We are excited to share a heartfelt reflection from Mikayla, a student from New Covenant Church in Fresno, California, which she delivered a few weeks ago during her banquet night while on a outreach. We are wrapping up our last weeks of short term teams and we have been blessed to have more than 200 students join us in service here in Jarabacoa. Each student brings unique experiences and leaves with invaluable lessons learned. While summer outreaches are short, we are confident that the lessons God teaches students during these times will last a lifetime. Here is Mikayla’s inspiring reflection:

Hi, my name is Mikayla. This is my second year here in the DR, and I was at La Joya Women’s Social Work. I will start by reading a verse from 1 John 1:7: “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”

I feel this verse connects a lot with some of the lessons I learned at La Joya. Coming into La Joya, I wasn’t really sure what my purpose would be there. I was younger, so I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in with the older women there. But little did I know, Daisy and God had a very special plan.

On the second day I was there, Daisy asked me to help a young boy named Juan learn how to read. Truth be told, I was terrified because I am not qualified to teach someone how to read, and while I know some Spanish, it’s definitely not enough to teach someone. But immediately, I saw the Lord pour out through both of us. Even with the language barrier, we were connecting in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the Lord. Each new day, Juan became better at reading, and our connection grew deeper. Through this, I learned a very important lesson: even though I am a broken and sinful person who doesn’t have all the tools, as long as I have a willing and servant’s heart, God can and will equip me with all the tools necessary to bring his kingdom here and share the gospel.

Another thing I learned was how God often shows up in the little moments. From playing with little kids on their patio with play dough to making shadow puppets on a projector screen, God showed me you don’t have to use big words or actions to show his love. It is an everyday surrender to him and an everyday goal to put others before yourself. The little things stick with people.

Lastly, I learned my most important lesson from my site leaders, Daisy and Noella. These two women are the most God-fearing and humble women I have ever encountered. They taught me how to surrender and study the word of Christ thoroughly and how to be intentional with each person I meet so that the gospel of Christ touches them.

As we leave these two weeks, remember that you don’t have to be the biggest or most knowledgeable person—just have a willing and humble heart that is ready to listen. Even if you may not realize it, the littlest things will have the biggest impact on others’ lives, and they will find Christ.