This past spring I made the decision to go on a journey with Jesus to 11 countries. I expected to be challenged. I expected to have my world rocked. I even expected to have the most difficult year of my life. However, I didn’t anticipate the unique ways that God was going to pursue and touch my heart. I didn’t expect to step into a ministry that would combine many of my passions in a way that only God could orchestrate.
For the past ten years, God has been developing several seemingly unrelated passions within me. (1) I have been given numerous opportunities to grow as a photographer and videographer and a strong desire to see nonprofit organizations thrive in communication has emerged. (2) I have always been drawn to kids and adults with physical and mental disabilities, yet my understanding of their specific needs developed during my years serving at Spring Hill Camps. (3) Throughout my time working at the writing center in college, I also grew passionate about working with English as a second language (ESL) students.
I am confident that God knows these passions are engrained in my heart and I believe it is his desire to use them for the purposes of his kingdom. He sent me to China, to show me that he knows my heart.
For the past month, I have been working with an organization called Eagles Wings. Their vision is to see kids with special needs given the same opportunities as kids without disabilities (a loving family, an education, and the right to live). In China, individuals with special needs are hidden away in institutions. Their families can’t afford to help them and society has no place for them (many people don’t even know that individuals with special needs exist). The sad reality in China is that many kids with special needs die from lack of basic care. Eagles Wings exists to move kids out of orphanages into homes of their own (with adoption as the end goal).
Throughout my time in China, I grew to love the kids (although that doesn’t say much, because they are so easy to love)! My passion for videography and non-profit communication was utilized through the making of a new promotional video for Eagle’s Wings (video is posted below) and I was also given numerous opportunities to teach English in several different schools. It amazes me that God was able to piece together so many of my passions into one ministry.
I encourage you to watch the new Eagles Wings video below. Many of the children featured in the video are desperate for familes to "bring them home" and Eagles Wings is in need of sponsorship for each of these children in order to continue providing care for them.
I will end with one piece of advice. Figure out what you are passionate about and go after it with will all you have. God knows your heart and he will use your passions in ways you can’t even imagine!
NOTE: If you are reading this through my e-mail newsletter click the following link in order to view the video: http://youtu.be/HZKyomqGttE
