My Grace is Sufficient for You
Karen Corral / Worship Arts and First Impressions Administrative Assistant
The first time my husband, daughter, and I embarked on a mission trip to Bangalore, India was a significant milestone in our family’s journey of faith. This took place the same year our daughter, Emily, graduated from Houghton College. Our pastor connected us with his friend, Pastor Paul, a remarkable leader who had established approximately two hundred churches throughout Bangalore and its surrounding areas.
Emily’s passion for serving others was clear from the start. Having majored in Inclusive Childhood Education, she felt called to support children with disabilities in India. After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, our first mission trip to India was set in motion. We joined a group from our church and traveled together to India, eager to make a difference.
Under Pastor Paul’s guidance, we visited several small Christian churches he had started and reached out to people living in various villages, many of whom had never heard of Christ. We engaged with them, sharing meals and the message of the Gospel. It was deeply moving to witness people choosing to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, leading to meaningful services and baptisms.
One of the most profound moments was praying for children afflicted with diseases like polio, as well as joining hands in prayer with their parents. Witnessing the tangible impact of God’s presence in these moments felt surreal and reaffirmed our faith in what He was accomplishing through us.
During this trip, we were introduced to the Principal and Director of the only school for disabled children in southern India. This introduction paved the way for Emily to serve there for six months, fulfilling her desire to make a meaningful difference.
When the time came for my husband and I to return home without Emily, we felt an unexplainable peace, despite the sadness of leaving her behind. I recalled a beautiful plaque Emily received before her journey, which read, “The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God won’t protect you.”
When I question my abilities or feel unequipped for what God asks of me, I’m reminded of what that plaque says. Perhaps you have felt the same uncertainty. If so, remember 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!