Serving Bread

I came across Sister Emmanuelle’s obituary this morning in the LA Times. I never met Sister Emmanuelle, but my worldview and calling have been shaped and transformed by her ministry, servanthood, and laying down of life.

This nun spent more than two decades living and ministering among the poorest of the poor in Cairo, Egypt, among the Zabbaleen (garbage collectors). Seven years ago, I directed my first short-term missions project to Cairo, Egypt with a group of about a dozen students and ministry leaders. We interacted with the nuns in the village and befriended the many people who call the garbage village home.

That project shaped much of my values, calling, and passions. I am thankful that Sister Emmanuelle was one of the many faithful saints who gave her life so that thousands of the poor may taste a more abundant life that Jesus promises.