At a village clinic for people with HIV, we met 24-year-old Grace. Her husband was a political leader until he was found to be HIV-positive.

They have two boys, ages 4 and 7, whom God protected from contracting the virus. Two weeks ago, they were sent to an orphanage because Grace and her husband could not support them. Grace’s mother has rejected them and said that she would only help Grace if she left her husband and came to work with her. But Grace will not leave her husband, because even though he infected her with this virus, she is committed to her family and bringing them back together.

Grace shared with us that since she became HIV-positive, she no longer is allowed to go into the temple. But she was not too afraid, because she found no peace in the temple. But after meeting a pastor and his wife, and hearing their message about God’s love, she found peace in him.

She said that she never thought that sacrificing animals to a god was good, and now she is so glad that she has a Father who doesn’t want animal sacrifices. Her husband has not found God yet, but he encourages her to read his Word and sees the peace she gains from it.

Elena is a student at the University of Texas-Arlington serving with Go Now Missions in South Asia. Her last name is withheld for security reasons.

I worked at World Relief in Fort Worth with a team of five other college students to serve refugees. Our main purpose was to show the love of Jesus to refugees by welcoming them to America and helping them with everyday tasks.

STUDENTS ON MISSION

 I was able to greet a 19-year-old woman from Somalia as she walked off the plane into DFW airport. Many of the refugees have been politically persecuted and forced to live in refugee camps before they come to America. As I saw the refugee woman, I just wanted to show her the extravagant love that my Heavenly Father has given to me.

My team and I were able to set up her apartment and pick her up the next day to show her around Fort Worth. Taking her to the grocery store, post office, and the local shopping center was such a blessing to her. World Relief is an amazing organization, and its selfless staff members go out of their way to make sure that all refugees are welcomed to America and shown the love of Christ.

Natalie Neesley, a junior at Texas A&M University, served as an Impact Student Missionary with the Go Now Missions program of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The day began cloudy, but our prayers were answered as the sun came out closer to noon. Casey, Lisa and I headed to the Martins' house around 4 p.m. to prepare for the Bible club for the kids. We had a great time preparing for the club, by putting up signs, balloons and setting up the games for the kids. Around 6:30, we headed out to the apartments for some last-minute rounding up for the club.

STUDENTS ON MISSION

The party began slowly with only about six showing up, but after a few minutes, we had about 20-plus people in the Martins' backyard. We were blessed to have that many show up, and I noticed the Holy Spirit just taking charge. I was able to make a connection with the kids’ mothers and able to find out some things about their life and what church they go to. It was really exciting to be part of that.

The Bible story went well, along with the activities. The children were enjoying themselves with the games and snacks we have provided. We had three kids accept Christ during the club and were very pleased with its outcome. We are excited to see what else God will do this summer.

Ruben Rodriguez, a student from the University of Texas at Arlington, is serving with Go Now Missions , working in Hispanic outreach in New Jersey

A group of 30 to 40 children from a local orphanage came to our little clinic for their monthly checkups. All of these children are HIV-positive. Most will not live to see their 10th birthday. But when these children come into the clinic, they see that they are loved and valued. It was very humbling for me to get to sit with these children, give them cold water and proclaim Jesus to them.

  STUDENTS ON MISSION

The name of the clinic means “hope” in the local language, and that’s what so many people desperately need when they come here. Many see their disease as a death sentence and struggle for purpose to continue.

I met a remarkable woman on our staff. She has seen more difficulty in her life than I could imagine. She is HIV-positive and also lost her husband to AIDS. After her husband’s death, she stayed to care for her in-laws rather than return to her mother’s house. She has one son whom she also struggles to care for. After the death of her husband, as a woman, she had no right to her family’s property. But God protected her and that property, and this past weekend, it was given to her and her son. The Father has proven faithful in her life over and over.

If you ask her about her life with HIV she will tell you, “I am so thankful for HIV/AIDS, because without it, I never would have met Jesus Christ.”

Angela, a student at West Texas A&M University, is serving in South Asia with Go Now Missions. Her last name is withheld for security reasons.

Two kids in particular—Carlos and Juan Carlos—grabbed my heart this week. These two older boys have so much desire to live full lives with meaning, but they have been counted out by the world. Juan Carlos has run away four times—not to leave permanently, but to just experience life outside the walls. He wants more. Carlos is a leader—the quiet type who knows the good, hates the bad and just wants to love and achieve. I pray that God will guide them and let them accomplish their dreams.

One thing that has hit me hard is the amount of love flowing while we are there. It feels great to spend a whole day for somebody else. It also feels great to be loved like these kids love; without any reserve. These kids have been hurt; they have been rejected; they are not able to overcome their circumstances by themselves; they are helpless. And when they see someone willing to hold them, to hug them, to serve them, they run—no, they sprint—with arms extended and do not stop filling up on the love that they are offered.  They are completely vulnerable but completely able to love and be loved. 

Has Christ not done more for us?  Why do we flatter ourselves into thinking we are above desperately needing his love?

Jared Brimberry, a student a Baylor University, is serving in Guatemala with Go Now Missions

Watch this spot for our newest feature, Students on Mission Blog. The student missionaries are on the field now, and we will start posting their blog entries this week.