For 17-year-old Mariah Walker, the scariest part of going alone to Ecuador was “when I officially said goodbye to my family in the Atlanta airport, because from that point on began the walk of faith.”
But God was faithful all the way to the end of her trip, said Walker, a member of Thomasville Baptist Church who spent five weeks doing missions work in the South American country this summer through Kaleo Kids.
While there, she lived with Boris and Fernanda Salinas, directors of Fundacion Dunamis (Dunamis Foundation), a ministry to women who have been rescued from human trafficking. All the women have different stories, but all are “warlike,” dealing with anger and psychological trauma, Fernanda Salinas said. The women learn to provide for themselves by making jewelry from the tagua plant.
Walker, who loves photography, was able to help the foundation this summer with the monthly prayer letter, photos and promotional pieces for the jewelry. She also helped with cooking and child care for the women.
“I have been encouraged by Mariah’s unwavering spirit for years,” said Ty Parten, pastor of Thomasville Baptist. “We have been so proud of her boldness to follow the Lord.”
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