“That first visit changed me”
Stand by Me was founded because of David Spurdle’s life-changing experience while on a mission team to Lebanon. Since then, taking teams to engage in impactful work with our children around the world has been a key part of our history.
Teams bring practical support, encouragement and love to children who need it most. Every team member brings something unique and valuable to our project, whether it’s professional skills, creative talents or simply a willingness to serve. Frances shares her experience of joining a team and how that not only brought love and care to our children but started a journey that changed her life:
“In 2018 I set off for the very first time on a mission trip with a team from my local church to the Bethany Project in Ethiopia. I can honestly say the decision to be part of that team has changed my life. At that time, I did not have much confidence in myself and took very few risks. However, God nudged me and my husband encouraged me to go. I took the plunge and committed to be part of the team but had so many unanswered questions about what I could do, would I be of any value to the team, could I make a difference?
After months of preparation, our bags were packed to capacity with gifts and resources and we finally left the UK.
Our time at the project was busy with assemblies, lessons, building beds for families, distributing food parcels and, most importantly, spending time with the children. That first visit to Ethiopia opened my eyes to how the project impacted not only the children attending the school, but the whole family of each student. The care provided by Stand by Me was like a warm blanket wrapped around each family.
That first visit changed me, changed my outlook, changed my focus. I have now visited the same project four times, striving to find new sponsors and spreading the word about Stand by Me and the amazing work they do. I no longer stay quiet and take more risks than I could have possibly imagined eight years ago.
Last November I picked up the challenge to lead two teams to Ethiopia from my church. I witnessed eyes opened to the needs of the project and saw people grow and challenge themselves. I saw hope spark in the children and encouragement blossom.
As I write this, I am conscious that I cannot fully explain how impactful, how loving, how much hope Stand by Me brings to the children, families and town. The only way to truly understand is to visit the oasis of hope found at the end of a dusty red road in Ethiopia.
If you have ever thought about becoming part of a team to a Stand by Me project, I would urge you to say YES! I promise you, you will make a difference and you will never be the same again.”