My church is super involved in missions. Every year they have a month long event called Global Summit, which is an opportunity for the congregation to learn, pray, or give towards missions. Our sermons are centered on this event and we have multiple missionaries visit to give testimonies. One year during this event, my dad signed me up for a week long kids class. I was in fourth grade and didn’t have much interest in being a missionary, but I had to go. All I remember is watching a video about poverty, both physically and spiritually, in other countries. It broke my heart. After that, the leader began to talk about how God could use each of us even though we were only in elementary school. I remember leaving completely convinced that being a full time missionary was what I was called to do.
The summer after eighth grade I went on a mission trip with my youth group to Juarez, Mexico. God reminded me of my purpose through the eyes of everyone I met. The experience was unlike anything I had ever done before, and I knew there was nothing else I would rather do with my life than to honor God with missions.
That was only the beginning. As I learned more about missions and grew closer to God, my desire to be a missionary also grew. Last year during Global Summit, I felt God calling me to China. A friend of mine also felt called to a specific country. We would lay on her bed, toss an inflatable globe back and forth, and daydream about our futures as missionaries.
“Do you ever get scared?” I would ask.
“Yes, but I know God is preparing us for those hard situations.”
…and we were quiet, imagining what it would be like to haul water, smuggle bibles, or sit in a cold jail cell.
Last summer God called me out of my comfort zone in ways I had never experienced. My youth group decided to stay in Omaha for our annual summer mission trip, instead of leaving the country. Shamefully, I was disappointed at first, but God showed up in big ways. He opened my eyes to an important truth during those few days… No matter where you are, there will always be people who need to hear the Good News. I also learned that I don’t need to leave the country for a good challenge. 🙂 Although my Omaha, Nebraska, mission trip was awesome and taught me necessary skills needed for the mission field, I am still convinced that I’m going to be involved in mission projects overseas.
The friend I talked about earlier is also going on a mission trip with AIM this summer. We’re only at the beginning, but it’s so reassuring to see God working in our lives and executing what He has promised us — an opportunity for servitude. Now, instead of dreaming of unknown futures, I place my index finger on the Philippines, hers on the Dominican Republic, and we measure the distance between the two… they’re about 15 inches apart. 😉
I love you!!!
That’s so cool! Don’t forget about Bolivia! 😉 You guys are so amazing 🙂 I’m so glad God has gifted me with friends like you!
I could never forget about Bolivia!! :] I’m planning on talking about it in my next blog post. And I second being thankful for my friends. :]
Morgan, I am so glad that God called you out of your comfort zone and wants to take you to greater places with Him! Keep seeking Him and stepping out when He calls – He has GOOD things in store for you sweet girl!