As I looked back and thought about my journey, I could see the way God had led me through different experiences that brought me to where I am today. Looking back even further, I thought about how God knew us before we were conceived and about the way He forms and equips us for the plans He has for us. It’s quite humbling looking back like this and acknowledging God’s hand in our lives.
I began by talking about what led me to going on a mission trip and how I first heard about BTBAB through Esther as she talked about the previous mission trips, she had taken part in.
Although I was interested in going on a mission trip due to my experiences in previous taster trips when Esther invited me to go on I didn’t feel it was the right time for me, so I declined … several times!
My taster trips had been a day, while on a tour of Israel in 2009, volunteering at a home for residents who had acquired brain injury. It was during this day that I believe God gave me a heart to want to go on mission. Then in 2011, my daughter and I went with a team from our church to Brazil.
After a while when I sensed that it was the time to go, I prayed for God to show me which organisation I should go with. My answer came within a few days when Esther messaged me with details of a trip to Thailand in 2019!
I really enjoyed my trip to Thailand and felt the preparation and support I received was amazing. Everything was prayed about before decisions were made. I came away seeing how God answered our prayers and what a difference a small team of people with hearts to serve can do.
After this trip, during Covid when travel was restricted, I went on two further trips, one to Coventry and the other to Wales. Once again seeing God answer prayer and seeing people blessed.
For a season I led the Kids Play Dates along with a great team within BTBAB. My current role now is giving pastoral support within the operational team.
Psalm 139:16
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
