How I was Called

     This is a tough thing for me to answer.  I know that I am doing exactly what God has planned for me, but how that came about is hard to put into words, but I’ll try.  I became a Christian at the age of 17 when God literally saved my life.  I have always wanted to see the world, to travel, and to make a difference in other people’s lives.  I first got to try this out when God called me to do an internship at the Southeast White House in the worst part of Washington, D.C.  It was the first time I ever felt I had to rely on God for my safety.  It was my first encounter in how some people have to struggle to survive in everyday life.  The next trip God called me to go was to live in England for 10 months working in a church there with a team of other young adults.  We did all sorts of youth ministry stuff, acting, teaching drug education in schools, and spending two weeks in Spain doing street evangelism.  That year was incredibly hard at times but one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.

       While in England I accepted the fact that God had called me to be a Youth Pastor.  I had fought this for the past few years because I did not feel qualified to lead.  God placed me in  a youth group at a church that was everything I never wanted. However, God had a reason for placing me there.  I learned so much about relying on God in ministry and I was able to love, lead, mentor, and shape some amazing teenagers that I will never ever forget.  I learned so much about leadership and counseling through my time with this group.  I certainly had a mission field in this group of students and God showed me he can do amazing things with his children even those who have never grown up in church.  I was able to relate to them because I one of those youths eight years ago.

     I never expected to be called on the World Race.  I had been praying about what God wanted me to do after I finished my Master’s Degree in December.  I wanted to be able to share my faith, counseling people especially youth, and travel.  The one night my roommate came across the World Race on-line and thought it would be something I would be interested in.  Normally I avoid anything that requires me to raise support, mainly because I hate doing it so much.  But, for some reason I just applied and here I am.  

     Every step I have taken since I’ve become a Christian, I’ve just known that I am where God wants me to be, even when it was not want I wanted.  I am so thankful that I’ve been able to have that confidence.