In the process of discerning whether or not I should give my “yes” to this mission, I reflected on what compels me to go in the first place. My “Why Go?” has been nurtured by an inheritance of prayers from the generations of faithful, steadfast people before me. Their relationships with Jesus have shaped who I am! Experiencing healing and relationship with the Living God in my own life compels me to a life lived inviting others into this truth. I have a passion for nurturing identity and empowering others in their calling. We have access to relationship with the Living God who chooses, redeems, loves and qualifies us. Growing in these truths have allowed God to expand my mind and heart for what he has. Stepping into uncomfortability within my faith has allowed me to lean more into God’s calling for my life! I hope to serve as a steward of his love and longing for relationship with all his people. This could look like anything, and I am excited to live intentionally, missionally, and relationally anywhere that I am geographically.
Throughout the Gospel, Jesus’s heart for the lost is showcased in everything He did. He urges others to look after the fatherless and love the unlovable. The biblical narrative of the New Testament echos His mantra on earth: go out and do the same! I believe that the Great Commission is a privilege and responsibility given to those who choose to follow Him. The commission does not have to be in a foreign country or even in another state. I believe that it is something we start doing the moment we accept Jesus in our lives. I want to live my life as if I am on a constant commission for Jesus; a lifestyle of servanthood and mission. With that being said, I do have a desire (and I believe calling) to reach those in far places and diverse cultures. I believe that I have been commissioned for work beyond my current reach. This doesn’t begin or end with my involvement in Ardeo Global, but will far surpass any missions trip I partake in. It will enable me to live out a lifestyle of servanthood and learn skills to further God’s kingdom far beyond my college years.
By the end of my time oversees, I hope to see a city filled with people living in their purpose and calling as children of God. Discipling others to walk in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit frees people from addiction, heals broken relationships, and lifts heavy burdens. God has designed us to live in freedom, and I would love to see a city growing in the purpose and power God has placed in it. I hope to see people healed physically, mentally, and emotionally. I hope to see people walking in their purpose and carrying the deep sense of peace and joy that the Holy Spirit brings. I hope to empower women and men to come alive to their destiny and release kingdom in whatever sphere of society they are in. Leaning into my own calling, I hope to see the lives of children changed by the hope and redeeming love of Jesus. Learning Spanish, growing in my own identity, and following Jesus with greater faith is my dream for this time. I know God will surpass all of this!