Annabelle glanced at the clock; it was the dead of night. Sleep eluded her in the stillness of Uganda, her mind wrestling with the ten-hour time change from her Oregon home. It was her first trip abroad. Joining the Expand Uganda team gave her the opportunity to serve in the children’s homes and churches supported by the organization. The stories her parents shared about Uganda had inspired her trip, and being part of this mission was both the fulfillment of a dream and a challenge.
A Fitful Night
However, tonight was different. Thoughts tumbled in her mind, a heavy weight pressed upon her heart. The enormity of poverty she witnessed overwhelmed her, but amid the sadness, she clung to bright examples of hope. Scenes of pastors tirelessly serving their communities, the laughter of children, and the joyful church services played in her mind. Nevertheless, the lack of basic necessities troubled her deeply.
Lying awake, Annabelle struggled with the question of how she could truly bring about lasting change. How could a 17-year-old girl make a meaningful, enduring impact in such complex circumstances? She felt discouraged until she heard a whisper in her heart, “A small action can have a big impact.”
A Gift of a Bible
The next day, as their 10-day itinerary drew to a close, Annabelle found herself in a vibrant church, engaging with enthusiastic youth dancing and singing. Amid the joyful chaos, one girl stood out. “I don’t know why her, but I felt like God was saying, ‘she needs to read my Word and hear from me.’”
Approaching the girl, Annabelle handed over her own Bible. It was a moment of quiet resolve, a step of faith taken based on the words that stirred her heart the previous night. It was a gesture that seemed small but carried profound significance. In that simple act of handing over her Bible, Annabelle addressed a spiritual hunger in a place where resources are scarce. She knew that her action would ripple beyond the gift itself, making a lasting impact not only on this girl but also on others in the community.
In fact, this act sparked a conversation that led to Expand Uganda launching a Bible campaign to raise funding to provide local language Bibles to all 31 church communities the organization supports.
Insights
The insights Annabelle gained in Uganda have translated into her daily life in Oregon. She describes her biggest takeaway, “There is no need for elegant words to preach. Simply being someone that people know is there for them is what matters. The people I’m surrounded with can benefit from love, whether they are at my school or in Uganda.”
Annabelle’s journey in Uganda became an education in relationship building and making a difference in small but meaningful ways. Sometimes merely showing up, listening, and addressing people’s needs can make an immense difference. Annabelle witnessed the value of just being present for others. She is a living example of what it looks like to have faith that a “small act can make a big impact.”
