MEET ABIGAIL STORY: she followed her childhood dream all the way to Uganda.
How did the Lord call you to serve in Uganda?
As cliché or crazy as it sounds, I’ve had Uganda on my heart since I was 9 or 10 years old. I first heard about Uganda and some of the ministries that serve there through family friends who were adopting from the country, and through reading about full-time missionaries that served there, I was immediately sold on the idea of going on a mission trip as soon as I could raise the support! I spent many of my childhood years making bracelets to sell to family members in order to raise money for a mission trip. Eventually, when I was 15 years old, I sold FTN shirts, and I raised enough money to go to Uganda for the first time!
Were you hesitant or concerned about traveling internationally at such a young age?
Honestly, no! Traveling to Uganda at the age of 15 was my first time ever leaving the US (go big or go home!). It was definitely nerve-racking because I had never experienced international travel and the drastic culture change, but more than anything, I was excited! I was very clearly where God wanted me to be, and I felt confident in His protection.
What’s one thing you learned about loving and serving others well through fundraising?
While fundraising I became incredibly grateful for my friends and family who bought t-shirts from me; there’s no way I could’ve traveled to Uganda without their support! I learned that it really does take a village; everyone came together and served, the people who bought t-shirts served by helping me fulfill my calling!
If you could tell the world one thing about serving others, what would you say?
If I could have the world’s attention, even just for a minute, I would remind everyone that it’s not about you! Serving others is a privilege and an honor, but it doesn’t place you at a higher ranking than others. When I went to Uganda for the first time, I was blown away by how much the people of Uganda benefitted ME. I quickly realized that I was not there to scoop up children and be their hero; I was there to come along side my brothers and sisters in Christ and serve Jesus with them.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to serve during this trying time but doesn’t know where to start?
The best thing to do when you aren’t sure how to serve is to ASK. No matter what ministry you are a part of, prayerfully asking God to show you when, where, and how you should serve should always be your first approach. In addition, asking friends, family and church leadership for advice is always a great idea; you never know what opportunities will arise when you drop your pride and ask questions!
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