by Patti Holman

The afternoon light comes through Bethany’s library window, illuminating Sandy Courtway’s fair, finely featured face. Behind her, orderly shelves of Christian books rise to the ceiling. Opposite the window, another wall of books has two shelves labeled “New Books.”

Sandy Courtway recommended many of the new books. This room is full of signs of Sandy’s service, maintaining and improving Bethany’s library. The colorful African paintings on the wall above the four brown armchairs, however, signal a different part of Sandy’s life with God - the story of how she surprisingly found herself on a mission in Africa.

“My involvement began in Bible Study Fellowship in 1994, but I never thought of going on a mission. I wasn’t inclined that way,” explains Sandy. “Then, in 2002, I started having contact with people involved with the Rafiki Foundation, the missionary arm of Bible Study Fellowship. I remember thinking, ‘Maybe I should go on a mini-mission with them.’ Then I remember feeling jubilant and thinking, ‘Oh yes, I should do this!’ And that surprised me.”

“So, in 2003, I went to Lagos, Nigeria, one of the biggest cities in Africa. It was very eye-opening – the poverty, the largeness. I worked at a very small Rafiki Center for Vulnerable Teenage Girls. I was shocked at how much I loved it and how moved I was. Going to Africa, I didn't understand what awaited me. It was a very healing experience on a deep level.”

“To my surprise, I have gone back every year since,” Sandy recounts, “in 2004 to Jos, Nigeria, in 2005 to Lusaka, Zambia and Nairobi, Kenya, and in 2006 and 2007, back to Lusaka. And after my first trip to Zambia, in 2005, I was so touched I asked for a leave from my employer to go back. I was in Lusaka four months, teaching with Zambian National Teachers. It was a real joy!”

“I have never laughed so much as I laugh in Africa. That's why I think I belong there. When I am there, participating in what God is doing, it turns into a joyous, life-giving privilege.”

“Internally, on these trips, I sense God's heart, his love and compassion for these young people who have nothing - no hope, no school, no jobs - who are so hungry with spiritual hunger as well as physical hunger. On a very personal level, I feel like I step into God’s heart when I go in these places, when I am with those girls all day and realize they are probably getting their one meal at school and going to bed hungry.”

“Going back to the same teenage girls for three years, more than seeing them grow in their confidence from learning, I have a growing sentiment that the most important part of going is bringing these girls into a living relationship with Christ,” Sandy points out that, statistically, some of these girls are likely to get AIDS, “so that no matter what unfolds in their life they know Him, they know how to pray, and they have His word.”

“I've been praying about going back, and a teacher in Zambia recently told me, ‘The girls are praying for you and waiting for you to come back.’” Sandy says with amazement, “Who is sent to who? I don’t know who is getting more help.’’ Sandy reflects, “Isn't that just like God? You obey Him and follow Him, and the benefits are endless.”

Footnote: Sandy is taking the Perspectives Course, jointly held at UPC, and is finding affirmation for her African call. The Perspectives Reader which includes articles by 105 authors is particularly meaningful.