My co-worker Michelle gave her heart to Jesus when she was 14 years old. Over the years, she has served at her church in many ways: children’s church, Sunday School, VBS, and wherever needed.
Months ago, her new pastor asked the congregation, “What’s next?” Yes, they were loving and serving the Lord, but what was next? That question took root in Michelle’s spirit. She felt something was coming.
In November, our dentist/boss committed to a mission trip with World Hope to Nairobi, Kenya. Michelle blurted out, “I want to go” but then caught her breath. She was instantly afraid and tried to suck the words back in. Could she really do it?
Michelle had wanted to go on a mission trip before but hadn’t. Yes, it was very far away, but this would really be the perfect set-up. Her boss of 26 years was going, so she would feel safe. I was going, her good friend, so she would not be alone.
A few days passed. She asked, “How do I know for sure that I’m supposed to go?”
“The only thing I know to tell you is that you come to a place where you are more afraid of not going than going,” I replied. “It will burn in your heart and press on your mind so much that you will know.”
Shortly after, Michelle knew and committed to go to Africa.
First Peter 4:10 tells us that everyone should use their gifts to serve others. Michelle is a hygienist. While she cleans teeth and gives good instruction on how to care for teeth, she also numbs patients before the dentist sits down to work. If you have ever had a filling or a tooth extracted, you know without a doubt that it needs to be numb. Her set of skills would be essential for a dental mission team.
Michelle’s hygiene skill set was important, but her greatest contribution would be her love. She is one of the most loving people I have ever met. I often pray to love more like Jesus … and Michelle. I knew her caring nature would be a blessing to so many in Kenya. Every day at work, we talked about going; our excitement grew.
Michelle told her church that she had committed to go on a mission trip. They did everything right. Her pastor prayed for her publicly and celebrated her commitment. He invited the whole congregation to support her. They did. They gave financial support, prayed for her, encouraged her, and the church kids made cards for her. She was the first in her church to go on a mission trip. Ever. And it was to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Before she even stepped on the plane, she had been an inspiration to adults and children alike. She was a pioneer. They would always remember that Michelle went to Africa.
During the prep for the trip, we fasted and prayed. The devil attacked fiercely and often. You know Who is greater? Exactly: The Lord in heaven. He met every need and directed through each difficulty.
We had prayed often about our flights. When we boarded, we found that our seats on the plane were scattered about. Michelle always sat with strangers. I was concerned. Would it start her trip off on a bad note? Yet, each time we disembarked, I saw her hug her seatmates, wishing them well. She had used the nine-and-a-half and eight-and-a-half hour flights to encourage the ones she sat by and point them to Jesus. She was on mission before she got to Africa.
In Nairobi, Kenya at the clinic, Michelle worked tirelessly on her feet. In the heat. And did not complain. She encouraged patients and others on our team as she worked.
I am thrilled she had the courage to follow God’s leading. We have treasured memories (and laughs) we will hold in our hearts forever.
Just because we are home does not mean our mission is over. We are looking for other opportunities to serve. We want to be different because we know Jesus. We want to be different because we went to Kenya.
That’s what was next for Michelle. What’s next for you?
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife and newspaper columnist. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
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