We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to the mission field...
Well, here goes.
I believe my heart has gradually been lead to international missions since I was in high school. But, I really never starting passionately following the call until a few years ago.
Rewind.
Twelve years ago, the summer before my sophomore year of high school, I went to Mandeville, Jamaica.
That trip included lots of firsts.
My first flight, first international missions opportunity, first taste of homemade beef jerky, (GROSS!) and my first realization of true poverty (have witnessed much worse since then.)
I have so many distinct memories from that trip…
I remember sitting one afternoon on a broken cot, with an elderly Jamaican women, who was most likely lying on her death bed. She held my hand and began to sing the all familiar song, Jesus Loves You. I think back to that time in my life and can’t help but wonder – Will I be singing Jesus Loves You to a stranger that is a fraction of my age when I am breathing my last few breaths of life on this earth?
…
I know this now, even if I did not know it at the time – she sang that song with the joy of the spirit in her heart. She did not fear death because she knew a life with Christ was eternal. Was she trying to tell me something that she knew I needed to understand and share with others?
…
Did that precious woman know a decade + later that I would be called to go and serve the nations? I wonder why she sang to me? I remember her wrinkled hands, her tiny frame, and the depth of her wise eyes. She knew Jesus and He was her friend. She chose to share her love of Jesus with me and it came through a song.
…
Fast forward.
Two years ago, my heart rejoiced as I attended my second international mission trip to Moyabumba, Peru.
That trip included lots more firsts and some seconds.
That trip included lots, lots, more firsts, some more seconds, and some thirds.
* Compass School, Thogoto, Kenya
