We were asked to
write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. However, before I can answer that
question, I need to answer another one first. How was I called to the mission field? I think by answering this question
first, my reasons for taking a year off from my “normal” life will be much
clearer. So, with that in mind,
here is my story…
When I was 16, I
had everyone fooled. I was told
that I could make my choice about whether or not I was going to church when I
could drive. All I had to do was
fool everyone long enough to where no one would try and change my mind. Fortunately for me, God has this
ability to know our thoughts, which I had forgotten about. Right before I started driving, a small
group leader started pursuing me and was relentless. I gave him all the right answers, but he wasn’t
satisfied. After that got old, he
knew he could be honest with me and started asking hard questions and making
statements that were tough to hear about me not being near as smart as I
thought I was.
So, after that
conversation and a few months of screening his calls, he finally talked me into
one lunch where he would walk away and never bother me again. I agreed… Over the span of a few hours,
for once in my life I saw the love of a family member from someone outside my
family. I knew this love because
my family had shown me true love, so I knew he wasn’t faking. I never knew someone that wasn’t my
parents could love me like that.
Over the next 6
months, he spent a lot of time discipling me until the day he had to move. When I asked what next, he shared Matthew
28:19-20 and Acts 1:8 with me and told me it was time for me to go. Wherever that meant, I was supposed to
go.
I have spent the
last 6 years on the mission field in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I have taken several days off over the
years, but the day I accepted Christ, I accepted his commission to me to
go. Now, after several years of
preparation through trials, patience, and lessons I am ready to leave my
hometown and continue my mission.
So why this trip? Because I
am called to love people and in order for me to do that, I have to know who’s
out there. I want to know
different cultures, customs, and roles so I can continue to understand what it
means to love everyone. So that’s
why I am called to this trip. I am
sent to love and what happens after that, I’m sure you’ll hear about soon.
