“Open my eyes that I may see” (Psalm 119: 18).
“I have always been drawn to the captivating eyes of African children,” says Karin. “In pictures, their eyes spoke to me, but when I was able to look directly into their eyes, it was truly a gift. While there was pain and poverty around them, I saw optimism and joy in their eyes.” It was Bill and Lynne Hybels’ passion for Africa that inspired Karin to sign up for a short-term mission trip last November.
Purpose of the Trip
The purpose of the trip was to become familiar with Willow’s support ministries and to serve AIDS orphanages in South Africa. “We fed children their only meal for that day, and prayed with people of all ages who were stricken with AIDS. We sang songs, shared stories with wide-eyed tots, and handed out hugs whenever we could,” says Karin. A particular ministry that touched her was the Genesis Hospice Center, a large ministry that provides a place where people can die with dignity. People with HIV are often shunned by family members who do not understand the disease.
The Willow team connected with these children by passing out cookies and playing ball with a blow-up globe they used to show the kids the distance between their two countries. “You came so far for us,” the orphans said. “Why do you care?” Karin and the team embraced them demonstrating Christ’s love for these children who might die before the year is over.
The Body of Christ in Action
“They have great love and appreciation for all Willow has done to help and we had many opportunities to pray with them. We climbed to the top of a mountain to pray with some of the most impoverished and heard beautiful, angelic singing. We wanted to see how we could better serve the GoGos (grandparents) who are rearing HIV children. We were touched by their optimism, their pure appreciation for the very basics in life we often take for granted, and we their overflowing joy blanketed us as we served side by side.”
A Trip for “Regular” People Like Me
“There is so much to learn from them,” says Karin. “While they mesmerized and saddened me, they don’t see life the same way we do. For them life is simple. They can teach us so much about being, listening, simplicity, authenticity, and unwavering hope.
This trip was designed for ‘regular’ people like me who simply have a desire and yearning to serve those with critical basic needs in a far-away country that was previously nothing more than an image to me. This trip opened MY eyes, touched my heart, and rocked my soul.
I think God has a lot more planned for the Willow family in this part of the world. Sadly, while AIDS has monopolized this beautiful country, God’s work is clearly in action with the many ministries, including Willow, that are providing sustaining help and resources.”
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