I Served in Africa at Age 12

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

I'm twelve.

What can I do? This was my thought when I heard God call me to the mission field. I didn't think that I could do anything really significant until I was much older. Yet there I was, with a great opportunity right at my fingertips. That opportunity was going on a missions trip with Reaching the Hungry to Malawi, Africa.

My life was changed even before I got there. It was exciting to see how God provided for my family and me to go on this trip. It was unbelievable how quickly it happened. Ten weeks after we found out about the trip, we were boarding a plane destined for Malawi. It was unreal that we were, in fact, in Africa.

I felt overwhelmed with joy the moment I stepped off the plane. When I looked at the beautiful people who live there, it made me see life in a different way. They were so happy even though they had nothing. They were also very resourceful. Whatever they could find, they used. I found out that I learned more from them than they learned from me. They taught me to be grateful for what I have and to trust that God will provide even in the darkest times. God also gave me much favor and grace with whomever I met.

To think that God can use me at this age! It is cool to think that God has a plan for you right now, at this second. Not in a few years, but NOW. Even though Satan tries to tell you otherwise, the most important thing I learned on that trip was that whoever you are, however old you might be, and whatever you've done, God has a plan for you.

My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." I truly believe that now. This trip has changed my life in ways you can't possibly imagine.

In the years following her first mission trip, Anna has continued to serve with Reaching the Hungry. Here are her reflections at age 17:

I’ve gone on trips with Reaching the Hungry over the course of four years. First, I went to Malawi, and then I participated in multiple day trips to Mexico.

The first time I went to Malawi, I was 12 years old, and it completely changed my life. I always say that the best gift any parent can give their child is a large worldview, and that’s exactly what mine did when they took me with them to Malawi. I saw things I had never seen before, made connections with the most wonderful people, and overall just fell in love with the country and the mission field.

The Lord changed my heart on that trip, and I have never been the same since. When I came back home, I had a whole different perspective on life. I went three more times after that, and I miss it so much! I would highly recommend this or any other trip!

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