My name is Sarah
Teegarden. I am 28 years old and live in
I became a volunteer with the mission out of what some people would say
was a fluke, but I know it was God. I had planned to go to
I have now been back four times and plan on returning in October. I could go on and on about why I keep coming back but the answer is simply God. I feel God calling me to work with the village. I feel God calling me to love the children like they are my own. I do not have a husband or children at the moment, so I take my vacation time at work and am blessed to go twice a year. It really has become a vacation of sorts for me. I look forward to each trip with such anticipation. Only God could take something that I thought I would hate and make it into something that I dream about and long for.
This mission has changed who I am for the better. The people of Dufailly not only touch my heart, but they teach me about love and strength in Christ. I have seen what true hunger looks like in a child, and yet, see that child laugh and play and smile through the pain. I have seen people who have nothing according to the world’s standards act like they are kings and queens because of the love of God. I have been taught humility and have had my eyes opened to the world that includes so much more than just my little box I had made it.
God has taught me leadership in helping lead Vacation Bible Schools and has shown me a spirit of courage in speaking in front of a crowd of women and singing in front of over 400 people at revival. I have been able to pass out food, clothing and medical supplies to people who, otherwise might have never received those things. These are experiences that only come from serving God. You cannot begin to tell people how it feels. It is something one must feel for themselves.
I greatly encourage anyone to go and see first-hand the amazing work God is doing in this village. If you cannot go, I encourage you to really consider giving of your time or money to sustain this mission. God calls us all to be missionaries. Whether it’s working here in your own backyard or working overseas, we have to be doing something to win others to Christ.
Please be in prayer for this mission and please let us know if you are interested in serving with us in anyway. We always love to see new people join our Dufailly family!