The attendees have left. After nearly four days of nonstop activity, the volunteers are taking a deep breath and stopping to ask themselves, “What just happened?” We gathered to debrief, discussing what we have heard and the emotions we experienced while listening to women pour out their hearts. We also discussed how this experience will change our lives.

One thing that surprised many of the first-time volunteers was how alone most of these global workers felt. Sometimes due to COVID restrictions, and sometimes due to the nature of their work, they are in an isolated situation. Several women served in cultures where women are not respected or considered equals. They don’t feel understood or even well supported by their families or the sending church community. They just want a friend, someone they could relate to. It was heartbreaking to listen to some of their stories, but we were encouraged to pray more diligently for them.

But another surprise for many of the first-time volunteers was just how similar we are. They have some of the same concerns we do: raising children, struggling with spouses or coworkers, aging, schooling, caring for elderly parents, and the list goes on. Yes, they may live in another country, eat different food, and speak multiple languages, but they all want a friend to have lunch with, cry with and laugh with.

What will you do to help? The next time you meet a global worker (maybe in church next Sunday), will you pause to listen to her story, get to know her, take her to lunch, treat her as a sister? Will you let the Father, through you, show her how much she is loved and cherished?