In Common

One of the many joys of completing missions internationally was witnessing the things that can be found in any community. As I mingled with communities from Africa, Korea and America, I was overjoyed to learn more about some of the things that we all have in common! Ministering to people becomes that much easier when we begin to focus on the similarities that we have instead of focusing on the difference.

Children

Whether in China, East Winston or West Africa, all children have the same joyful light all over the world. As we worked with Compassion International children in Burkina Faso, we witnessed the playful adventures of village children who have all the potential in the world to positively influence their communities. Watching the stern teachers and mothers organize hundreds of children reminded me that we are not that different and children, everywhere have the same vibrancy and hope for a better future. While some children live in areas more vulnerable to poverty, disease and war, it is our responsibility to protect their right to love God and love others as they love themselves.

Elders

Downtime during eye exams afforded me the unique opportunity to chat with elders in the community. These quiet moments illustrated some timeless values that have not been lost to new political trends, economic variations or cultural boundaries. Some of the values that the elders of Burkina Faso advocated for included: fidelity, honor, tradition, family. It was Doctor King's Dream that we see people by the content of their character and its easy to practice this way of relating with people who have such strong character in a country that the world has all but dismissed.

Community

The work of a missionary is never over. Matthew 26:11 states this clearly and this fact was illustrated expertly during our time in Burkina Faso. Still, the workers, the community and the translators all took time to practice the age-old discipline of rest. We refreshed others and were refreshed day after day and learned how to work together to do the work that God called us to do. Even the children who were recipients of medical care and ministry popped in to help our team from time to time. We all saw ourselves as equal laborers whether we were being served or serving. It was beautiful to see that community is the same everywhere and you don't need a lot of money to do community right. Sitting at a table with people speaking four different languages and enjoying good meals and good fellowship illustrated how you don't need much at all to do community right.

Jesus

As we moved from missionary camp to church to the field to the school to the prison, the presence of God was with us every step of the way. While praying for people, we felt his presence. When faced with the task of making conversation when there seemed to be little in common between cultural groups, we could talk about Jesus. I was in awe at how eager people were to help us out knowing that we came in the name of Jesus. It took a miracle for the gospel to go to Burkina Faso and it happened.

Thank you, Jesus.

Until next time-

Courtney M. DeBerry