Sophie - Seven years after a short term mission.

We sometimes think that when we go on a short-term mission trip, we’re going to serve and change others. Most of the time, God has additional plans…. to change us! This reflection from our friend Sophie is a wonderful testimony to the work God does in the hearts of those who visit our international ministries.

“In 2013, I traveled with the Westmont College women's soccer team to Kenya and Uganda to partner with SOI. Even seven years later, I can honestly say that my interactions with the Good News team, with the Sports Outreach staff and with the local people permanently altered the way that I experience God and interact with others. This first shift began as I witnessed how the Spirit of the Lord traverses cultures, languages, and backgrounds. In just a few days, God became so much bigger in my mind and heart as I stood in worship with believers (some times for 4 hours!) from Nairobi to Kibuli to Gulu, dancing like David danced, filled with joy and laughter. Throughout the trip, I wrote many times in my journal, "Wow. My God is so BIG!"

“The second thing that has stuck with me was a word of wisdom from Robert. He often shared that "we should be ready in any season to share a good word." We ought to be able to answer the question, "What is God doing in your life right now and how can he use that to encourage others?" As my teammates and I trudged through the mud and trash that make up the streets of Mukuru, Nairobi, one of the largest slums in all of Africa, to visit the Compassion women, I immediately felt sadness, shock and confusion. But, as we were generously welcomed into the homes of HIV-positive women, we experienced hope, faith, and perseverance.  I'll admit, as they shared their stories and then asked us to offer encouragement, we were quite intimidated. I felt ill-equipped and keenly aware that my life experience and understanding of hardship paled in comparison to what these women went through on a daily basis. All we knew to do was turn to scripture. It became so apparent to me that these Christian sisters in Nairobi depended on the word of the Lord to provide truth and encouragement and the ways that God was working in our lives, however different those lives may appear, united us.

That is the power of testimony. We saw this time and time again as we interacted with people in Nairobi, Kampala, and Gulu. We exchanged testimonies with chess players and "footballers," men and women, black and white, old and young, even with inmates at the Gulu prison. God is doing his work in each of our lives at the same time, and when we encourage one another with our testimonies, He is glorified.”

Click HERE to learn more about Sports Outreach’s short-term mission opportunities.