At the end of 2024, Justin and Fernanda had been planning to take a vacation in February. But one Sunday at church, they saw a table about upcoming mission trips. A few were happening that same month, and one in particular stood out—Sierra Leone. The dates lined up, and it also connected to something already meaningful to them. Since 2017, they had been sponsoring a young girl with Down syndrome there through Enable the Children.

They had never been on a mission trip before, so stepping into this was new and outside of their comfort zone. At the same time, there was an excitement in saying yes.

While they were there, they visited different villages and spent time with families alongside physical therapists who were working with children with disabilities. At the end of one visit, Fernanda was asked to pray for a family.

The reality of what they were witnessing, the challenges, isolation, and weight carried by these families, left her feeling unqualified to pray and questioning her purpose there.

But at that moment, she felt a clear reminder from the Holy Spirit. Their role was to be the feet of Jesus in Sierra Leone and to be His ambassador there. To love people. To help them feel seen. To be present with them.

That shifted her perspective for the rest of the trip.

They began to see how much it mattered simply to be present. Many of these families, especially those with children with disabilities, are often overlooked or isolated. Being with them, spending time with them, and showing love in simple ways carried deep significance.

And that reflects the way Jesus lived. He saw people. He treated them with dignity and moved toward those who were often overlooked.

One of the most impactful moments came during what they called “Beach Day,” a day set aside to celebrate the families and their children.

They met a mother with a young son who had Down syndrome. As they talked, Fernanda shared that she also has a sister with Down syndrome. The mother’s first question was whether her sister could speak.

That question reflected a deeper reality, that many of the children there don’t have access to the support needed to develop speech. When the mother asked if her son would be able to speak, Fernanda told her that he could, even if it might take time. Looking back, she shared that that moment alone, being able to encourage her and offer hope, made the entire trip worth it.

Justin and Fernanda’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to feel ready to be used by God. You don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly what to say. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up.

Because when you do, you begin to see that God is already at work and He’s inviting you to be part of it.

To listen to Justin and Fernanda’s full story, click here.

To learn more about our mission trips at Hoboken Grace, click here.