How Difficult Stories Spur Me To Use My Gifts and Talents for God’s Mission

I ndividuals of different faiths join together to create change in Bahrain. A gathering of 10 people grows into a church of 90 individuals and families in the Netherlands. A single father adopts a baby boy in South Africa with support from his mother and a dear friend. Students in rural communities put together a science fair for their teachers and parents in Mexico. 

Related: How global experiences and mission led me to my call

These are examples of stories I get to tell because God’s people said “yes” to strengthening and growing the church by supporting the work of Reformed Church in America (RCA) missionaries and partners. As RCA Global Mission’s multimedia storyteller, I’m a different kind of missionary—taking my camera across the world to visit various mission partners to help them share the stories of how God is at work. It is exciting and inspiring work, pulling on my heart strings. God has given me the skills to share their stories in the midst of their crazy busy lives. This is what gives me energy. These are the gifts God has given me. This is the path the Lord has called me on. 

Related: How I became a missionary and why I continue to be one

A lot of times I get to tell stories of hope and excitement, and sometimes my job makes me emotional. Sometimes the stories are difficult to hear, and I am left feeling drained after visits. But I am always reminded of God’s heart and God’s mission.

In October 2025, I got to visit a number of sites in South Africa. This country, like many, has a challenging history with fear, violence, and separation between its people. And, of course, some of that history remains in the present. That is often why a lot of missionaries are called to do what they do. Each village, each group, each country has its own struggles.

I heard hope-filled stories in South Africa, yet I heard more stories of violence and lost hope. My heart was heavy. Stories shook me awake to what really is going on in South Africa. Gender-based violence is a major challenge a lot of people face in South Africa, but it is not unique and it was difficult to face the reality that this happens in the world today, even still in the U.S.

Related: Short-term mission reveals the unity we have in Christ

If you are like me, it is easy to let heaviness weigh on your heart when you experience hard things and visit hard places on short-term mission experiences. It is easy to be overcome by the darkness and to find yourself feeling that all hope has been lost. I was in this pit many times on my trip to South Africa, but, of course, looking back, God was walking through the heaviness with me.

I feel that I am always motivated to share the stories I have heard, and I feel as though this time, I was even more motivated. These difficult, heavy situations need the most prayer! The people living in the midst of these stories need to be filled back up, to gain more hope, and to see Jesus in the fire.

I remembered, even in the heaviness, that God put me in this role for a reason. I can’t take on all the heaviness and fix every situation I witnessed, but if I share these stories with people who have open hearts and open eyes, I can shine light on them and elevate the needs of brothers and sisters around the world. I can still make a difference and respond in a Christ-like way, even if it’s all that I have the ability to do in that moment. Remember, you can always help in hard situations with the gifts and strengths God has given you.