Mission

I didn’t have a voice, but God asked me to sing;

I didn’t want to fly, but God gave me wings;

I didn’t have anything but the power of prayer;

But God sent me with His compassion and care.

I went on a journey to a faraway place,

Equipped only with God’s blessing and grace;

I begged to God that His Will be done

Each day in the lives of everyone.

We went with old friends, but made new ones, too!

And during the trip those bonds truly grew,

Into Agape and Philos by God’s gentle hand,

As he molded us all to fulfill His command:

“Go into the world and tell my children for Me,

That they are so precious, I want them to see;

That I have given them a very great Light,

To fulfill their needs every day and night.”

I wasn’t prepared for God’s gift to me,

I simply had gone to fill physical needs;

But I was struck by a faith so great

That God does provide and all needs will be met.

Although I missed some things back home,

There were no times when God left me alone;

He stayed for the journey with everyone there,

With those giving light, and those giving care.

When Africans and Americans said, “Good-bye!”

It was with heavy heart, a tear, a sigh…

We came back with a knowledge that when God calls,

“Here am I, Send Me!” is the best answer of all.

Carol Hathaway

SLA Operations Manager

Youth Mission Team Leader, 2004 - 2005

"when we parted"

when we parted,

with promises and tears,

me half broken-hearted,

to sever for years

pale grew my cheek and cold

colder as i miss

truly that hour foretold

sorrow to this

the dew of the morning

sinks chill on my brow

it felt then like the warning

of what i feel now

my vows to you never to be broken

LIGHT is your fame

i hear your name spoken

and smile without shame

they name you before me

a joy to mine ear

a shudder comes o'er me

i knew you so dear,

i know i loved to know thee,

but did i know you too well,

never shall i rue thee

a friend too deep to tell.

in LIGHT we met

in thee i never grieved

for my heart shall never forget

my spirit never deceived

If i should meet thee

after long years

How should i greet thee?

with silence or tears?

I MISS YOU!

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

Edy Namara

Youth Mission Team 2005

Kampala, Uganda