Five years ago, taking young adults to a third world country was not anything I would have dreamed of doing. When God placed it on my heart to help others experience missions, I had no idea all the blessings that were in store!
I tried to shake off the drive to organize a non profit. It was only three months after losing our 19 year old son in a tragic accident. Our family was concerned with taking on too much just after loss. The call was so great, we had to move forward. Three letters – GOD. Four letters – LOVE. Five letters – SERVE.
Our daughter was 16, in the fall of 2014, when she asked me to join her on a mission the following January. She was interested in becoming a nurse. I agreed. I mean who lets their child go to a third world country without a parent?!
A month after committing to the mission, we got that call. The call that every parent fears. Your son was in an accident. I’m sorry, we did all we could. Devastation. Shock. Grief.
Just before Thanksgiving, I explained to our daughter that I would be of no help to anyone in Honduras, nor could we afford to go after paying for an unexpected funeral. Sleep deprived. Confused. Sadness.
Additional unexpected news…someone had stepped up and paid for BOTH of our trip costs! Our daughter gave me THE LOOK. You know, the one that says, we HAVE to go now! Unbelievable! Uncertain. No more excuses.
Our first day in the mission field I was put in evangelism. I was terrified! Sharing my faith was not normal for me. I went to church, did “all the things” but never outside of the steeple building. Scared. Huge responsibility. Outside of comfort zone.
The first person to sit in front of me was a young woman. I asked her if she knew God. She said, “Yes, but I am angry with Him.” “Why?” I asked via the translator. “He took my son,” she replied. Together, we cried. Disbelief. Stunned. Amazed.
There were a dozen more Mamas of loss that sat across from me that week. Suddenly, I knew why God placed me there. It changed my perspective on loss. I was there to help when I thought it was impossible! But then, with God all things are possible! Matthew 19:26
Now we take many young people to Honduras each year, with or without parents. All are welcome. But do not fear, as I did. He has a purpose in our mission. Provide. Servant. Love.
Chosen to Shine was formed in memory of our son Connor. We offer mission trips twice a year to young adults with the goal of changing lives and teaching servant leadership. I hope you will consider joining us next time. Wake up. Blessed. Chosen to Shine.
Peace & Blessings,
MamaC