— EDITOR'S NOTE: This updates a story issued June 2.
WACO, Texas, (ABP) — A Truett Theological Seminary student who envisioned serving as a missions volunteer in India this summer to aid other physically disabled people has seen her dream deferred — at least for now.
Heather Herschap, who uses a wheelchair because of her cerebral palsy, had contacted WorldconneX, the missions network started by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, expressing her desire to work in India. WorldconneX helped put her in contact with proVision Asia, a non-governmental organization that helps physically challenged people in India become self-supporting.
Chip Kingery, founding director of proVision Asia, began making plans for Herschap to work this summer at his organization's headquarters in Bangalore, India. However, a series of logistical problems forced the parties involved to postpone the trip to India until summer 2005.
“This would give us time to involve Truett Seminary in a much more supportive way … perhaps even provide a partner intern” to accompany Herschap, Kingery said. Since she has only the partial use of one arm, Herschap needs someone to travel with her.
Time was the major problem confronting the groups organizing the trip. “India is a world away, and the planning for such a trip has its own challenges,” Kingery wrote to Herschap in one of a series of recent e-mails. “At this point, we are finding those challenges to be quite formidable.”
Herschap admitted disappointment in having to delay her overseas missions experience, but added, “I know it will be better next summer.”
Bill Tinsley, leader of WorldconneX, lauded Herschap for her determination and faithfulness, even when things did not go as she hoped. “God's timing is not always our timing. I am proud of Heather for recognizing she can be more effective by postponing her trip until next summer,” Tinsley said. “Patience and perseverance are the marks of a mature disciple.”
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