For over 35 years, ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) has ventured where poverty and hunger run rampant as a light for Christ and a hope for small-scale farmers. For those struck by the global plague of malnutrition, ECHO strives to serve the Lord through providing agricultural techniques and resources to affected communities. Small-scale farmers are taught to understand the Creator and how to efficiently farm His creation, and so to rise above the struggle against hunger.

The sad reality of malnutrition and hunger—though perhaps not affecting many people you know—should concern us all. Nevertheless, missions such as ECHO, which impact the physical and spiritual lives of people across the world, can seem distant and impersonal. As a Midwestern teenager, I certainly felt this way. My geographical distance as well as my youth led me to believe that serving God outside of my local area was nearly impossible and only for those in more advanced stages of life. But, God does not provide opportunities only to adults, those with agricultural degrees, or those going into missions; He leads each one of us into unique opportunities to serve Him.

So as a young teenager, I piled into a van, along with other excited peers, and settled in for a long ride down to the ECHO farm in Fort Myers, Fla. For the two weeks spent there, we worked alongside the interns, staff, and even a couple missionaries to complete manual labor projects around the farm.

The farm is divided into sections—such as rainforest, mountain, and semi-arid—in which the respective climates and terrains are recreated and on which specific plants, techniques, and resources are used. Our goal as a work team was simply to help them with whatever large and small tasks were needed. From thatching a roof to planting a field to building a bridge, each day came with new experiences that immersed us in the work of ECHO.

The work days were long and hot, but powering through left us with satisfaction and enthusiasm at the day’s end. While working, the interns would explain the techniques they implemented to efficiently farm different climates around the world. They also would explain the nutritional benefits of many different plants. The ECHO workers’ clear love for the Lord and passion for the farm’s mission encouraged us all as we worked alongside them.

Though our trip was purposed for work on the farm, spiritual growth was equally important. Each day began and ended with time in the Word: in the morning, crowded around tables in the shelter of air conditioning, each spending time in personal devotions; and, in the evening, clustered on couches, beanbags, and chairs, listening to John Hanson—the 25-year leader of the trip—guide a book study. The God-centered focus was carried onto the ECHO farm, where we would sing psalms with the staff and interns, hear their testimonies, and pray with them.

More than any knowledge or experiences I gained, the spiritual encouragement from my time at ECHO impacted me. Each of my peers and the workers were strong examples of the attitude found in 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Often God’s call to serve Him requires us to step outside of our comfort zone into situations we may fear. Waking up before sunrise to face a day of work—which was often filled with fire-ant bites and intense heat—resulted in an experience that was far outside the realm of comfort. Despite such difficult situations, no lasting effects remain other than a softened heart to those who truly suffer around the world and renewed excitement to serve the Lord. I am so blessed that God, who overlooked my teenage youth and clear physical aversion to labor, pushed me outside of my comfort zone to serve Him in completely new ways. I may not have greatly impacted hunger’s oppression, but I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed, if even in a small way, to alleviating it.

Ava Concannon spends time volunteering and competing in debate. She is a rising junior in high school and is a member of Second (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC.