The Henton Missionaries by Joshua Newburn (age 10)

This story is based on a true story.  These are the characters’ real names:

The Henton family—The Newburn family

Mr. Henton—Peter

Mrs. Henton—Joy

Jon—Joshua

Katrina—Jessica

Eliza—Emily

Father Achui—Fr. Michael Bibi

Introduction

Once there was a family who lived in California—the Hentons.  Mr. Henton did a lot of short missionary trips, but an amazing adventure was about to come up for all the Hentons.

Chapter 1:  Family Mission

“Jon!  Katrina!  Eliza!”  Mrs. Henton called to her three kids, “Your father and I want to tell you exciting news!  You see, your father and I have been gone, as you know, to missionary classes.”

“OK, Mom,” Jon said, “but why is that so exciting?”

“Well,” their mom explained, “not only is your father going on a missionary trip, but the whole family is!”

Jon, Katrina, and Eliza’s mouths hung wide open—a missionary trip?

“What’s wrong?” Mr. Henton asked.

“I don’t know,” Jon stammered, “it’s … it’s just overwhelming!”

Chapter 2:  Preparing and Going

In a few weeks, the Henton children got used to the fact that they were now future missionaries.  Jon became interested in this new place that they were going to—Africa.  Katrina and Eliza told all their friends about this new adventure, though the friends could hardly believe it.  The kids got used to the idea, but when the real thing came up, it was pretty scary.

“All passengers going to Cameroon, please come to the gate now—departure time is in fifteen minutes!”

The Hentons walked nervously to the gate.  They were surrounded by black people!  On the plane, they watched the provided movies and had their dinner some strange thing called “fufu.”  And finally, they arrived at their destination—Cameroon, Africa.

Chapter 3:  Cameroon

“Hallo!” a chubby African called to Mr. Henton.

“Oh, look!”  Mrs. Henton exclaimed, “There’s Father Achui!  He’ll drive us to where we’re going to live!”

“Hallo!” Father Achui called again, and the Hentons went up to him and said “Hallo!” back to him.  As the family had their papers checked, a heavy rain started to fall.

“Um, excuse me, Father Achui,” Katrina said.  “Is, is this storm normal?”  She looked frightened.

Father Achui laughed.  “No, no!  It is like dis in de Rainy Season, but in de Dry Season, it’s not like dis!  You don haf to be afraid!”

“Oh,” Katrina said, “OK. Thank you.”  And she went back with Eliza to laugh at the odd accent.

Father Achui led the Hentons to a car, and they drove through the rain, Jon smiling at it, fascinated.  In about five hours, the family and priest arrived at the town they were going to be living in—the beautiful city of Bamenda.

Chapter 4:  Happy Home

“Wow!” the Hentons exclaimed—their home place was amazing!  Father Achui smiled and walked them to their house.  Comparing it to what the house looked like in their heads—a small hut—it was incredible.

“Mom,” Eliza said, tugging on her mom’s dress, “I really love it here!”

With tears in her eyes, Mrs. Henton said, “I love you, Eliz, and I love it here too.  I’m glad we can be here, as missionaries in Cameroon.”

And for three more years, the Hentons made a difference in Cameroon and overall, they were happier and more full of peace because of their great act of service to Cameroon, and to God.

The End.