I had no idea that my experiences with refugees in Colorado would come back to face me on the Race.
During the summer of 2012, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an intern with Denver Ignite Ministries. I worked alongside other interns to mentor youth from the large refugee population in Aurora. The majority of the refugees I worked with came from Myanmar and refugee camps in Thailand. That summer was so powerful and my passion for missions was constantly confirmed. I loved visiting families, learning the language and culture, and building relationships. Although I continue to visit Ignite in the States, I was quite sure my internship was the only time I would serve with Ignite.
Little did I know what God had in store for me.
During our last week in Thailand, our team found out we would be doing Unsung Heroes in Myanmar. I immediately hopped on Facebook to ask my Denver Ignite friends about any ministries they knew of in Myanmar. Lo and behold, there's an Ignite Ministries in Yangon, the city we were assigned!
I was thrilled. I couldn't believe it!
Pastor Paul was one of the first contacts we got to visit. He came to our hostel and picked us up. He is so full of energy and enthusiasm. Right away, we were able to talk about our mutual friends-how Pastor John was doing, how Katie and Johnny were about to get married. It was awesome to make a connection like that halfway around the world.
Pastor Paul had actually spent six months in the States with Denver Ignite. Pastor John Lewis, who heads up the ministry there, asked Paul to establish Ignite in Myanmar. And guess what? He did. In only one year, there have been seven services set up in the Yangon province. That's amazing.
Not only did we get to visit a few Ignite services while we were in Yangon, I actually got to share my testimony and preach to the youth. It was during my internship with ignite that I first learned the power of one's testimony. My story of God's redemption in my life is one of my most powerful ministry tools.
Ignite Yangon focuses mostly on youth. And these youth are on fire for God. I loved worshiping, singing, and dancing with them. They were so passionate. There were no fancy lights, the building was like an oven, and the only instrument was a guitar. But this didn't bother the kids. Day after day they showed up for service, even bringing their Buddhist friends with them.
It's cool to step back and see how two years ago, God knew I was going to end up in Myanmar and he was preparing me for this moment.
"I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do."
-Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place
