I was sixteen years old, sitting in a church pew at a youth conference, never expecting the Lord to tug on my heart the way that He did. But God. Filled with questions and a willing heart, my family and I pursued going on our first mission trip with this mission partner from the conference.
Little did I know the five minute speech given would change my life.
I stepped foot in the Dominican Republic for the first time in July of 2023 with Second Chance Global. My previous knowledge of missions trips was going and completing a certain project, but this trip was nothing like that. I met people, got to hear their stories, and walked away with a burdened heart for these people I had met.
Coming back from an experience like that moved me to continue staying involved with Second Chance Global. I continually pray, asking the Lord boldly to provide for these families, not just physically, but filling their hearts with a kind of love that only comes from the Father. I heard about Light the Path to Empowerment, a gala event, fundraising for the Three Year Journey of Impact that Second Chance Global was embarking on. One thing led to another, and in November of 2023, I was volunteering at the gala. I got to sit at the table with some amazing Ambassadors and Staff, getting to know more about the Mission and Vision of Second Chance Global.
After this, I pursued a couple more volunteer opportunities with the organization. I saw an internship application post on their social media for the summer of 2024, and pursued that opportunity with openness and full trust that the Lord was going to show me something incredible. Through interning for a few short months, I grew tremendously in my own faith, while also seeing just how Christ-centered this organization is. One thing was certain, I felt the Lord pulling me closer and closer to Second Chance, and what a blessing it has been.
From sitting in the church pew hearing about Second Chance for the first time, to two years later being the one on stage at the same event encouraging students to take a leap of faith, I know for certain the Lord can use the smallest heart nudge to show you something amazing.
Second Chance Global is what He showed me, and the incredible, inspiring, and impactful work they are doing in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. So, I ask the question to you, where is the Lord urging you to take a step of faith in? For me, it was going on a trip, then coming back and volunteering at the gala. Maybe for you it’s getting on a plane and joining a trip. Maybe it’s attending or volunteering at an event coming up. Maybe it’s partnering with Second Chance financially. Maybe it’s as simple as reaching out and asking about how Second Chance Global is ending generational poverty through empowerment. Whatever it is, I encourage you from experience, take that next step.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:18-20