Nancy Clary
Church/Affiliated Ministry: Healing Place Church, Baton Rouge, LA Epic Student Ministries
Last year in 2008 I had the chance to make my first trip to Swaziland, Africa with HPC and Go Global Ministries. We had the chance to serve Healing Place Swaziland and Children’s Cup ministries and community outreach at local schools with basketball clinics. The experience was life changing for me. I second guessed myself and God before I went. Why me? Why here? Why now? Am I too old? (48) I am just an average Christian with simple faith…not a special teacher, preacher or the like. However, that was just the voice of the accuser trying to impede my path. That trip forged relationships with people that will last a lifetime.
I did have the chance to return this year and reunite with many friends from last year. I was reminded that the African people have so little, yet they give so much of themselves to you. I was changed by seeing the amazing faith of a people so impoverished and oppressed. It was amazing to me that they see so many teams each year, yet they remembered me. Surely that is God’s way of letting me know that it was His will for me and that it did make an impact on them.
I believe that I love even more deeply and unhindered since my two trips. I am taking greater risks to walk in all that God has for me and I am more willing to do things that seem so out of my reach and/or comfort zone. My advice is don’t miss the chance to know our God more intimate and love others more deeply. Don’t miss the chance to see how much of our lives are spent thinking about ourselves and don’t ever think that you are too old or ill equipped…..just go. My life with God is now summed up by this statement: The answer is yes Lord, what is your question.
I had heard that said, but to have it happen to you is different. My heart holds faces and lives that I may never see again and I am forever changed by them. I pray that in some way the role I played on that trip will help their life a bit.
Kyle Beckwith
Church/Affiliated Ministry: Go Global Missions at The Life Church of Memphis
My mission trip to Swaziland, Africa has made a tremendous impact on my ministry as a musician and a minister of the gospel. I believe that my ministries are way more inclusive and practical instead of stylistically focused. God showed me that the same issues we have locally are somewhat the same issues that we have globally. Obviously, some are worse than others. However, the message has to be the same across the board and the message has to be supported by works not just a good sermon or song. The message is that Jesus Christ is alive and wants to live in us and will change our life forever if we allow him. The work is seemingly infinite and eternal and it involves stepping out of our comfort zone for the purpose of Christ, which is ultimately the salvation of his people (physically, mentally, and spiritually). I think that I have impacted the mind and the hearts of my family and friends by igniting their curiosity, as well as the possibility of them stepping out on faith to either go on a mission trip or at least be in greater support of those who do decide to go.
Kassie Perritt
Church/Affiliated Ministry: Go Global Missions at The Life Church of Memphis
For the past 3 summers I have gone on short-term mission trips to Africa. All trips were mainly to Swaziland, but I also had the opportunity to visit Nairobi, Kenya and Durban, South Africa. The very first trip changed my life and gave me a heart for Africa. I am currently applying for a one year overseas internship through Go Global. Every time I am there I don't really feel homesick. I love being there. It's quite an indescribable feeling that I don't know how to explain other than it simply being a God thing. I want to reach His people and share His love with those who don't know it.
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