The Resilience of an Awana Leader

Nepal

There are moments that carry enough weight to become heavy hash marks on the timeline of a life; without knowing, we begin thinking of life in terms of “before” and “after.”

Before a parent passed away. And after.

Before we had kids. And after.

Before Jesus came. After He came.

Those moments can change everything.

At age 18, Sabina was already a Sunday school teacher and an Awana club leader in her church, known throughout her remote village for her infectious energy and selfless dedication to her community. Her home was everything the word “village” might bring to mind. There wasn’t electricity; no roads and no high school. Sabina found joy in her church, her God and her people.

Then, one bright morning, life threatened to change all that. Eager to get ahead on her farmwork so she could attend a special youth meeting the next day, Sabina expertly climbed a tall tree to scout the best grazing spot for her cattle. She’d done it a hundred times before.

But she slipped. In a moment that Sabina had no idea was about to become the before and after marker on her timeline, she lost her grip and tumbled to the ground. The impact shattered her backbone.

With no access to immediate medical treatment, Sabina’s family did their best to care for her; but her condition was dire. Weeks later, the family was able to take her to a hospital near the Indian border, but the delay had taken its toll. Sabina returned home with a wheelchair, her mobility forever changed.

Before the accident. After the accident.

Sabina’s bones were broken, but praise God, her spirit was not. She embraced her new reality with grace and resilience as she trained and supported new leaders to continue discipleship through the Awana club. Sabina resumed leadership in a different capacity with the youth in her village, and her wheelchair became a symbol, not of a tragedy but of faith, as she navigated village paths to help every child receive biblical truth and guidance.

Once, a visitor asked Sabina if she had any regrets or complaints about her situation. Her response: “I have no complaints with God. I’m thankful for His blessings and the opportunity to serve my community. My wheelchair may limit my movement, but it cannot limit my love and dedication.”

And so, in her quiet village, where life is simple but not easy, Sabina continues to shine brightly.

With your help, she gets to disciple the kids of that village to develop a lasting faith in Jesus. Hallelujah.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)