MEET PAIGE BUESGENS: a week long trip led to a nine month commitment where she found the joy in serving.
What led you to want to want to commit to spend nine months serving in Los Angeles?
I went on a week long mission trip to the LA dream center with my church last summer and felt that God led me there for His purpose. I wasn’t leaning towards a college for after high school graduation plans and absolutely loved my time there and figured it would be a great opportunity to grow closer to God, serve others, and travel!
How will be serving while you’re there?
The Dream Center serves the low-income and homeless population of L.A. through different food ministries, & they have around 15-20 different outreach programs as well. So I’ll be mainly working in two of the outreach’s which could include handing out groceries, teaching kids about Jesus, or cleaning up neighborhoods!
What have you learned about yourself while preparing for this chapter in your life?
I have learned to let go and let God. I have to trust and lean into Him no matter what’s going on. Whether it’s fundraising, taking a big risk with a gap-year, or deciding my next steps, I have to follow him otherwise it won’t be worth it.
What advice do you have for someone preparing to fundraise?
For anyone that is fundraising know that it’ll all work itself out. Don’t let the stress of money take away the joy of the adventure you may be going on. Money should never be the thing that gets in the way of your potential plans or lead you to feel discouraged because God always provides and people want to help you get to where you need to be.
If you could tell the world one thing about serving others through missions, what would you say?
Serving others is what this life is all about. If we don’t have community or a place in our heart for others, specifically those hurting, then we’re missing the point. Love and help others as much as you can, try your best to show them who Jesus is, and don’t judge those you’re serving. We’re all Gods children, so who are we to judge or divide each other? Love your neighbor!!
