How I Was Called to the Mission Field

 

So I’ve been sitting here trying to explain how I was called to the mission field, reflecting on my walk with God over the past five years and it’s difficult to put into words, but that’s the point right?  So here goes!

 

I remember the summer after my sophomore year in college when some friends of mine from Campus Crusade for Christ were going off to do “summer projects” in different areas of the country, and even in other parts of the world, and really, it freaked me out.  I had only been a Christian for about a year and what if God wanted me to give up my summer and go somewhere? How would I raise the money? What would my friends think?  I could never be away from home for that long!  I prayed that God would keep me safe in Michigan.

 

A few years later one of my best friends went to China for a year on a STINT with Crusade and I was excited for him.  A year long mission trip sounded like a great experience… for somebody else.   I could tell God was starting to change my heart.

 

About two years ago during a Wednesday night service at my church, we had a guest speaker come in to talk about Global Missions.  He talked about how complacent Americans have become in their faith.  How much are we willing to give up to see the gospel advanced?  Are we willing to give up our lives?  It was that night when God started to stir up a passion in my heart for the Nations.  I went to Kenya later that year for two weeks to do medical clinics for a tribe in Northwestern Kenya called the Pokot.  We provided medical care while at the same time sharing the love of Christ.  I fell in love with not only the Pokot people, but also deeper in love with Jesus.  I could see God in the eyes of the Pokot children! I didn’t know that I could love people I had never met, but God filled me with love so I could pour it out on His children.   Have you ever had an experience where you finally realized what you were made to do?  That was me… in the middle of the African bush…

 

When I returned from my first trip to Africa I think I started a countdown to the next trip:  365 days and counting!  I longed to be back living for my God and sharing His love and hope to those that have so little.    I applied for the World Race after seeking out a few long term mission projects…  I knew God had a plan for me and when I got accepted, I was so excited (and a little nervous)!  Looking back on my walk I can see how God has been preparing my heart
for the World Race.  Five years ago I prayed and prayed for God to keep
me safe in the US, and now I can’t wait to spend a year living for
others – to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

 

 Crazy how He works isn’t it? 🙂