Chosen, Returning, and Ready to Share What We’ve Seen

By Ellis White, Senior Pastor

As you read these words, I’m soaring home from Tanzania—alongside pastors from churches across the U.S. and our own Pastor Julie —where we met the very children whose hearts and hands chose families and individuals from Chapel Hill. What an extraordinary gift this journey has been. 

Pastors Ellis White and Julie Hawkins have been visiting Tanzania this past week as a part of Chosen, the World Vision a child sponsorship initiative that flips the traditional model, empowering children in poverty-stricken communities to choose their own sponsor from a selection of potential supporters’ photos.

Tomorrow, Reveal Sunday, marks the moment we’ve been waiting for. It’s when the surprise we tucked into our sermon on September 7 blossoms into stories, photos, and the living testimony of God’s work in Tanzania and here among us. 

We’ll get to see the faces and stories of children who held our photos and made a choice. We’ll hear what drew them to us—and what compelled their hearts to say “yes.” And through that, we’ll glimpse how the Gospel brings restoration, dignity, and reciprocal connection even across oceans. 

And guess what? It’s not too late to participate. If you weren’t here on Launch Sunday, or if you hesitated, you can still step into this invitation. You can submit your photo now—or catch up in the moment. Let’s not miss what God is already weaving between us and our brothers and sisters in Tanzania. 

There will be time tomorrow to commit—not just to sponsorship, but to the embrace of a story far bigger than ourselves. Come ready to be chosen. Come ready to receive the portrait of a child who sees God’s image in you—and invites you into theirs. 

I can’t wait to share these stories, and to stand with you as we say together: “We are chosen—and we belong.” 

See you Sunday! 

 
Pastor Ellis