LEWISTON-WOODVILLE – When a door opens, it’s an invitation to step inside.

That’s exactly what Heather Farmer intends to do.

The 19-year-old Bertie County native says it has always been her dream to go overseas and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, that dream is inching closer to reality.

In October, Farmer has plans to leave the rural backroads of Lewiston-Woodville for a 10-day missions trip to South Africa and Swaziland.

“I have always wanted to go on a mission’s trip to another country to minister to people around the world,” said Farmer. “I have been waiting for an open door for a while, and now that one has opened I am ready to walk through it in faith, believing that God is going to do great things.”

Farmer will be accompanied by members of the McGregor family, natives of South Africa who moved to America to become missionaries here.

“They often like to go back to their home country to serve, minister to, and love on the people there,” Farmer noted. “They have preached at my church (Ebenezer Assembly of God), my school (Bethel Assembly Christian Academy), and at other local churches in the area, and they are always a blessing.

“Some of the things we will be doing on this trip include visiting and ministering to the people who live in the dumps, providing them with food and clothing, and even greater than that, providing them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Farmer added. “We will also be ministering to the children in the orphanages, schools, and villages, and ministering with a local pastor at a church. I want to reach out to these precious people and let them know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and I want them to encounter God’s amazing love.”

Farmer stated that another part of the trip she was looking forward to is taking some time for cultural exploration.

For a 19-year-old, fresh off receiving a two-year Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and without full-time employment, Farmer is seeking the support of those in the Roanoke-Chowan area and beyond to help with the expense of traveling overseas.

“I hope you will consider helping me spread the love of Jesus to the people of South Africa. Even more than finances, I ask for your prayers,” Farmer stressed.

She continued by saying, “This is my first time going on a trip like this, but I believe now is the right time to step out in faith and let God do great things. This is not about me, but all about Him.

“As you may already know, it does take money to go on trips like this,” Farmer remarked. “I do not want to beg for your money or take funds away from full-time missionaries, but any amount of money you can give would be greatly appreciated. If you want to read more about this trip or donate, I have a page set up on YouCaring.com where my story can be read and donations can be made for me to be able to go on this trip.”

The online fundraiser is entitled “Help Heather get to South Africa!”

For those choosing not to donate online, they can do so by mail at PO Box 700 Lewiston, NC 27849.

Farmer, who is employed part-time in the chicken houses owned by her pastor, Tim Parker, said she is even willing to work odd jobs in order to generate the funds she needs for the 10-day missions trip.

“If you have a job or something that needs to be done around your home, children that need babysitting, etc., I am available to work,” she stressed. “My cell number is 252-325-5350. Thank you so much for all your love, prayers, and support.”

The daughter of Timmy and Betty Farmer of Lewiston-Woodville, Heather plans to enroll as an online student this fall at East Carolina University.

She is very active at her church as a worship leader as well as playing the piano and singing.

“Worshipping God is my favorite thing to do. Jesus is not just one part of my life, He is my life. I also love spending time with my wonderful family,” Farmer concluded.