We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here is my story….
I was called to ministry when I was about 14. I remember sitting down with my dad as I was crying. He asked what was wrong, however, he didn’t seem too concerned. Almost like he knew what I was about to tell him. I told him that I had accepted the call to ministry, but I didn’t know what to do next. He replied “just wait, you’ll know.” I became quite frustrated with waiting. Was it the Parish ministry? Youth ministry? Music ministry? Where and how was I supposed to serve? I was getting nothing. No answers to my questions. Was I even listening? Could I have handled the answer anyway? What was God waiting for? I simply thought that God would tell me everything at once. Now I realize, that I couldn’t of handled seeing everything that was to come.
I’ve only been on two mission trips in my life, one while I was in 7th grade to Mexico and the other while I was in college to Honduras. Honestly, I feel like God had me go on my first mission trip, so my eyes would be opened! I remember seeing the joy on the faces of the people when we arrived. Just being there with them, on their level, where they were, brought an emotion to the trip that I have never forgotten. I was finally able to go on another mission trip the summer before my senior year of college. I was older and more mature, both spiritually and emotionally. As soon as I arrived back in America, I called my dad and told him I was called to be a missionary!
When the opportunity of The World Race came my way, out of fear, I argued with God. And using the excuses similar to those of Moses I argued:
-Who am I?- Why would you call me? I know me, and what I’m capable of doing, and surely I’m not capable of completing this…
-Who are you?- Who do I tell these people You are? Are you as loving as I’ve heard? Are you as faithful as I’ve read?
-I have never…- I have never done anything like this before. I have never stepped this far out of my comfort zone. I have never faced these kinds of doubts about myself (to which God responds, stop doubting and believe).
-What will people think?- What will people think when they hear about this? Will they understand? Will that stop me?
When asked why I am doing this, the response is simple. I can’t find one Biblical reason not to!
All the believers were in one heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32
It’s comforting to know that those who are going through this journey with me, are feeling the same things that I am, and praying the same prayers! Continue to pray for them! God bless!
