MWOA Volunteer Testifies of Experience in New Zealand
The following is a testimonial from Jason King of Burnsville, NC, a project leader with Men and Women of Action:
At the 2013 Men and Women of Action Rally, MWOA Director Hugh Carver announced a need in New Zealand. I thought to myself how thrilling it would be to travel to the land down under the land down under. The sign up sheet for this trip filled quickly and I second guessed my interest thinking perhaps this isn’t where God is leading me after all. There were several other trips mentioned that weekend and I sought God’s direction that He would lead me in the way I should go.
Almost an entire year passed but God’s direction was clear when MWOA Director, Hugh Carver, called me in January 2014, and asked me if I would lead the team to Oamaru, New Zealand. I had never lead a team internationally; needless to say I was scared to death! My mind was screaming, “NO” but God stirred in my heart and made my mouth say “yes.”
The week before Easter of 2015 my feet were walking off the plane in Christchurch, New Zealand. I had five other people with me including my wife Cindy. We were welcomed by Pastor Eugen Dupu and his wife Esther. For the next two weeks we worked and enjoyed one another’s fellowship. Unfortunatley, when it came time for us to leave the work wasn’t complete. It’s so disheartening to travel so far and then walk away from something incomplete.
My wife and I remained in contact with the Dupus as well as a number of other friends we made in New Zealand. We longed to be there with them and finish what we originally set out to accomplish. In the middle of July 2015, Eugen sent me a message asking if I would be willing to return and help complete some of the project. Travel can be costly, but together with God’s help we figured it out. Two weeks later I was back in Christchurch being greeted by a person I now know as a life long friend and brother.
I lived with the Dupus and their wonderful host family the Harveys for a month. We surprised some other people very dear to my heart, the Gibsons and The Paisleys with my unannounced visit. For a month we worked, fed the farm animals, laughed, interacted with the community and grew relationships. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I am so thankful to God for making my mouth say “yes.”
Before I left for Oamaru the second time a fellow Christian, who had just gotten back from a project in Guatemala, asked me why I was going to New Zealand. His question, “It’s not like it’s a third world country is it?” rang in my ears for days. No, it’s not a third world country but there are people there – and people have souls. Each and every soul on this earth is precious. Whether a person is walking around in a third world country or on a farm in Oamaru, New Zealand they are precious in God’s eyes. My goal was to go there and to help Pastor Dupu and his family in any way they needed me to so as to make their ministry grow.
I am thankful and more than blessed to have ministered with my new found New Zealand family. It was an encouragement to me and hopefully to them as well. When I walked onto the plane to come home I was comforted knowing that the Dupus and their two daughters would be sleeping in their own beds and living in their own house. It was truly exciting to see them move in just one day before I left them. Now they are able to concentrate on ministry and future projects.
My challenge to us all is to step up and shout “YES” to the adventures and blessings God has in store for us. Who knows, the life you change may be your own.
(Source: Men and Women of Action)
