One small step with “Key of Hope”: serving when the mission seems to big

Image of the Key of Hope children’s choir from Shepherd’s Gate, Shelby Twp, MI

Have you ever felt called to serve in a way that made absolutely no sense? Maybe it was a mission that didn’t align with your current priorities—or a ministry that felt completely out of your comfort zone. That’s exactly how I felt when I first heard about Key of Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Durban, South Africa. At first, I honestly wasn’t sure how I could help. Aside from donating funds or providing meals, what could I possibly offer? Their needs seemed so immense, their journey so far—literally traveling continents to share the Gospel through music. The logistics alone were overwhelming.

But then I heard the story of the Smithers, the founders of Key of Hope. Originally from Michigan, they sold everything—everything—to follow God’s call to serve children affected by poverty and AIDS in Durban. With their own children in tow, they moved across the world, leaving behind comfort and familiarity. Between selling furniture on Craigslist and booking one-way flights, they never lost sight of the mission. No excuses, no backup plan—just faith, and the next right step. They were truly on a mission.

Their story stayed with me.

I had served vulnerable communities before—through Intown Cares, and various outreach programs at my church. But this time felt different. I wasn’t sure what my role could or should be. Still, something about Key of Hope kept tugging at my heart. Their mission wasn’t just about overseas impact. It was about people, presence, and partnership.

So I prayed. And prayed again.

Meanwhile, life was pulling me in a dozen directions. It was late 2024. My mother’s health was declining. I was juggling school schedules, holiday planning, and coordinating her medical care from a distance. She was in New York. I was in Michigan. I questioned whether I should drop everything and move closer to her.

But I kept feeling called to stay.

To stay present for my own family.
To stay committed to serving Key of Hope.
To trust that small steps still matter.

So I took one.

I signed up to help with meals for the children's choir while they were staying at a nearby campground. Each visit was more than just a delivery—it was a time to connect, to encourage, and to show up with love. Sometimes I brought friends and family along so the children could see they were surrounded by people who cared. I made sure the meals were fun and abundant, leaving behind extra food for breakfasts and lunches. It seemed small, but it mattered.

Then, I took another step.

I reached out on social media, offering to amplify their message while they toured the U.S. from Florida to Michigan. (I joked that they were going the wrong way for winter!) I helped share updates, reposted performances, and tailored my messaging to reflect their voice and mission. It was simple, shareable, and surprisingly effective. A small action with big impact.

By January, I was back in New York, caring for my mother in her final days. But in the quiet moments, I was so grateful for the time I’d invested with Key of Hope. Those small acts of service—feeding, supporting, sharing—reminded me what it means to live a life of purpose. To say yes, even when the path is unclear.

Looking back, I realize this is how God often works.

He doesn’t always call us to leap. He calls us to step—to do the next right thing, even when it feels small or uncertain. Sometimes the mission that feels impossibly big is simply an invitation to begin.

So if you’re feeling the nudge to serve, but aren’t sure how—start with one small step. That’s often all God needs to work a miracle through you.

Image of the Shepherd’s Gate postcard promoting the Key of Hope concert