A Picture of Heaven – Hannah Mae
Serving around my church, and in my community has been a special part of my growing up here at First Naples. I would say it has been significant in shaping me into who I am today.
Little did I know, God was going to expand my territory in a big way this past year.
I’ve been blessed to have been given the opportunity to go on three missions trips and through them I have been seen God move in my life and how he is working in the lives of others around our world.
The call to go on three mission trips, two of which were international, in a period of six months was unexpected but clear. It was met with some uncertainties including finances and logistics, but
it paved the way for me to practice obedience and trust as I depended on him.
Serving in Puerto Rico in March was special because my team was able to serve a man who lived alone and whose home was in disrepair from hurricane damage. We praised God that he had faith in Christ and we were grateful that it seemed God used us to help encourage him and provide for his needs.
Still rejoicing in the work that God had done through us, I was excited to pack my bags again in May, this time I was headed to Germany to love on and spend time discipling TCK’s. These “Third Culture Kids” serve on the international mission field with their families. I found great joy in pouring into them, seeking to encourage them and reminding them of the beauty and privilege of saying yes to a life devoted to the call of The Gospel.
To be honest, it was a reminder that I myself needed!
After returning from Germany, my heart was more open to missions than ever before. Little did I know that God would bring about another chance to serve internationally so soon.
In early September, I was called to go with a team to Red Hill, England in October. There were some hurdles to this trip but God paved the way! The lyrics to a favorite worship song rang clear.
“I hear you call, I am available.”
This trip was similar to the one in May, and to say I was excited to see the TCK’s again would have been an understatement. These TCK’s were unique in that they had only been on the mission field with their families for a short amount of time. I will never forget one particular moment with the kids God entrusted me with during that special week.
We were all sitting around the table and one by one they each began to share a common phrase, “Thank you”. Eight different languages represented, they were all sharing in the language of the county in which they served. I treasure that memory.
To me, it was a picture of heaven and the privilege to say yes to the call to go and tell all the world!