A group of six women — Cedarville students, Centennial Library staff, and University Baptist Church members — planned a two-week missions trip to Windhoek, Namibia, over summer break.
In the months leading up to our departure, we met frequently to plan, pray, and encourage each other. This was a sweet time for us to bond and grow as a team of sisters in Christ. As the time drew near for us to depart, we could not contain our excitement of spreading the Gospel and serving the local church.
A Remarkable Project
Upon our arrival, we met with local missionaries Buddy and Julia to discuss our plan for the next two weeks. Our main goal was to complete a church library by categorizing, labeling, and shelving books and resources that would be used by the local church members.
The missionary family had been praying over this library for more than three years. They hoped to provide resources that would strengthen their congregation’s faith.
This task was large, but through the Lord’s strength, it was made possible! We spent most of our mornings and afternoons in Namibia completing these tasks, chatting away the hours and listening to worship music.
After many days of preparation, we completed this project of 769 books and held a grand opening! What a joy it was to see members of the church browse through the new resources, the whole room full of excitement, curiosity, and tears of joy!
In the end, we had sections for missionary biographies, apologetics, Christian living, general theology, and commentaries that would further the congregation’s knowledge on how to faithfully serve the Lord and love His people well.
This library would not just impact the church members but also be used by a program to train and equip local men to pursue pastoral ministry.
Loving the Local Church
God worked throughout these weeks in many beautiful ways. Another way our team served was by offering two days of literacy camps for children in the area. We planned games, songs, crafts, and story times for the children to participate in.
After these activities, we separated into groups by grade levels to provide practice for phonics and literacy skills. This proved to be beneficial for the students, who grew more confident in reading comprehension and experienced how fun reading can be! The room was full of the sweetest smiling faces that I treasure knowing!
A key aspect of this trip was serving alongside the local church. Our team had the pleasure of attending a youth meeting within our first few days in the country. We led games and bracelet-making for the students and participated in Bible-themed trivia.
We were also blessed to attend the women’s Bible study and cookout, where we led card-making and were encouraged by the hospitality and friendship of these dear sisters in Christ.
The church was hosting their yearly missions conference, one that challenged the congregation to live out the Gospel in their everyday lives. This was a wonderful time of learning from the Bible, fellowshipping with other believers, and sharing the Gospel with the surrounding neighborhoods.
To Serve and Be Served
Something that this trip challenged me in was my view on global missions. So often, we assume missions trips have the sole purpose of proclaiming the Gospel to those who have never heard it. This is an integral aspect of missions trips, but there is much more to consider.
Through this trip, I learned the importance of encouraging and being encouraged by other believers. The congregation was hospitable, joyful, and servant-hearted. The believers I met had such passion for loving others in a radical way.
My view of how my team would serve these people was transformed by the beautiful ways they served us. There is such importance in coming alongside brothers and sisters in the faith and strengthening them in the work already being done.
My team was only able to serve in Namibia for two weeks, but these image-bearers of Christ continue sharing the Gospel with their neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else the Lord places in their path. The importance of sharing each other’s burdens, whether with my local church or believers across the world, is something I will continue to prioritize.
If my time in Namibia could be summarized in one word, I would choose “joy”! The joy of the Lord was evident in so many interactions throughout my time there. Whether it be in endless hugs and giggles from the children or spontaneous songs of praise by the women, my heart was filled with unexplainable joy.
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve and be served by these beautiful new friends. All glory be to God for the opportunity, ability, and work that we were able to complete. What a joy it was to be witnesses of his faithfulness and love in this wonderful country.
Class: 2028
Hometown: Windsor, Colorado
Major: Primary Education
Favorite Bible Passage: Psalm 16
Go-To Coffee Shop Drink: Iced Lavender Lattes
Fun Facts: I have moved to different states eight times throughout my life and share a birthday with Mickey Mouse!
Favorite Thing About Being a Cedarville Student: One of my favorite aspects of Cedarville is being surrounded by so many people who love the Lord and have a passion for living out the Gospel. What a joy it is to encourage and be encouraged daily by those around me.
Posted in: Global Outreach, Testimony