A Lasting Impact

When the opportunity came up to partner with Second Chance Global and go on a mission trip in a few short months, I already had a lot on my plate with family trips and activities already planned. I thought to myself there is no way that I can get my passport renewed and raise the funds needed to go on this trip in the middle of an already busy schedule, but God had other plans for me and was going to make sure I was on that plane headed to the Dominican Republic. Despite my excuses, God made it clear to me that this was my opportunity to experience Him in a completely different way. He started to put the pieces together once I surrendered to him and committed to living out His purpose for my life. My passport came in, funds were raised, and prayers surrounded me as it was time to catch our early flight to the DR. Everything happened so fast that I don’t think I had enough time to fully process what was happening until my feet hit the ground in the DR.

The mission trip was life changing for myself and the families we served. The most memorable and cherished time we had on the trip was when we were able to spend a few days with a grandmother, and her daughter to prepare a meal with them and understand how they lived out each day. Preparing the meal was my favorite part because it brought so much joy to our hearts to prepare and share a meal in their house. I am pretty sure that they were not used to that much laughter in their kitchen watching us prepare the food. Once the meal was ready, they were so generous to share some of their food with us even though this meal was supposed to last them for the next few days. All the food that we ate during our trip was delicious but this food that was prepared with joy, laughter, and love was the best meal we had so far. We cherished the quality time we had together sharing this meal and making lasting memories.

At the end of the week, we were able to make a lasting impact on our family’s physical and spiritual needs. We were able to leave them with a water filter that would provide clean water for drinking and cooking. We used the water filter as a representation of our spiritual need for Living Water that only Jesus can provide. We spent time reading scripture with our family and sharing that Jesus offers this Living Water to all who believe in Him. During this time, the daughter of this sweet family made the decision to accept Jesus into her heart and wanted the living water that He freely gives. It was amazing and fulfilling to be able to serve God in this way and live out His calling on my life to impact others. I was given the opportunity to be His hands and feet and it was impacting not only for me but for my new sister in Christ!

When we landed back in Greensboro, I didn’t want this mission to stop. I was eager to do more than what I experienced on this trip. A few weeks later, the opportunity of being an ambassador was presented to me. I knew this was my purpose and calling to continue serving these communities by becoming an ambassador with Second Chance and partnering with them to end generational poverty through empowerment. I am willing to commit my time and efforts to continue pursuing my purpose God has called me to. This was his plan from the beginning, I just needed to surrender and be his hands and feet.

-Hayley Rhode, NC