Going into this mission trip I was unsure of what the atmosphere of Atlanta would hold, but after the first day it was much different then I could have ever imagined. Throughout this week in my interactions with the people I encountered in Atlanta, I noticed a pattern. The elders that I was fortunate enough to hold conversations with all seemed to reiterate their reliance on my generation.
I met a man, Antony Mohammed, playing congas in Centennial Park who told my group and I stories of Benjamin Franklin and the origins of the hundred-dollar bill. He explained that people don’t know why Ben, a non-president, is on the highest bill and also that people don’t seem to care, they are only concerned about its monetary worth. He went on to tell us about how Benjamin Franklin understood how human nature is to stay within the bounds of their current wants and desires. He then proceeded to connect this idea with the notion that it is our generation’s responsibility to overcome this nature and change the world for the better. Even just talking to him, it became clear to myself and the rest of the group that he was a man of great faith who possessed great love and trust in the young people of this world.
I know I speak for the rest of my group when I say this conversation inspired us to live a life for others, including those who have not yet graced this earth. Towards the end of our time with this man, he thanked us for allowing him to share his wisdom and express his care about our future and the future of this world. He said that there is a reason “silent” and “listen” have the same letters. We were able to connect with this man and minister to him by saying a few more words than “Hello, nice to meet you.” Sometimes simply listening speaks volumes.
My group and I experienced being on the Antony’s side of this idea when we spent our mornings with a group of very young children at Atlanta Mission’s My Sister’s House. We got to spend every morning sharing God’s love with them through songs, stories, crafts, games and good ole play time. We were encouraged by our leader to view these children as Christ would. I kept this in mind as my hair was being pulled and four 3 year olds were climbing all over me as I attempted to stop them from hurting themselves or the others around them. By keeping my focus on ministry and striving towards Christ-like patience, I saw just how precious each and every child is. They play just as big of a part in our future as we ourselves do. It opened my eyes to see that everyone has a role in this world and it is not my job to question that, it is my job to serve humanity and to love my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I worked for this organization, but they blessed me in ways I could never have expected. Atlanta gave me the ability to take a step up and get out of my comfort zone. I realized that God is at work all around us and just as we are called to spread his light, we are also capable of receiving it.
