Let's Make Heaven Crowded!

Nurse Tracy
Aug 22
2 min read

How Tracy's First Medical Mission Trip in Guatemala Changed Her Vision for Heaven

I flew to Guatemala for my very first medical mission trip expecting to help meet physical needs. What I didn't expect was that God would open my eyes to just how big His Kingdom is--and how small my own vision of Heaven has been.

*Guatemala Medical Mission Trip Team with Real Impact Missions, July 2025 -- Photo Courtesy of Tracy Griffin*

A Shift in Perspective

When I prayed over people in the clinic, I often asked God for two things: that the light of Jesus in our hearts would shine to others and that we would all meet together in Heaven one day. But after praying that a few times, I realized something embarrassing: when I thought of Heaven, I pictured my family, my friends, and honestly...my dogs. I never imagined the people of Guatemala there with me--or people from Australia, Africa, or anywhere else.

Now my heart has changed. I want Heaven to be crowded--filled with people from every corner of the earth. This trip made me realize just how much work is left to do, and how much Jesus still wants to do through me.

*Nurse Tracy with Patients from the Guatemala Medical Mission Trip -- Photo Courtesy of Tracy Griffin*

A White Light in the Prayer Room

On the last afternoon of our last day of clinic, a teacher came. After meeting her medical needs, I asked, How else can I pray for you? She told me to pray over her school and the teachers there who struggled to get along with each other.

We held hands, and I began to pray... When we finished, she used my translator to speak, As you prayed, I felt a white light come through you, and I see a white light around you now. Tears filled my eyes as I thought back to a song from my childhood--This Little Light of Mine--and realized how true it really is.

I don't take credit for what happened; that was all God's glory. But that day changed how I look at prayer. It reminded me that the love, light, and warmth of Jesus really do shine through us.