With help from HCJB Global, Jared and Hannah Norton cared for orphans in Bulgaria. (Photo courtesy HCJB Global)
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.
