We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Well, here is my story!..
Growing up I attended a church that was very intentional about pouring into its youth. I was led by youth pastors to dig into Scripture and Theology, and I was also challenged by them to serve. While in high school, I became very involved in leading small groups and mentoring junior high students. This led me to Ouachita to pursue a degree that would allow me to continue to serve in ministry. I didn’t know how or where, but I wasn’t very interested in pursuing missions because I struggled with learning languages. I had been to England on a mission trip in high school and loved it, but was convinced that I probably wasn’t called to anywhere that didn’t speak English….
I love how the Lord works! My sophomore year in college He actually used a class that I was taking to rock me of my previous mindset. Oddly enough, it was my class on the book of Revelation. That semester I had the sweet opportunity to go on “Beach Reach” to Panama City Beach, Florida to share Jesus, free pancakes, and free van rides to searching spring breakers. In my Revelation class I was truly beginning to grasp the image of Christ as King. As I was sitting in the prayer room at Beach Reach, God completely broke my heart for the lost when I opened to Revelation 7.The image of the great multitude FROM EVERY NATION in white robes in front of the throne praising the Lamb was absolutely beautiful to me. I desperately wanted to see the lost to which I was ministering to join me in worshiping the Lord so worthy. I wanted them to share in the hope and the love and the freedom that I have in Christ!
The Lord opened my heart to missions and I deeply desired to go anywhere and everywhere to love on and serve those in need. The passion to go anywhere led me to the World Race where I can literally share Christ’s love to several different cultures!! Unbelievable…I am just so stoked!!
As far as learning languages go, I have become quite familiar with 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 🙂
