As I write this I wonder how I am going to tell you everything God did this year on the World Race. This year has been a combination of laughter and tears and everything in between. I have been stretched, and I have helped stretch others. Jesus taught me so much about community living. I could recount story after story in each of the 11 countries, but I would rather share the word(s) that describes each country for me.
Europe: Bulgaria was simply a FUN month getting to know my team and spending time with our ministry hosts. Romania was HEAVY; there was spiritual darkness you could feel walking around the town, and it was a hard month for me. Albania revolved around building RELATIONSHIPS and seeing REVIVAL. It was one of my favorites. Greece is where I fell in love with REFUGEES and understood God’s heart for them.
Africa: Zambia felt like HOME and my heart longs to go back. I think my entire squad could forget this country even exists, but it will forever be the country that jolted my heart towards pursuing missions work more passionately. South Africa was a month of REFRESHMENT and being in my element- orphan care! Swaziland was about learning to SERVE like Jesus served and going back to the basics of loving people.
South America: In Colombia the Lord broke my heart for someone in particular and taught me what it looks like to be a SAFE HAVEN for those who need it. In Ecuador God HUMBLED me on many levels-with my pride and value on materialism. Peru was learning to walk in the FREEDOM Christ gives me, yet also being careful how I exercise that freedom. Bolivia God was instilling in me FAITH like the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13).
I know this does not give you details into my experiences in each country, but hopefully it gives you a small glimpse into my heart and the way God wrecked it and made it new in many ways. If you would like specific stories, I would love to have a coffee date! You can also go back and read my previous blogs. Thank you for all the love and support throughout this journey. I have been blessed beyond belief to have a community of believers behind me as I continue to pursue missions in the way God leads.
And speaking of more missions…October 5-15, 2016 I am headed to Ukraine with Operation Mobilization. This will be a week of working with elderly Jewish community in Lviv, Ukraine. The Lord has taught me I love the relational aspects of ministry; this sounds like a great opportunity to be relational! From Ukraine, I will get on a plane and go back to Greece to help with the refugee crisis. I will be living in Athens with the possibility of going back to Lesvos, the island where our World Race teams served last December. I will be working alongside Alliance Relief in their refugee care center (www.allref.gr).
To go to Ukraine and Greece, I am in need of $9,690. This covers all of my flights, food, lodging, transportation and some extra money to go towards the refugee ministry from October 5, 2016-April 15, 2017. Should I feel led and decide to stay longer in Greece, I will raise support again as needed. If you would like to support me financially, you can send a check payable to Grace Baptist Church with “Villafane/Mission Trip Greece” in the memo line. Thanks!
Grace Baptist Church
7210 Racetrack Road
Bowie, MD 20715
