Whenever I’ve thought about living abroad as a missionary full time, I’ve imagine myself living in Central or South America. I speak Spanish, I love Latin American culture, and don’t even get me started on the food. When I was there I felt like I’d come home even though I didn’t look like I’d come home. Let’s be real, I stick out wherever I go. Nevertheless, I was convinced that after the Race I’d return there in some capacity for long term missions. It was a perfect fit.
But God had something else to say.
A couple weeks ago, my team decided we’d go to Masjid Jamek (a nearby mosque) to befriend some of the Muslim ladies waiting for their husbands during Friday’s call to prayer. At 1:00pm every Friday, thousands of men around the Kuala Lumpur area go to their local mosque to pray as a part of one of the pillars of their faith. We took this as an opportunity to break the cycle of fear and learn about Islam. We talked to the women about their faith, their hijabs, and their families. People really enjoy talking about their beliefs so it wasn’t hard to make friends.
As I rode home that night in an uber, I felt the Lord move inside me and change my heart. I had a realization that may or may not change my life forever.
If I move to Central America one day, it isn’t because I feel called there. It’s because I feel comfortable there.
I love Latin America down to my bones. But nowhere in the Bible does it say that being a follower of Christ is supposed to be comfortable. Following Christ typically calls you way out of your comfort zone and in to the unknown because that’s where your faith is developed.
There was nothing comfortable about leaving my friends, family, and home.
There was nothing comfortable about raising over $16,000.
There was nothing comfortable about moving to the other side of the world to spread the Gospel.
It’s never been comfortable, but it’s always been worth it.
I don’t know if this means I’ll move to Asia or Africa. If we’re being honest, staying in the States might be just as uncomfortable. I do know that whatever my next stage of life includes, choosing comfortable isn’t an option.
All the love from Malaysia!
Katie Mere
