Homeward bound: United Kingdom

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Homeward bound

United Kingdom | Betsy Rouse

Socks communicate love through OM Lifehope team member Kaisa

Last week, Kaisa flew home to Finland. After nine months living in the UK serving with OM Lifehope, she has experienced countless ministry opportunities, which have made a lasting impression on her heart. Perhaps the most lasting, however, was the final one, which occurred just before she left.

Kaisa volunteered for a week with a different ministry in another UK city, reaching out to women with life-controlling issues. Some of these women are coming out of trafficking situations and need assistance in rebuilding their lives. Most importantly, they are offered the chance to see hope in Jesus Christ through the staff who work with them.

“My desire was to spend time with these ladies and love on them,” says Kaisa. “I didn’t see them as victims. I saw brave, courageous women who were willing to deal with the difficult issues in their lives, taking one step at a time to build new lives.”

Kaisa showed love through building relationships, but also through giving gifts. Her sending church from Finland sent 101 pairs of hand-knit socks, and Kaisa presented these as a donation to the ministry.

As she returned home, Kaisa didn’t know exactly what the future holds, but she is thankful for the past year at OM Lifehope. As a community outreach team leader, Kaisa has worked hard. At times, she has struggled with illness and discouragement, but she emphasises that God has been with her.

“The OM Lifehope community cared for me and loved me while I was here,” she says. “Every time there has been some struggle, God has sent somebody or some special thing to encourage me. This speaks about His love for me. I haven’t been alone. I was here to experience His love.”

The ladies she served received the blessing of that love, as well. Please lift Kaisa up in prayer as she looks to God for future guidance. In conclusion, she shared just before she left, “I keep reminding myself that God was here with me in Lifehope. Nothing changes when I go back to Finland. He will still be with me there.”