I was born and raised in Franklin, and ever since I was a little girl, God placed missions on my heart. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was to be a missionary in Africa.
In 2021, I graduated from high school and dove headfirst into missions. I joined a ministry called YWAM (Youth with a Mission). I served with YWAM until 2023. During those three years, the Lord just kept marking my heart for “the nations” – more and more.
I had the privilege of serving with all different people groups in some of the inner cities in the United States –homeless, prostitutes, drug addicts, low-income families, and orphans. I realized very quickly that I was called to children’s ministry, specifically. So, the Lord started speaking to me about going to college to become a missionary teacher.
I attended a college in Minnesota called BGU (Bethany Global University). BGU is 100% mission-minded while also bringing in the academic aspect. About a year into my schooling, I decided to move toward obtaining a two-year degree, instead of a four-year degree. I focused on the IMS major (intercultural ministry studies). Primarily, it was because I learned that the two-year program involves a mission trip to Africa every year.
Because of this change, I was no longer able to pursue the education in missions major to become a missionary teacher. This was hard for me, because I felt the Lord so deeply calling me to be a teacher; however, I said “yes” to the call to pursue an IMS major – and how thankful I am that I did. The exact words God spoke over me from when I was a little girl about being a missionary in Africa had finally come to pass!
I served in Johannesburg, South Africa, for three months. During this time, God just wrecked my heart for the people of South Africa. What’s even more special is that I worked mostly with children. God knew exactly what my heart desired and He made it happen, all because of simple obedience to His plan over my life.
While in South Africa, I worked in a primary school teaching children English and sharing Bible stories. We would also go to squatter camps and do a mini VBS (Vacation Bible School) with the children. This included dancing, singing, telling a Bible verse, giving them a memory verse, playing a game, and just spending time with the children. We did this every Friday.
We would also go to Impact Baby Homes, which are safe homes for babies who have been dumped on the streets. We would go and care for the babies, feed them, put them down for a nap, and play with them.
I wouldn’t trade for the world any of my time doing mission work. God has been so gracious and so faithful to me. My future plans include getting married this upcoming August, helping run a young adults Bible study at the church I attend with my fiancé, and then next summer going back to school to finally get that teaching degree.
If there’s any encouragement I can leave you with, it’s this: Take heart and know that you serve a good and gracious Father who wants to show you His tangible love through others and use you to show His love to all His sons and daughters. I also leave you with Matthew 28:18-20: “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
I know this is a common scripture, but the part I want to emphasize the most is the end that says, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This is the scripture that has prompted, provoked, and encouraged me to start and continue in missions. No matter where we serve, big city or small town, another country or your backyard, He is with you. As long as you say, “Here I am Lord, send me,” there is nothing too big that our God cannot do.
Nothing brings more satisfaction to the Lord than us merely being a vessel, and the quicker one realizes that fact, the quicker that feeling of contentment and fulfillment blooms. I express to my peers: Take advantage of your youthfulness and go deep and far with God. And to anyone of any age: One simple act of obedience could change your life forever.
Be blessed.