I went on my first Outreach with Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI) in 2013, and my life hasn’t been the same since. It was a weeklong Medical Clinic in northern Ethiopia in the city of Gondar. Because I’m not a medical professional, I wasn’t sure what role I could play in blessing the Jewish community there, but I went anyway.
I spent the week outside of the Clinic working in Line Management. A team of local workers and I were tasked with keeping hundreds of patients in orderly lines while they waited to see the doctors. In this role, I interacted with thousands of Ethiopians, praying for them and learning about them. When I left at the end of the week, I felt sure I had just tasted a bit of what the Lord had in store for me – more of the same kind of work! There was just one problem…how? How could I afford to be part of this kingdom work going forward?
Working full time and with a family, disposable funds weren’t available to pay for another trip like the one I’d just finished. On the plane, flying home, I strategized ways to save enough money to return to Ethiopia as soon as possible. One idea that seemed to make sense was to give up purchasing special coffees, and put that money toward my next trip. Every bit helps. But when I arrived at the Washington, D.C., airport and immediately went to Dunkin’ Donuts for an iced coffee, I quickly realized that I needed another plan.
I prayed right there in Terminal 2 of Washington Dulles International Airport and said “yes” to the Lord. Yes, to reaching His precious Jewish communities in Ethiopia with the Good News of Yeshua. Now, I just needed Him to direct me on how to do it.
God quickly pointed me to the book of Philippians, where I read Paul’s thank-you for the support he received from that group of Believers.
