Meet Rachel & Mubaraka!

After scrolling through Facebook for a while one day, I stumbled upon a Facebook post mentioning that Refugees Resources was looking for volunteers. I had never heard of the organization before, but after reading just a few sentences about it, I felt called to volunteer and make a difference.

When I began volunteering, I expected to teach a young individual about Jesus and literacy. I never thought that a seven-year-old would teach me as many life lessons the way that Mubaraka has. When we first met, he was extremely shy and reserved. I could barely get a word out of him and was truly worried that we would not be able to build a relationship. As weeks went by, we continued learning more about the Gospel, practicing the alphabet, pronouncing sounds, and blending words together. Our relationship began one Tuesday night where I asked if I could pray for us. I closed my eyes to pray and in the middle of it, I was really curious if he was closing his eyes. I continued to pray, but I started to peak. As I looked with one eye slightly opened, I realized he was doing the same thing. We instantly started bursting out in laughter and our relationship forever changed that night.

Mubaraka possesses certain qualities that I have been striving to have for most of my life. He perseveres when times get tough and uncomfortable. Over a period of time, he has developed a sense of boldness. Recently, I asked him if he wanted to start off the night by praying for us. Usually, when I ask, he responds with yes and then will change his mind. When I asked this time, he did the same thing, but I encouraged him to tell me why he changed his mind. He told me that he was “scared.” After listening to him, I reminded him that it doesn’t matter how we pray. God loves that we are wanting to speak to him. He decided to pray for us and it was incredible seeing him have the courage to do something that was difficult for him. His response really resonated with me. There have been so many times in my life when I have been given opportunities to do something related to my faith and didn’t because I was too scared. His actions that night really changed my perspective on how I should be living my life. During the scary times, I am reminded that God is near and that I am never alone. He gives me the strength to achieve certain things and to further His kingdom.

I am truly grateful for being able to be a part of such an amazing organization that has changed so many lives including my own. It is such a privilege to work with these kids and an honor to be a mentor and friend to Mubaraka. I think volunteering with Refugee Resources is a great way to serve the Kingdom of God and I encourage people that are interested to step out of their comfort zone and get involved.

Written by: Rachel Cage

Student Name: Mubaraka