Those People: Across the Ocean

I met these people when I went on a mission trip to Nassau, Bahamas with my campus ministry.


Needy and Knew It

On the first day of street evangelism in Nassau, I went with a small group of people and one of my pastors, H.L. Hussmann. We were on our way to do some street preaching behind the Straw Market close to Bay Street. After two people and H.L. had finished preaching, the group scattered to talk with people in the Market. I walked up to this young woman, probably in her twenties. She was sitting in a chair in front of her stand of hand made souvenirs. She asked me if I was interested in buying. I said, "No, but I have a question."

She immediately replied in her Bahamian accent, "Yes, yes. I know. I'm not right with Jesus. I'm a backslider, but I'm trying hard."

We swapped names and I asked her if she had prayed to Jesus and asked for help to live for Him. She reluctantly answered that she had, but not really. I encouraged her and then prayed for her. After I prayed, I looked down and saw her holding a towel up to her eyes. Her mascara had left messy marks on the white towel as she sobbed. I stood there for a minute and then hugged her. I said good-bye and "I love you, Rose."


Young and Excited

This kid. This kid is awesome. This kid is an evangelist. His name is Joeyco. Ten years old. Excited about Jesus and sharing Him with pretty much everyone.

On Saturday, the day before services at Life Changers Church, the Christ Ambassadors mission team and folks from Life Changers Ministry split into groups. Our mission was to go out and invite people in the neighborhood to come to the services the next morning. Joeyco was in my group.

On the walk around the neighborhood, he was next to me and commented on my hair. That started a conversation. I asked him why he went to Life Changers Church. He replied something like "To know more about Jesus and serve Him." I was kind of taken aback. I wasn't expecting that answer from a young boy.

The rest of the time, I would watch him run up to people driving down the road to stop them in their cars so he could give them an invitation.

He was an inspiration.


Broken and Beautiful












On the last day of ministry, our group went to three different places. One of them was a home for senior citizens. I walked in the room where the residents were sitting and immediately noticed a younger girl. I held out my hand to introduce myself. All she said was "Aya" with beaming eyes. My friend Susan shimmied over (ha ha) and sat on my lap.

When Susan started conversing with her, I noticed that Aya had severe speech problems. She would mostly talk with her hands and say her slurred words with confidence. I was so intrigued by that and watched the conversation for the rest of the time.

A few minutes later, our campus pastor got up to say a few words and had three other students from the group to share their testimonies. Then, we all sang "Amazing Grace" as a friend of mine played the piano located on the front stage of the room. About half way through the song, Aya turned her head, looked at me, and gave me the most radiant smile I had, quite possibly, ever seen. God's love fell on my heart like a flash and I had to keep myself from crying.

That moment made me remember that all humans are created to reflect God's glory. I think Aya is the most beautiful person I have ever met.

When it was time for us to leave, I hugged her. I told her that I loved her and I would never forget her.