I was recently asked to write a post for the Children at Risk blog explaining what I’ve been up to since last summer. And since I haven’t posted anything in quite a while, I figured I’d go ahead and share this.
Just for a little background information: last summer I was blessed with the opportunity to intern with Awana International, working specifically with Children at Risk. I spent six weeks working in the office, and was then able to spend two weeks in Chittagong, Bangladesh. My fellow intern and I were able to stay with the area director and his sweet family while traveling to different villages and seeing what long term ministry in a foreign place really looks like.
The first thing I was told after arriving in Chicago was that my life was going to be completely transformed during the next eight weeks. Little did I know how much.
If someone had sat me down and told me two years ago that right now I'd be crying myself to sleep, completely torn for the broken hearted in my own community, I never would have believed them.
Until last summer, this heart beat for one place and one place only - Uganda. But today, I can honestly say that while I left part of my heart in Uganda, my eyes have been opened to the need in my hometown of Augusta, GA.
This summer I was able to serve with Hope for Augusta, a ministry in downtown Augusta that works with kids in the urban area. I was able to be involved in tutoring programs along with Vacation Bible School and Camp Grace.
Thankfully this heart not only beats for the beautiful people of Africa and Bangladesh, but it beats for the world. His world. I have fallen in love with His people. I will no longer allow stereotypes to control my life and the way I choose to live it. I will reach out to the broken. I will try my absolute hardest to love the unlovable. I will go wherever He tells me to go. I am willing to be His hands and feet. I hope. I pray that I will not let the fear that is instilled in me control me. I want to serve where others are afraid of serving. I want to befriend the forgotten, the "unreached."
They're here. Waiting for precious hope; for the sweet gospel.
My heart was completely transformed last summer. I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Last summer, my Father took me all the way to Bangladesh in order to tell me that I belong here. Right here in Augusta, GA. At least for the time being. There is so much work to be done, and I am so beyond thankful that He is allowing me to be a minuscule part of it.
-Rosie
