“ God cares about your passions and interests. There is a purpose behind every talent and hobby you have.”
Courtney from New Zealand has recently returned from Ethiopia, after a year teaching at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa. During her time there, God presented her with an unexpected opportunity – horse care training. Courtney has long loved horses, and leaving New Zealand for a year of teaching in Ethiopia meant leaving that passion behind.
Courtney sold her horse before leaving for Ethiopia, believing her involvement with horses would be on hold until she returned home.
However, God was working behind the scenes. In her new class at Bingham, Courtney met a child whose parents owned a farm more than an hour’s drive away. On the farm, they had horses who were being cared for by a group of young boys who had previously been living on the street.
Courtney’s passion for horses was quickly discovered, and she was invited to visit the boys and provide some training in equine care. She soon took up the opportunity.
“I felt like God had orchestrated it because He knew how much I would miss the horses and how happy they make me.”
Although she was initially cautious about entering their environment and seeing how the horses were managed, Courtney’s knowledge was enthusiastically embraced.
“They would take notes and draw pictures, and they were often asking when I was coming back.”
With each visit to the farm, Courtney saw a love of learning grow among the boys as they connected more with the horses.
“Many of them were in and out of school. I think the learning aspect of it was really good for them.”
She also learnt that the family who owned the farm had established an orphanage where some of the boys lived. Courtney knew the horses provided a ministry for them, and she also heard testimonies of how their lives had been transformed through the gospel of Jesus.
“It was enlightening to see how the horses played a purpose for these people.”
Courtney had expected her ministry in Ethiopia to centre on teaching. Yet God opened another door, allowing her to use one of her greatest passions to serve others. And one that would ignite her heart as she coached others in working with horses – one of her great loves!
“Many Christians think their interests and hobbies aren’t important to God. But He often uses those very passions to serve others and share the good news. There is a purpose behind every talent and hobby He has given us.”
Wondering how God could used your interests and skills overseas? Contact us today.
