Each month one of my favorite parts of the Race is getting to know our ministry host and listening to the stories of how their ministries came to be. I am always so intrigued by the tales of these ordinary people and the extraordinary ways they have stepped out in faith to further God’s Kingdom. I’ve found that almost every story I’ve listened to has a very similar start that reminds me of my own Race beginning-
God placed a call on their heart. The call seemed crazy and a bit scary. They chose to step out in obedience rather than shy away from the unknown. God took their lives, their ministry calling, and transformed them into something beautiful.
I have so much respect for these people and am so grateful for the way the Lord ordained our meetings. Our seasons together have been short, but I have learned so much from them that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The funny thing is that what I’ve learned hasn’t come from actual teachings, but rather from simply watching the way they display the body of Christ in their day-to-day lives.
My host this last month in Mozambique was no exception to the inspiring people that I have encountered this year. Mana Sybil is a woman overflowing with love, generosity, and joy. She deeply cares for those around her and has a passion for sharing the love of the Lord with children.
Upon arriving at Sybil’s home, she engulfed my teammates and I in tender hugs as though we had been close friends for years. She welcomed us well into her home in a way that allowed me to quickly feel comfortable and at peace.
In that same afternoon Sybil opened her home once more to 30+ children that come over every Sunday for bible study and worship. I watched as Sybil preached to the children and the way they listened intently to her words from the Lord. In these moments I realized that the woman before me wasn’t performing a job that she would be paid for or checking off an obligatory task for the day. She gives her time to these children out of passion- a desire to make sure that these children know that they are special, uniquely created with purpose, and loved by their Father in heaven.
20 years ago Sybil felt that the Lord was calling her away from her home in South Africa to minister to youth in Chokwé, Mozambique. After moving to the country she started up a children’s club in her neighborhood. Simply, she invited kids to play soccer with her and afterwards told them about Jesus. Each week the children would bring friends, increasing the size of the club rapidly. Over the years Sybil has started multiple youth bible clubs in Chokwé. She disciples many of the youth that come to her clubs and is teaching them to become strong, Christ centered leaders in the community.
Sybil’s partnership with the Lord to reach the youth in Mozambique has also led to her opening a Christian school. Years ago she opened a building for preschoolers and now oversees a two building school for PreK- 3rd grade. The school is currently fundraising and praying toward a 3rd building that will allow the school to expand to teach up to 7th grade.
As Sybil told my team stories throughout the month about her journey to Mozambique, the bible clubs, and the school I was amazed by the way God had taken a simply call and turned it into a huge ministry. By answering the Lord’s call on her life, Sybil has impacted hundreds of children through education and fellowship in Christ.
She has inspired me to look more deeply at my own life and what I feel passionately towards. Beyond a job or career what will I choose to live for and how will that benefit those around me? I don’t yet have the answer to this question, but I look forward to seeking more of Him in order to find it.
