A little over 2 years ago, my family found a new church home and returned to God’s family. We were happy as could be but I still felt that I had some unfinished business. I was working a full time job, spending plenty of time with my three children and husband, and had made some great friends within the church. Yet, something was still missing. I found myself searching for something to fill a void that I could not identify. In service one Sunday, it finally dawned on me!
The members from the previous Haiti Mission Group had just returned and I found myself drawn to their stories. The idea that I could make a difference to someone in the world (that I had never met) was one that I could not shake. For several months, I wrestled with why I really wanted to go to Haiti.
Was it simply to attempt to fill a void?
Was I attempting to use the opportunity to establish myself within the church?
Was I really only interested in the idea of travelling?
Once I was there, what would I do?
Finally, the time came around to rally the troops for the next year’s mission trip. I mentioned to my husband that I had been unable to shake the urge to go but was unsure of how we would afford it, since I had recently been laid off of work. He insisted that I go to the informational meeting so that I would, at least, know what it was all about. My family waited for me until I got out of the meeting and when I came out, I felt that I had a true calling! In the days that followed, I could not stop thinking about it, so I had a serious discussion about it with my husband. Before I knew it, I was taking a huge step in faith! With no idea how to pay for it, I signed up to go on the next mission trip to Haiti!
For the next month, we scrounged up about $450 of the $1000 needed to go. Shortly after this, I got a job! After being hired on, I spoke with my new supervisor about my plans to go on this mission trip and she was incredibly supportive! With all systems “go”, we paid what money we had saved and I began the next steps as a team member. I worked with our organizer to establish a plan of action to assist two orphanages while we were in Haiti.
Then, a new development emerged! An anonymous sponsor had paid my balance! I was on my way to Haiti! In the coming weeks, I obtained my very first passport, received the appropriate vaccinations, and collected as many supplies as I could. Things would have been very difficult if it hadn’t been for an amazing supporter, which remains secretive to this day! Yet, I began to wonder if I was able to add any real value to the team. Was I really good enough?
A couple of Sundays before we left for Haiti, a very new (and very wise) Associate Pastor gave a sermon about Jesus’s resurrection and Mary Magdalene. He told of the moment when she laid eyes on Jesus and did not believe that he could be who he eluded to being. Then, he spoke her name and everything was clearer to her than it had been before. He ended the sermon by asking us two questions: “Do you know your name?” and “Do you know your purpose?” In that moment, an amazing calmness rushed over me and all I could think about was my huge amount of self-doubt in the upcoming mission. Yet, I was hopeful, refreshed, renewed, and confident as I sat in my seat with teary-eyed joy! For the first time in my life I could say that I knew may name and my purpose!
My name is Genia Davis and my God-given purpose is to help others to help themselves lead a quality life!!
I will not accomplish this in one day or by myself. I may never receive a letter of thanksgiving. However, I will help to plant the seeds of faith, hope, education, health, and love, through God, as it has been demonstrated to me!
This is my testimony. This is my journey. I will never regret where I have been or how it came to be. God paved the way for me to fulfill His plans, through His means, and I won’t let Him down! I didn’t understand why so many unfortunate situations seemed to find me in my life however; I now know that I don’t have to understand it for it to have a purpose.
Will you help me, and others like me, to plant those seeds? Any support is welcome and please feel free to comment below. Thank you for your time! God bless!
~ Genia Davis
Ways to give:
Mail check and/or words of positivity to:
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548
or
Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!
As always, thank you for your support!!
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