The World is Smaller Than We Think

I still remember staying up until almost midnight in my freshman year of high school, finishing the Saudi Arabian flag for our United Nations Day celebration.

Why did I choose Saudi Arabia instead of something simple like Japan? With the freedom to pick any country, why make it hard on myself? That question bothered me for a while.

But when I was done, I understood.

I had crafted a sturdy flag — cadmium green with crisp white Arabic calligraphy on a wooden stick, glued strong enough to survive all the flipping and waving. I was proud of how I perfected the angles, the arches, and the sharpness of every script. It wasn’t just a school project. It was me choosing the “road less traveled.”

My mission, even back then, was simple: don’t settle for being mediocre. Challenge yourself. Do the work that takes more effort, because that’s where growth happens.

Years later, that same mindset led me to faith and community. There are many ministries in CCF and other churches that help us grow closer to God and give purpose to our walk. Each one offers a unique way to serve His Kingdom and bring glory to Him.

During CCF’s Beyond campaign on weekends, seasoned missionaries shared stories that deeply moved me. Their experiences became an inspiration and a call: to reach more nations, to take God’s word to places that haven’t heard it yet.

It reminded me of that night in high school. One flag. One choice. One step at a time.

One July. One Mission Month at a time.

Written by:

Jeniffer Jacinto-Sapaula
CCF Beyond Volunteer