GV Discovery Testimonies
Guinea, West Africa
Ruined For The Ordinary
It is obvious that God is doing mighty things in Guinea. He is using ordinary men and women to show a nation His unending love.
Mission life is often romanticized, but in reality it is simply: real people living in a foreign country, but not only living, they're living on purpose. That purpose is to show love through words and actions and in a variety of creative ways, from English camps, meeting medical needs, evangelizing, translating scripture, starting a radio station, teaching swimming lessons, opening a literature center for university students, and the sky is the limit. God is merely looking for men and women who believe Him and trust Him enough to let Him plan and orchestrate their lives. These stories bear testimony to the fact that God is faithful, trustworthy, and incredible. He is looking for those who have been "ruined for the ordinary," who can't live a mediocre life because Christ love compels them to something greater. They know that the purpose of their life is to bring God glory, a purpose far greater than themselves. And that person could be you, if you're willing.
I want to thank all of you for supporting me throughout the years. Each one of you has taken the time to invest your time to encourage me to continue to pursue the dream that God has placed in my heart, to become a medical missionary to Africa. You have prayed for me and your prayers have brought about miracles. (Seriously. I'm talking about how your prayers have stopped military coups, opened doors to pre-medical programs, and brought me the extra strength I needed to get through tough times.) Many of you have also supported me financially as well. I consider myself thoroughly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family as all of you. I pray that you will continue on this journey with me as I prepare to take the MCATs this year and then apply to medical schools. The future is in God's hands, and I know that's the best place for it to be—Just look at what He's done in the past! I love you all and I hold each one of you in my heart! —Ketrina
Download the PDF from Ketrina for more on her experiences in Guinea.
Mali, West Africa
“Seeing the simple and complete faith the Malian Christians and missionaries have in God made me realize how little I sometimes trust God. I had a wonderful time with the missionaries and nationals. I could definitely see myself being a career missionary in a few years.” —Angela
Spain, Western Europe
“GV Discovery has made me more aware of myself and how much I need God and need to depend on Him for everything. Also, I’ve become more and more aware at the power and necessity of prayer. GV Discovery has confirmed my desire to spend my life on the mission field.” —Beth
Guinea, West Africa
“So much happened during my trip but one experience stands out: One morning there was a knocking at the gate—it was a young boy with a huge gash on the back of his leg who had come to see the nurse. The wound was deep and large and needed stitches. However, the nurse had not had much experience with stitching wounds and asked that I help her. I handed her the tools and helped hold the wound closed while she did the stitches. At first, I didn’t think that I could do that, but I was really proud of myself when we were done. Then the next day, the boy returned for a tetnus shot. The nurse quickly taught me how to administer the shot. I then changed the dressing. I really enjoyed being able to help this young boy—it makes me want to learn more!” —Sarah
Mali, West Africa
“I think that getting away from “what is normal’ almost always brings one closer to God, because you’re not in your comfort zone. We believe that the trip has confirmed that call.” —Alan
Thailand, Southeast Asia
“I feel more capable of doing intercultural work, but I have not decided a vocational path yet. I think I could really see myself living and working overseas.” —Elliot
Mali, West Africa
“In a nutshell, God broke me this summer. He gave me a deeper understanding not only of what it means to live in complete surrender but also a deeper understanding of His love and faithfulness! God did use this trip to further teach me of Himself and further transform me into His image. I’m content with that. I know that God has a perfect plan for me and I’m resting in it even if I don’t see it all laid out in front of me.” —Chris
“I learned that I still need to develop patience and that I also desperately need to seek God and what He wants me to do on a daily basis. I need to have a fresh encounter with Him all the time.”
GV Discovery
