Through my life experiences I have learned that nothing happens by accident. God uses our life experiences to minister to other people. This is what happened to me this year in Kentucky.
   For the past two summers as an intern and interim associate I have had the privilege of working in student ministries. Preparing for Kentucky Missions has been one of my major tasks for the summer. In the weeks before we left I was so busy I never really processed that I was going on a mission trip until the first night in our chapel service once we got to Kentucky. I was broken before the Lord and asked Him to reveal His purpose to me of why I was on this mission trip. I did not know if I was there to minister to the FBS youth or the children at the Bible schools where I was assigned.
    I was placed in a group with all college and young adults. We led an Upward Basketball Camp in the morning and a Bible school at First Christian Church at night. On Sunday night, our first night of VBS, I noticed two dirty little girls jumping off the van.
   While we were doing our crafts, I was given some sad news about the two little girls. I sat down with the girls to help them with their  craft. As soon as I sat down Adria began to tell me her dad died yesterday. I sat there in disbelief that these two little girls would be at VBS the next night.
   “How old are you?” I asked.
   “I’m six,” said Adria.
   “I’m seven,” said Emily.
   My heart began to break and I knew right then the purpose of why I went to Kentucky.
“You know what, Emily? I was seven when my daddy died and my brother was six,” I said. “I know how hard it is when your daddy goes to heaven.
    I began to share my story with them. The remainder of the night, I did not let them go. They sat on my lap or I carried them wherever I went.
   Seth, Jamey, and Jim came by to get some video footage of our VBS. The girls and I were able to share our story with Seth. As Seth looked into the two precious faces of the girls, they began to cry. My heart was broken for them because I related so well to their loss.
   I will never forget Adria and Emily. The Lord doesn’t make mistakes; even the saddest of circumstances He allows to be used for His glory!