This winter 2019, a Lifetree Adventure Group traveled to North Africa to discover the overwhelming joy of serving the needy. And they had an experience that let them focus on going deeper with God and others, while not having to worry about the logistics.
It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure where they saw God at work around them and through them.
by David Hoffman, USA
“ When we left home for North Africa I was not sure what to expect. I knew our small team of four would be immersed in the local culture and have the opportunity to learn more about the plight of the Sudanese refugees here, but I was not prepared for what was in store for us at the Sudanese Refugee Good Friends School.
With limited resources
These dedicated teachers are bringing hope to over 40 children that have very limited opportunities in the local culture. The children are learning to read and write, learning math and science skills, and while their english was limited, they already knew enough for us to interact.
We had the opportunity to work with them; providing a science lesson, some fun math games, including a laughter filled game of math Bingo. Yes, Bingo - a game they had never seen before and which took some explaining. Teaching them basic english skills and being able to meet and greet each of the students individually blessed my heart.
Watching the others in our group interact with the children was also a blessing.
One person found a shy young boy and introduced herself. She started showing some large cards with numbers and bugs on them. One spider, two butterflies, etc. Soon the boy was laughing as she ran her fingers up his arm like a spider and he imitated the flight of a butterfly with his arms.
Another lady in our group found a copy of a Disney book and started reading to a young girl. The girl did not understand much of the english, but enjoyed pointing to the characters and telling this lady the characters names. The other lady in our group had some sticky notes and started asking the children to write their names on them. She was putting these on the children like name tags as they began to braid her hair and interact. Soon, all three were surrounded by children as they built relationships and started to become friends.
The children would call out to us - Teacher, Teacher!
Something we were humbled by as this was also what the disciples called Jesus. Through all of this interaction we became more that just strangers from far away. And, these children became more than just Sudanese refugee children living in difficult conditions. We started to feel like family.
I’m gonna let it shine.
We left them with a song that was new for them. This little light of mine - I’m gonna let it shine. They sang and shared how they can be a light in their communities.
What I thought I would be giving, came back to me in multiples as I now have over 40 lights shining in my mind that can never be taken away.”
Join Life Tree Adventure in the Next Mission Trip.
PS. There are still 35 children in our educational program awaiting for a sponsor.