My name is Leah and I’m 24 years old and proud to be part of Hope for the Island (HOPE) family. I was one of many kids who were touched by HOPE ministries in the early days. I have been serving full time now almost 9 years. Let me share my testimony how God changed my life 😊
I grew up in a non-Christian family. I lived in fear every time my Dad got drunk which was often. We experienced physical and verbal abuse. It was difficult witnessing my mother being abused. My father has never been a father to me with my siblings and at no time a good husband to my mom. At school I also experienced being bullied because of my height and dark complexion. I grew up desperately longing for love and attention from my parents.
At the age of 10, I met this girl named Makana and learned that both her parents were the missionaries who moved into our village to pioneer Hope for the Island. Makana invited me to join Kids’ Ministry every Saturday. I found it very interesting and fun and was happy they served us snacks. The snack was how I convinced my cousins to join. I really appreciated all the Ates who served us. They took good care of us. I really felt love and attention that I won’t forget. I remember I looked to the HOPE mission house and as a little girl said to myself, “one day I will live in that house and teach the kids also. “I stayed active through the Kids’ Ministries and into youth programs. I knew lots of verses to memorize. I knew how to open the book and chapters in the Bible but was reserved and didn’t come to have faith and know Jesus until later.
When I was in 2nd year high school my family already poor was really struggling financially. I ended up being a working student for a year. I quit because of bad treatment at home and the family I worked for. I was drawn to a group of friends outside Hope for the Island. They accepted me and I felt some relief from all my problems, but I overlooked things because I so longed to be loved. If they skipped classes I would go with them. We started going to other towns that had parties. That led to me being molested and even feeling emptier.
I left that group and was received back with my true friends at HOPE. After graduating High School one of HOPE staff approached me asking if I would be open to be trained in a new junior staff program at Hope. It wasn’t an easy decision because at that time one of my uncles approached me offering to help me study in college. Since I was so young and didn’t feel a peace to leave, I decided to grab the opportunity to be a junior staff. I also felt it important to be able to help support my family financially through the honorarium I was given.
As I obeyed the Lord amazing plans and blessings unfolded in my life. God used people to help me heal and know what true unwavering love is. Staying at Hope I experienced the love and care of family that I always dreamed of. The people I lived and served with were so kind. I committed to follow and serve God. I wanted to help other kids who were like me so they also can have hope in Jesus. I was baptized in the ocean. I was overwhelmed with joy and peace that I never experienced before.
After serving for some time I was chosen by Hope and supported through the Discipleship training school at YWAM. That experience gave me many good tools. God really dealt with me in a deep heart level especially in forgiveness. I developed my gifts, talents and my character towards people. I went out sharing the gospel and thankfully lost my fear of man. Being comforted and led by Holy Spirit was amazing. I was brought back to my words as a kid that, “One day I will live in that house and teach the kids. “ God fulfilled what He put on my heart and my simple words and faith. I am so thankful to God how he chose to use me and HOPE team for His glory.
I love opportunities to teach kids and youth 😇 I have taught in churches, preached to prisoners in jail and have even performed night vigil at a funeral. I have enjoyed growing in music and leading praise and worship. I have disciples and life is good. Many of my family members now go to church. My mom, dad and brother have not responded yet. I do appreciate how my family now respect my faith in Jesus. If I eat with them, they ask me to pray and share testimonies. I am thankful for real Christian friends who are always there to listen and to pray with me.
This coming Sept I will work part time at Hope for the Island and do online schooling to pursue my dream to teach. I know God can be trusted as I take these new steps to develop myself and be ready for His purposes.
