We spent our last bit of time for Unsung Heroes in Nicaragua in the town of Esteli where we met an inspiring young missionary named Kerri Vaughn!
Kerri heard God calling her to Nicaragua when she was a senior in high school when she had gone on a short term mission trip to Esteli. She had been praying and asking God to tell her what he wanted her next steps to be. She had early admission to a good college, but was asking God to show her his plans.
It was during this trip when Kerri heard his reply. She recalls being surprised because there were no men around, yet she heard a man’s voice telling her that this is where she belongs.
She came home with the resolve to leave all of her plans and follow what God had planned.
She moved to Nicaragua in September 2010 after graduating in June 2010, not speaking any Spanish and her only contacts being the people she had met during her week there.
Kerri’s radical faith and trust in God is an inspiration.
At the age of 22 she now operates the Nicaraguan branch of Hilltop Ministries.
She’s been working with children’s programs, women’s ministry, youth groups, feeding programs, shoe ministry, scholarship programs, and drama ministry.
She is actively showing God’s love to the community in any way that she can. This looks different every day. Some examples are helping to plan and prepare birthdays, weddings and baby showers, meetings for pastors, camps, and leadership conferences.
She wants her ministry to extend beyond just a few years, but to ignite passion to serve and follow Christ in leaders of Esteli for year to come.
Kerri dreams of one day being able to build a retreat center where she can host programs and camps for the people of Esteli.
I found Kerri online while searching for ministries in Esteli. There was something about her and her story that drew me to her. I find such great inspiration from those who radically follow God, and let their plans fall second to his. I’ve heard story after story about God using those who are willing to do great things for the Kingdom, and Kerri’s story is no different. She’s my age and has an established ministry in Nicaragua! Our God is so much more in store for us than anything we could ever ask or imagine- why wouldn’t we trust him to write our stories?
To learn more about her ministry and consider supporting her go to:
http://missionary4him.wix.com/hilltop
http://instagram.com/hilltopministries
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hilltop-Ministries/137565559618937
