Miles In Missions

Last fall, when taking my mother to the Abuja airport, I found I could not accompany her to the departure area. I was told to go talk to the front desk. What started out as an obstacle became a gift from God –  I call him my “Airport Angel.”  I found him at the front desk.  He took me to see his Oga (boss) to get permission.  The young man spoke to his Oga quickly who waved us on. I guess that was our approval?!

It is at this point that I knew I had found an “Airport  Angel”.  This young man took over and physically navigated my mom and I through airport protocol which included signing in a book, answering customs officers questions, weighing of baggage, completing custom and immigrations forms, checking in at the airline carrier, and he walked us to my mom’s gate!  My “Airport  Angel” told me to stay with my mom as long as I wanted and he would check back on me. When it was time to leave he told me if I ever needed this service for any of my arriving or departing visitors that I could call him directly. 

The next week I had an inbound visitor so I called my “Airport  Angel”.  He met my guest at the immigration window with a cart for her baggage and personally escorted her through customs and out to the parking lot. I continue to call upon my “Airport  Angel” who greets my guests with a smile no matter what time of day or night. 

Recently my “Airport  Angel” discovered I was a missionary.  It was then that he shared his story of being orphaned at age 10 and how missionaries (Rita Ashwerzenbager, Terisita and Edith) in Kaduna took him in and made sure he received an education.  My  “Airport  Angel” says he was able to get a good job at the airport because missionaries invested in him.  He then said “If you ever need anything please do not hesitate to call me! I am excited to know that I am able to help a missionary and pay back just a little of what was given to me.”

Isn’t God good!  This story encouraged me to know that the little things we do for others has an impact though we may never actually get to see it.  If you ever grow weary or exhausted from serving – just think of my “Airport  Angel” and know that the good you do for others is never wasted.