Spotlight on …. Suhvaaaanuh! The sweet southern name takes on a whole new feel when you hear it excitedly shouted through thick Ugandan and Moldovan accents by children who have been delighted and cherished by a young girl, not much older than they are.
For Savannah, it all started with an answer to a call. It was a rare morning that I happened to answer the office phone when it rang (which I pretty much never do)! God lined up several small miracles to connect me to the voice on the other end of the line that morning.
And so began the internship of a lifetime!
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? – James 2:14
From the day the beautiful, bubbly coed walked in the doors, Savannah took action. Her mantra was “DO SOMETHING! Anything. Just do something..” Her indignation with the apathy she saw in the world fired her up and drove her to push the limits in creative ways and to test her strength, courage, and endurance in ways she and her parents never imagined possible.
I constantly encourage my staff to create ministry. Listen to your calling and create something beautiful and impactful that will change the world. Savannah was the embodiment of this challenge. She relentlessly went into the community promoting Sweet Sleep, she organized “Run For BEDZ” 5K, brought to life #mollyonthemove, and single-handedly created and implemented Sweet Sleep’s first annual birthday celebration project with Both Hands Foundation, where volunteers were sponsored to serve a local widow, with the funds going to place children in adoptive families around the world.
In all, the sweet freshman from Baylor University ignited initiatives that raised over $15,000 that she personally hand-delivered on two separate mission journeys to Uganda and Moldova this summer, and that will also be delivered in coming months.
I’ve wanted to travel the world and Sweet Sleep has led me to love people I never thought I’d have the chance to. – Savannah Koehn
I’ll never forget what it was like to serve in the field with Savannah. It was truly one of the greatest pleasures of my career.
What started with me answering a phone call led to a young woman answering her calling when said “Yes, absolutely!” to God’s call on her life.
She led the charge among her friends to DO something. I truly believe Savannah will be known among the great world changers out there one day. I’m honored to have had a front row view of her faith in action, if only for a summer.
You see that faith was active together with works, and by works, faith was perfected. – James 2:22
Savannah, you are a gift. You’ve lifted my heart and have ministered to me through your passion, grace, fight, and faith. From the entire global Sweet Sleep staff, you are loved and you are missed!
Thank you…