USA (MNN) — In a mere ten days, contest winners
Jared and Hannah Norton were able to give eye exams to over 300 Bulgarian
orphans, with help from HCJB Global and Vision Outreach International.
"Our
ministry trip was composed of unique people reaching unique people for Jesus,
everyone created in the image of God," said Hannah Norton. "Of the
300 children seen, each is not merely a number but an individual worthy of love
and attention."
HCJB's
"Voice and Hands of Jesus" contest awarded ten winners with $200
toward their summer short-term trip and a flip camera to record their actions.
Video could be posted online to spur other believers into action.
Although Hannah says she thought their chances of
winning the contest were slim, the Norton's entered as part of a foundational
commitment to keep missions a priority in their marriage. Jared Norton says he's grateful for HCJB's
dedication to fulfilling the Great Commission.
"That's
the attitude we gotta have if we're going to influence the world for Christ,"
he says.
Jared
and Hannah influenced Sophia, Bulgaria for Christ by giving much-needed eye
care to orphans; both prescriptions and eye exams were provided. Without this
care, orphans would have been unable to receive the treatment they needed.
Bulgarian doctors don't visit the homes of children or disabled.
But
the couple didn't just meet physical needs.
"We
feel like we were really able to be the voice and the hands of Jesus in just
showing them the love of God," explains Hannah.
Hannah
and Jared played with orphans, showing them love and attention not normally experienced
at the orphanage. They also colored pictures with them. The Nortons say time
spent with these children was the "ultimate highlight" of their trip.
Their
mission team included Hannah's father, Roger Cabe; ophthalmologist Dr. David
Brown and two of his children, Davis and Anna; Father Gregory Owen, an Orthodox
priest; and optometrist Dr. Kristin J.
To learn
more about the HCJB Global "Voice and Hands of Jesus" contest and the other
contest winners, click here.
