From Fear to Fulfilment
Whether it’s going across the street or around the globe, we can experience the same joy in sharing Christ’s love. We can trust that the Holy Spirit will provide all we need and that He will be with us every step of the journey.
The thunderous beat of hooves reverberated through the ground as I pressed against the wagon in the clearing. Dust swirled all around, whipped up by the chaotic circle of galloping horses.
Mid-stride, a rider leaned down from his horse to grab the salt-filled goat carcass from his competitor, tuck it expertly under his leg and race off before anyone could wrestle it away. He dropped it in the circle drawn in the dirt – a perfect score.
I could hardly believe my senses. A week ago, I sat on my porch enjoying a quiet Colorado sunset and today I’m overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of a thrilling game of Buzkashi in Uzbekistan.
Had I fallen prey to any one of my fragile excuses over the past few months, I would have missed out on dodging horses and drinking tea with local families, but more importantly I would have missed out on the joy of discovering more about Jesus' love for me and for the Uzbek people.
A STEP OF FAITH
A few months earlier, Uzbekistan kept popping up on my radar, whether someone mentioned it in conversation or God reminded me of my childhood friends from there. I knew Woodmen was gathering a team to serve in Uzbekistan, and I could no longer dismiss the idea of going. But while I was intrigued about the trip, worries blossomed in my mind. And I wasn't the only one — others who would soon join the same Woodmen Global team experienced similar fears:
What if I can't raise all the money? My boss probably won't let me take the time off. I don’t do well with heat — isn't it hot there? I don't speak the language. What difference could I make?
The biggest excuse bubbling up in my mind was the fact that I'm not a teacher, and the whole reason for the 12-day trip was to teach English to middle school and high school students. Why would they ever choose me? If they did choose me, how on earth would I ever do a good job?
Like the apostle Peter walking on water, I had turned my focus onto myself and my abilities rather than keeping my trust centered on the strength of Jesus, our abundant provider who empowers His followers and promises we’ll never be alone.
A HOPE TO SHARE
From the moment our trip started, the work of Jesus in people’s lives was evident. The woman seated next to me on our flight to Uzbekistan started a conversation about her life, quickly mentioning she didn't believe God existed.
"I'm curious. How do you find hope, then?" I asked. She paused, stumped by the question. Our conversation wandered, but she circled back: "I don't know that I have hope – at least, not like you. I don't know what to think about that."
My husband and I shared the lasting hope in God that’s changed our lives. Like our new friend on the flight, many people in Uzbekistan lack that life-changing hope. We were overjoyed to see Jesus' light starting to spread in the lives of the students there through the courage of some local believers.
Each day in Uzbekistan, any fears I had quickly melted away as a renewed awe of God filled my heart. We were welcomed with profound hospitality and kindness. The students were just as excited to have us there as we were to be in Uzbekistan. My 10 and 11-year-old learners eagerly soaked up every activity with bubbling enthusiasm.
A LESSON FOR THE JOURNEY
"Please, don't leave! We want you to live here," one of my students said as she hugged me goodbye. With my newfound love of the country and its culture, I truly wanted to say, "Okay!" and move there right that instant. As we boarded our return flight, I marveled at how Jesus changed my heart in such a short time. My fears had melted into a deep fulfillment, found in His strength and provision. Although I had come to teach, Christ had a lesson for me in Uzbekistan: He showed me a glimpse of how much He loves each person He created.
Whether it’s going across the street or around the globe, we can experience the same joy in sharing Christ’s love. We can trust that the Holy Spirit will provide all we need and that He will be with us every step of the journey.
God calls us to be a church community who loves well across the street and across the globe. In the year ahead we’re excited about sending out mission teams to several countries, and in our own backyard. We anticipate God doing big things through our global mission teams in 2025, and believe He could be calling you to play an important role! There is an upcoming info meeting on November 3 for adults trips. You can step up to serve on a team that is sharing the love of Jesus with people in need of hope!
Return to Stories