whether by working directly with them or supporting missionaries who do. I just look forward to seeing what God has planned for my life.
The REACH internship, for me, was a way to learn to stop thinking about myself and to think about others. Being in another culture constantly reminded me why I was there: to serve God, to serve others and not myself. It was a time that I came to understand how big God is. I saw Him working in the lives of people who live halfway around the world from me. I saw His love for people who live completely different lifestyles than I do. Through my successes and my failures, God was changing the hearts of those I came into contact with. My REACH internship was a time that I learned a little more about God’s unimaginable love for me and for all His children.
If there was a timeline of my life, my REACH internship would absolutely be a pivot point. Going into my two months in Tanzania, my faith was in shambles. After a year of trying every which way to put this faith back together, God surprised me in Africa. In the missionaries and believing nationals I met an extension of the Church. These people had great joy, though they had known great trouble and pain. Their faith resounded. It made noise. It was so solid and full. So, where my faith lacked, they bridged the gap; I found that on my return to the States I could join them in their faith. God is good. I believe that.
REACH was an awesome experience for me. I really feel that best part of the whole program was how much they prepared me for entering a new culture and coming back into my own culture. I feel that everyone should really take a trip like the ones offered by CMF. It definitely impacts you and changes your life. I went to Ukraine, and though I did not necessarily feel called back to that country to work, I did affirm that I really do want to work for God, wherever He leads me. I made some great friends while I was there. It was a summer I will never forget, and one that will impact me forever.
My experience with the REACH internship was excellent. In the two months I served in Thailand, I learned a lot about … pretty much everything. God consistently provided opportunities to discuss Christ with the friends I made. The best part for me was there was always something to do. Whether it was teaching English, learning the language, helping with Bible study, playing soccer with the university students, or cooking dinner, there was always a way to share time with friends and serve the Lord. God worked on my heart so much while I was there that I decided to go back and serve for a full year.
|
|
