Her Extended Hand

Act One of "Living Cross" neared its conclusion. The set was covered with period-costumed actors straining to touch "Jesus" as He passed their way. I noticed one of the outstretched hands belonged to a lone Asian cast member.

During intermission, I learned that "Berry" was a 16-year-old Chinese exchange student being hosted by a family at my church in Ohio. Originally, Berry had been hosted by another family. As she worked on assignments in her school's library, she was befriended by library assistant Wendy Godbey.

When Berry's original home placement proved unsatisfactory, Berry asked if she could live with Wendy. Surprised by the request, Wendy discussed it with her husband, Terry, and their family. They prayed about it, and Berry was soon relocated.

The next seven months included many first-time experiences for Berry. In China, she was an only child. In the Godbey's home, she immediately gained three "brothers" and two "sisters." Other new experiences included camping, eating cheese, experiencing the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Christmas, and taking a family vacation with stops in Washington, D.C., and along the Atlantic Ocean. Berry joined the high school girls' volleyball team, played the piano for a play, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Another first for Berry was Christianity, about which she and her family in China knew nothing. Wendy gave Berry a Bible and a devotional book, and the Godbeys introduced her to Cincinnati Springdale Church of the Nazarene. Berry wrote of her insights:

My host family is Christian. They love their God and they are very pious. I go to church with them every Sunday and I always listen to their prayers and worship. I get to know many Christians in the church and sometimes I am shocked by feeling their strong love for God.

I will always be touched by their strong faith, even if I never become a Christian. They are so faithful that I can feel their love. I get to know God because of them and I am thankful for the opportunity to know so many believers. I love those people and I respect their love for God.

Was it just luck that brought Berry to the Godbeys? I believe God orchestrated the whole experience.

Wendy confided, "We didn't have the funds to go on a Work and Witness trip, so God brought the mission field to us! What better way to scatter seed than by planting it in the hearts of those from the other side of the world while they are in our home."

Berry's hand extended upward to "Jesus" in the play reflects millions of outstretched hands of people who need to be introduced to Jesus Christ across the globe. We never know what unique ways God has for believers to introduce His love to others.

William Marshall Duke is coordinator of Men's Ministries for the Sunday School Ministries department.

Holiness Today, November/December 2006 

Please note: This article was originally published in 2006. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.