“My name is Tracy, I have been doing ministry and life with refugees and immigrants for a little over seven years now. I am currently a foster mom of a little girl from Honduras, living and doing life together in South Louisville. I am passionate about connecting people to Jesus and specifically have felt a call on my life to the international community here in Louisville.”

Tracy is a familiar face around CrossRoads, she worked in our Louisville field for a time before deciding to dedicate her ministry to refugees and immigrants in the city. “God spoke to  me about 7 or 8 years ago and told me that I would be housing refugees. I did overseas work myself, and fell in love with internationals. When I came back to Louisville, I didn’t realize how diverse the area is.” In parts of South Louisville there are 100 spoken languages in a 2 mile radius, and a school with over 20 languages. Tracy saw the need, and felt a renewed calling to live in community with those new to the country. 

Her life changed quickly after accepting that calling. Five years ago this month, Tracy moved into a Missional Living home and started working at Maya Collection, “a non-profit ministry that inspires and equips refugee women to use their God-given talents to thrive as artisans in their local community.”

Listen to our Made to Serve podcast episode about Maya Collection…

Living in Community

Since then Tracy has become a foster mom, and started hosting women and children who are new to the city and don’t yet have a place to live. Last year, Tracy had the idea to turn her unfinished basement into an apartment for these families. 

Serve Louisville jumped at the chance to help Tracy with this new ministry. “We have been helping her maintain the 100+ old craftsman home,” explained John Boyd, one of the volunteer project managers. “I asked Tracy why she wanted to build this apartment, and she explained that many families get here before everything is planned out – they don’t have anywhere to go.”

 Tracy explained, “House of Hope, a small apartment in my basement, will serve as a safe place for orphans and widows needing temporary housing during their transition period to permanent living. My mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them, help them learn basic life skills, and work towards their goals while doing life together, sharing meals and sharing the Gospel.”

Building House of Hope

Tracy reminisced about the beginning of the project, “CrossRoads always starts by writing prayers and scripture on the walls. I wanted the bones of this house to have Jesus, have scripture. It was so beautiful watch. And the first scripture that went up was Jeremiah 29:11 – I was overcome with emotion. I had to share how that verse started my faith journey, and I’ve seen God use it to lead me. It was a confirmation – the whole way I wasn’t sure about what I was doing, but God has said Yes.”

Over the months of renovation, the work crew has become like family. John explained, “The guys love her so much, they will go over by themselves to help – I don’t even have to schedule them.” Tracy feels the same, “We have been working so closely, they feel like family. They are truly the hand and feet – I couldn’t do it without CrossRoads and the volunteers. It’s not even about the construction, it’s the way they’ve come to love, support, and pray for me and for each other. They’ve blessed me in ways they don’t even know.”

Looking to the future

“Looking back on these past five years, I see so much more of the puzzle that led me here. I don’t know what is next, but I’m so excited!” Tracy shared, “In ways it feels like God is just getting started, that all of this has been Him preparing my heart and home for what is next. This house will truly be used for orphans and widows – that is what we are called to do in scripture.”

“When God gives you an opportunity to tell your story, it’s actually God’s story. I hope this story is an encouragement to others to fully listen to God and what he has in store for your life. When you think of mission trips, people think they have to go overseas, but there is so much in your own backyard, and I think a lot of people miss that.  If you are feeling called to serve – GO. You don’t even need a skillset, just go.”

Are you looking for a way to get plugged into a community like this? Contact our staff to find out how you can get involved!

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