Keely Povlitz

Purdue University

Q: What is the most important thing in your life and why?

A: The most important thing in my life is cultivating my relationship with Christ and learning more about Him each day. I want to apply what I am learning to my every day life.

Q: What did you learn from your CEI trip to Venezuela?

A: I learned that people matter to God. And so, they should also matter to me. I thought I cared about people, but I realized through this trip that in reality my love is so small for others. I also realized how much I do want to care about others in my words and actions. People are important. And I want to make people more of a priority in my life. When I think of the parable of the lost coin, or the lost sheep or even the prodigal son, I am reminded of how much God loves people and will do whatever is needed to bring them home. He rejoices when the lost coin is found, when the lost sheep returns to the flock, and when the lost son returns home. I want to have the same attitude and heart.

Q: What is God currently teaching you? A: He is currently teaching me to love the unlovable. I have always thought of the unlovable as a totally different class of people, like the homeless. But those who are unlovable are really those who we are around who you have a hard time relating with. He is showing me the importance of building bridges and relating to those who are different from me and those who may not be the easiest to get along with. Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering going on an overseas missions trip? A: Don't pack too many clothes!! I packed way too much stuff. The biggest thing I saw was that God can make communication possible between two people who don't speak the same language. God's language of love will shine through. The other thing I would mention is the need for people back home to be praying for you as you go. Having a prayer covering is very important. One other word of advice is to remember that conflict will come up. That is normal. But you must make a point to resolve the conflict in a godly way, and not to let things get between you and others.

Favorite Verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).