This week we have the honor to spotlight one of our wonderful Guardian Angels Kristin Long. She is very near and dear to our hearts as we had to privilege to serve side by side with her on one of our mission trips to Romania. Continue reading to find out how serving in Romania impacted her life forever.
“Hello, my name is Kristin Long and I reside in Sterling, IL, with my husband and two children. I became involved with ACF in May of 2016 when Tim Oloffson came to our church at Harvest Time in Rock Falls to speak of ACF and their mission trips. That Sunday in May I felt the voice of God speaking directly to me and telling me that I was going. I became a part of the October mission team and it was exciting for me to watch doors open and plans come together in order for me to go.
Our family started sponsoring two children (a boy and a girl) before I arrived in Romania, but I can’t put into words the feeling that came over me when I was able to see them in their classroom at Point of Hope for the very first time. I still remember the feeling of being overwhelmed and excited at the same time and having tears in my eyes. I couldn’t wait to give them a hug, but lucky for me I was there for ten days, so we shared many hugs, smiles and fun before I had to depart for home. What a gift God had given me to actually see and hug the children we pray for everyday along with their families.
My experience with ACF has filled me with a love and a passion for these children, families and people living in the surrounding communities. (Our mission team was also allowed to visit a couple of remote villages to see firsthand the impoverished conditions these people live in.) As I returned home my prayers continued for ACF and their mission in Romania, the staff at Point of Hope, all the beautiful and bright children I was able to meet and spend time with while sharing the Bible story of Gideon and of course the two children we sponsor and their families.
It wasn’t enough for me though, once I returned home to just pray, I had to get involved with fighting for the good that these people so desperately needed. I returned to my home church and started overseeing our shoe and other humanitarian aid drive, sharing my testimony with other believers in and out of my church community, donating my time and resources to help reach campaign goals and seeking others to come along side and sponsor a child. That is why I love being a part of the Guardian Angel Program, so I can remain active in assisting ACF with meeting their mission goals to help these children and families. ACF has filled an emptiness in my heart that I didn’t even know existed. It totally amazes me how God floods our hearts with exceeding love for those we pray for everyday and then places them in our hearts as if there were our own family. Praise God for how he works, he is so amazing!”
