Meet Emily Stringer, a mom who took a giant leap of faith, traveled across the world, and realized that family is family no matter how far you roam.
Did you always want to go to Africa? If not, what led you to make this decision?
I've always had a heart to serve others, but had never really thought about traveling to Africa. Honestly, I grew up believing that serving others was taking a casserole to a church potluck or leading a class during Vacation Bible School each summer. While those are certainly amazing ways to serve your church and in your community, that thinking boxed me into a safe and comfortable place of service. In 2013-14 I watch a dear friend surrender completely to the Lord's calling for her. In her obedience I saw a brave, fierce woman that I wanted to be. I would have never said yes if someone had asked me to go a few years earlier, but when God called, I went.
You and your family sponsor a little boy in Rwanda, whom you got to meet while visiting there. What made you decide to sponsor and what have you and your family learned through doing so?
I have three boys - 9,7, and 4. When we decided to sponsor Elisa it was something I knew I wanted us to do as a family - to build a relationship with him, to provide for him, and to teach my boys to have a giving heart of gratitude and gratefulness. They love him and learning about his country and culture. It isn't about the differences in his family and ours - it is about the similarities. Meeting him and his momma in in their home was one of the most profoundly spiritual moments of my life. Her gratitude and love for our family was overwhelming and unconditional.
How has seeing other cultures and serving others in Rwanda and Uganda affected your everyday life back at home?
I've never been to a place where they have so little, yet still I have never met a more joyful and content group of people. I think in our country we get stuck in the game of comparison and it strips of that joy. In Rwanda and in Uganda they have Jesus and they have each other.
The greatest joy I have found is in the people of Rwanda. I have seen forgiveness in its greatest, purest form in the eyes and hearts of the people of Rwanda. They are a country that was torn and tormented, and their relationships were broken during the genocide 2 decades ago. They have forgiven as Christ forgave us, and they love unconditionally. Through them, I was able to witness God's grace and mercy here on earth.
What would you like to say to the mom who wants to go and serve but if afraid to leave her family for a few days to do so?
Go. You serve in your home every day. It is important, necessary work. It is also important, I believe, to teach my boys through my actions to be obedient and brave. I want them to see that I can serve them and others. I truly believe that is one of the greatest gifts I can give them.
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