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Introduction
Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey—my mission trip to Sierra Leone. As I reflect on my leadership journey, I realize how far I’ve come, and how this mission is the culmination of years of serving others with purpose and authenticity. Service-based leadership and purpose-driven living have been guiding principles in my life, and this trip to Freetown is a natural extension of that.
This article, written on the first day of my trip, will reflect on my personal journey, what I hope to accomplish during my time in Sierra Leone, and how I plan to integrate my core principles—slow philanthropy, service-based leadership, and purposeful living—into my mission. As I prepare for a 30+ hour journey that spans multiple flights and sea ferry connections, I am both excited and ready for the adventure ahead.
Biggest Hopes for the Mission Trip
One of my biggest hopes for this mission trip is to share the love of Jesus with the people I encounter and to serve as an Agent of Hope and Healing. Many of the young people we will be working with have faced trauma and hardship, and I’m passionate about bringing them a sense of peace, healing, and empowerment. My mission is not only about offering support, but also about showing up in a way that fosters long-lasting hope—even when I can’t offer a solution to all of their challenges.
The long-lasting impact I hope to have is to create spaces for healing where the young people can see a future for themselves that is brighter and filled with opportunity. Hope is contagious, and I truly believe that through intentional service, we can plant seeds of change in the hearts and minds of those we serve.
- Example: I’ve had the privilege of serving in various mission fields before, and I’ve seen how small gestures of kindness, love, and attention can make a huge difference in people’s lives. I am bringing that same spirit of hope and healing to Sierra Leone, ready to share light in a time of darkness.
- Actionable Tip: Reflect on how you can serve as a beacon of hope in your community. Sometimes, it’s not about solving all the problems but about showing others that they matter and that change is possible.
Serving with Tenderness: The Ministry of Presence
Serving others is not always about doing something—it’s often about being present. This is what I call the Ministry of Presence: simply coming alongside others, whether it’s through words of encouragement or offering a safe space in silence. Sometimes, the greatest service we can provide is simply showing up, listening, and offering empathy.
During this mission, I plan to serve both the community and my fellow team members with tenderness. I will focus on meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and offering the support they need to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether I’m offering encouragement or just sitting in quiet solidarity, my presence alone can be a form of service.
- Example: I remember a trip to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in 2023, where I worked alongside the Founder of the nonprofit Women Add Value. My role wasn’t just about the tasks at hand; it was about building relationships with the women we were serving and the local community. It was through those relationships—founded on trust, listening, and presence—that real, long-lasting impact was made. The connections formed there were not only impactful on the mission itself but also deeply transformative for me personally, reaffirming the power of service and human connection.
- Actionable Tip: The next time you’re serving, ask yourself: How can I simply be present? How can you serve by being fully engaged, attentive, and mindful of others’ needs, rather than focusing solely on the task at hand?
Deepening Commitment to Purpose-Driven Leadership
Preparing for this mission has been a journey of deepening my commitment to purpose-driven leadership. It’s reminded me of the importance of staying uncomfortable and stretching beyond my comfort zone to create meaningful impact. Through this mission, I aim to stretch myself, not only in terms of my service but also in growth and learning.
The lessons I’ve learned through my own challenges and hardships have helped shape me into the leader I am today. And as I go forward, I am committed to using those lessons as tools to empower others, to be a catalyst for change, and to serve intentionally. This mission will challenge me in ways that will stretch my leadership and help me grow in my capacity to lead with greater compassion and understanding.
- Example: I’ve learned through my journey that true leadership doesn’t happen when things are easy—it happens when we are stretched and tested. That’s when we truly learn what we’re capable of and where we can make the biggest impact.
- Actionable Tip: Stretch yourself in your leadership journey by stepping into discomfort. Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth and learning. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to lead with purpose and impact.
Conclusion:
As I begin my mission in Sierra Leone, I encourage you to reflect on your own leadership journey. How can you serve with purpose and integrity in your everyday life? Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, mentoring others, or leading with service, every action has the potential to create a ripple effect that impacts not only your life but the lives of others.
