Whitnee's journey with Christ

And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 
Philippians 4:19

“Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 

Matthew 6:25

A few months Rev. Elizabeth from CBF of South Carolina preached at our church. I had the privilege of attending an informational session she conducted during Sunday School and heard all of the wonderful things that CBF is doing in our community. One event stood out to me. The event is called Together For Hope’s Building Hope Weekend 2026. Something about this mission event resonated with my spirit and I was eager to hear more!

Several opportunities to serve are available such as:

• Carpentry
• Roofing
• Bathroom Renovations
• Painting
• Electrical Work
• General Construction
• Drywall Work
• Landscaping
• Food prep/ Lunch delivery to Work Sites

The mission project that will consist of building steps, wheelchair ramps, floor replacements, etc. is set to help those in the Barnwell, Allendale, Blackville, and Fairfax communities. My maternal in-laws are originally from the Barnwell community so I thought this would be a great opportunity for us as a family to give back. Of course I don’t know the first thing about drywall, electric work, or roofing but I certainly wouldn’t mind painting (definitely not a professional) or helping with the food prep. Honestly speaking my desire was to cook for the folks but I’m not above pulling my sleeves up and getting paint on my shirt if need be!

The closer we got to the weekend of the mission trip the more discouraged I grew. My great anticipation to be able to serve and participate was quickly being overshadowed by thoughts of doubt, worry, financial uncertainty, and thoughts that had me questioning my ability to be of service.

It seemed like everything had changed in the matter of months or weeks. I no longer had reliable transportation, I had been driving a rental since a few days after Christmas and had to turn it back in on Friday past before I would be sleeping in a cardboard box. I no longer had the financial means to donate the $125 for me to volunteer. I no longer physical energy or strength that I had before. It’s like everything was stacking up against me. The excitement had turned into overwhelming fear that this weekend wouldn’t see Whitnee’ and her family.

Friday, February 6th came- one week away from the big weekend and things started to look brighter though I could tell things were still stacking against me. I had received confirmation that one of my beloved church members donated the $125 dollars so I could participate. Rico couldn’t get off of work and Emmanuel had a championship game so that took any extra monies needed off of the table- now it was just transportation. A miracle happened on Friday and God did the impossible- with prayer, persistence, and a new battery Rico’s car was back operable (still praying for my Murano to get fixed). I still didn’t know how I would get there or where I would sleep until I had a conversation with Mrs. Debbie this morning.

You see I was supposed to speak to Mrs. Debbie on Monday but it seemed like time was not on my side. And truth be told, fear was riding my coat tail. I was hoping things would have turned out so we could go as a family and then that would solve everything- but God didn’t work it out that way. In the back of my mind I just kept saying, maybe it’s not meant for me, maybe I just have to sit this one out. And then I received an enchanted text from Mrs. Debbie! I called her as soon as the text had come through.

Side note: Anyone who knows me knows that I always try to be a woman of my word. When I say I’m going to do something- it pains me when I can’t.

Mrs. Debbie answered the phone in a very pleasant manner (as always) and told me that one of the young ladies that is vital to the hospitality and food prep was unable to attend this weekend. I felt a pain in the pit of my stomach as I was about to drop a bombshell on her BUT GOD already knew and had prepared a way out of no way! Unbeknownst to me Pastor Steven had already spoken to Mrs. Debbie and she was aware of the financial restraint, the fact Rico could not get off and the boys would not be available. She did not seem disappointed or disturbed by it and guess what? She even offered to allow me to ride with her! I gasped in excitement and gave her a quick spill of what I was up against and boy oh boy could I finally breathe! So in a nutshell my church member donated the $125 fee, Mrs. Debbie is allowing me to ride down to the Barnwell/Allendale area with her, and I am being allowed to lodge at First Baptist Church!!!!

Now the only thing I have to do is clear my head, pack my bags, gather my recipes to make delicious food this weekend, find someone to do my Children’s sermon for me, and do what I love to do- help others!!!!

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:19 that God will supply every one of our needs. God knew when I first volunteered that I would face some hardships and have a difficult decision to make- He knew I would have some obstacles to overcome. Though I had doubts, I never stopped being optimistic and I knew that I would do what I had to do by all means- this time trusting God in every aspect without putting my family at odds.

You all I just have to pause and give God the praise. Not only does God provide our physical needs; He provides our mental, spiritual, emotional, and everything else. He has given me a peace, a hope, courage, and wisdom that I know it was God and by God alone.

🎶 If it had not been for the Lord on my side Where would I be? Where would I be? If it had not been for the Lord on my side. Where would I be? Where would I be?

🎶 He never left me all alone. He gave me peace and joy I’ve never known. He answered when I knelt down to pray. And in victory, the Lord showed me the way

I would like to thank Rev. Elizabeth Coker-Nance and Mrs. Debbie Haag for the opportunity to serve this upcoming weekend. I would like thank Together for Hope for the wonderful opportunity and the things they are doing in the community. I would like to thank my church family and the wonderful donor who made it all possible. I would like to thank my family (Rico and the boys) for trusting God and praying with me on this. I would like to thank Kelly and Mrs. Rita for praying with me and for encouraging me. I would like to thank CBF of South Carolina for the many wonderful things and being such a great organization that not only talks the mission but walks, breathes, and lives it!

I cannot wait for the trip to the Allendale community this upcoming Friday. Praying for traveling mercies, God to multiply and bless our efforts to be a blessing to the community, prayers for everyone’s safety and wellbeing, and for God to be glorified and edified through our combined efforts.