Go Now Missions gave me an amazing opportunity to serve at Mission Arlington, and my view on people changed entirely. God brought me to Arlington so I could connect with the people served by Mission Arlington.
Heather DeMeritt God used me in ways I never could imagine. I’m a shy person, but that shell completely broke down as I spoke to these people. I normally don’t talk to strangers, let alone have a spiritual conversation or pray with them.
With the exception of one day when I worked with children, I spent most of the week in the Mission Arlington store, where parents could select items for their children at no cost. Some people were happy, and some seemed like they were only there for the presents. My heart lightened one day when I was with one of another of our mission trippers, Justin, and I heard someone praying to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. They really sounded like they meant every word. Justin and I immediately prayed for these people and for everyone who would walk through the store.
Serving at Mission Arlington offered opportunities to pray and enter into spiritual conversations with clients.One of the events that affected me most was when I was working in the food pantry helping a particular lady. She and her husband were caring their daughter, who recently had a baby and got divorced. They recently lost their jobs, and my heart just broke for them One thing she had said really hit home: “I really wish I didn’t have to do this.” I went to find this woman some baby formula and other toiletries. One thing I couldn’t find was wipes, and I felt bad because the baby hadn’t had any in a week. She was so calm about it, but I wasn’t. I felt bad and without thinking, I asked if I could pray for her. She said, “yes,” and we all laid our hands on her and prayed. I had to turn away quickly after giving her a hug and saying “bye” because the tears came. What really warmed my heart is that she agreed Jesus would provide and that he cared for her.
My heart has never been broken for people before. I have never cried over anybody else’s needs. I have been so overcome with what my family has been facing that I never even thought we aren’t the only ones struggling financially.
I am beyond thankful for this opportunity to help people who really needed it. I got on the plane to Dallas-Fort Worth not sure what to expect. I got off the plane back at home with a sure calling of what God had wanted me to do with my semester off from school and on fire for God.
Heather DeMeritt, a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, served at Mission Arlington with Go Now Missions.
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.