The Way IMPACT team wraps up their final day in Abaco. Hear from Pam and CJ Osborn as they share reflections and stories from their time at Driftwood Farms and youth group at Kirk of the Pines. Discover how the lyrics of “Go Light Your World” came to life through their experiences and the inspiring people they met.
Our final day at camp involved working at Driftwood Farms, a hydroponic farm that partners with Many Hands to offer fresh produce to the community of Abaco.
In the evening, we participated in a youth group event at Kirk of the Pines. “Growth Groups,” also known as “G2,” allowed us to meet and spend time with the incredible youth (11 years old and up) who are seeking to grow in Jesus through fellowship and study.
As we reflect on the week’s activities, these lyrics from a favorite song come to life in a powerful, new way:
“There is a candle in every soul,
Some burning brightly,
Some dark and cold.
There is a Spirit who brings a fire,
Ignites a candle, and makes His home.”
(Lyrics, “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice)
It is evident that the people we met in Abaco this week have the Holy Spirit burning brightly within them. On Saturday afternoon, during a food distribution, we met Fristina, an 81-year-old woman who lives alone with little income. She welcomed us into her home and wanted to know each of us by name. “I have a grandchild by that name! I won’t forget it,” she said. She asked us to sing a hymn with her and shared some bread she had made with coconut and spices (it was delicious!).
We also met Brent, a blind man who lives in a one-room apartment. He had just been released from the hospital after surgery on his dialysis port. Both Brent and Fristina asked for prayers for their families, not for their own personal circumstances. As an aside, Brent is the Uncle-in-Law of one of the community leaders, Robinette. She is a widow with two sons who described her trust in God and her thankfulness for Christian fellowship as central to how she can move forward after the hurricane of 2019 and the subsequent passing of her husband.
“Frustrated Brother, see how he’s tried to light his own candle some other way.”
It is so easy for us to seek things of this world (sports, social status, entertainment, bigger toys, and approval from others) to bring us joy and contentment. However, we know these things are fleeting. A relationship with Jesus is the only way to true contentment and lasting joy. This was evidenced by people like Fristina, Brent, and Robinette.
“So carry your candle, run to the darkness.
Make us a beacon in darkest times.
Hold out your candle for all to see.
Take your candle, and go light your world.”
Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Our deep hope is that the work we have done, the connections we have made, and the stories that have been shared will shine for all to see and bring glory to God. It is easy to run from darkness or look the other way, but Jesus ran toward darkness and offered to help. As we head home Thursday, may our flames burn brightly, and may we be inspired to run toward darkness so God can use us to show others the source of our light (Him!).
— Pam and CJ Osborn
