A Front Row Seat To God's Work

I was first introduced to Refugee Resources when moving back to Dallas after college. At the time, I did not know much about the organization, but having served in a similar capacity in college, I found Refugee Resource’s mission inspiring and felt compelled to join! Little did I know what all the Lord had in store for me and how He would use my time for His glory and my good! I have now been serving for a little over three years and over the course of that time have had the opportunity to mentor three different students. Although two of the partnerships were brief, I learned so much from each of these students and the Lord revealed His character to me in mighty ways. Time with these kids has taught me what it looks like to meet people where they are at, to truly and attentively listen, and how the Lord is sovereign in the way His plans unfold in the lives of these students and in mine.

The student I have worked with the longest is named Andrew*. I have had the privilege of working with him for a little over two years now. Reflecting back on the time we have spent together, it is crazy to think that he was quiet and reserved when we were first paired up. Getting to work with Andrew for so long has allowed me to build a genuine relationship with him and as we spend more time together, his vibrant and fun loving personality has begun to show more and more. He loves spending time with his friends and will talk your ear off about all things soccer; all you have to do is give him the chance! Andrew is one of the sharpest, most determined kids I have ever met. He does not back away from a challenge, but rather welcomes them; continually blowing me away with how quickly he picks things up.

While Andrew amazes me in so many ways, one of his most inspiring achievements is his ability to memorize scripture. I am constantly in awe of how quickly he is able to memorize his verses, sometimes two or three in a single day! Not only is he memorizing the words, but weekly I watch him internalize the words and connect these verses to the gospel and the hope we can find in the Lord. It is so inspiring and encouraging to see the power of the Spirit at work through the Word and to see Him working in Andrew! Through discussions following the bible study, I have had the privilege of seeing him grow in his faith. He is inquisitive about the many characteristics of our Lord and desires to have a personal relationship with Jesus, accepting Him into his life as his Lord and Savior. I’m so excited to continue to have a front row seat to all the things the Lord is doing in Andrew’s life!

Not only have I seen Andrew grow in his faith these past couple of years, but the Lord has used this relationship and this ministry to grow my faith and dependence in Him! Seeing Christ’s love and faithfulness from the kid’s perspective has deepened my understanding of His heart and His provision for His children. Watching the truth of scripture sink in as Andrew memorizes scripture encourages me not to forget the simplicity of the gospel. It reminds me of the value of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. 

Refugee Resources has been an immense blessing to me over the past few years. I am forever grateful for all the good work that the Lord is doing through this organization for the students, the other mentors, and the community as a whole. I cannot wait to see the ways in which He continues to move in and through Refugee Resources. I would encourage anyone and everyone who can to get involved with what this ministry is doing so they can have the same front row seat to God’s work that I do!

Written by: Erin Kaufmann
Edited by: Emily Thompson

*Student’s name has been changed to protect privacy.