Dear future Goer,
Trust God. Talk with Jesus about everything. Some days you'll need to stop what you're doing and take Jesus on a date. Be creative when you talk to Jesus. Try talking to Him in the language of the people you are trying to reach, even if it's only a few words.
Trust that God loves everyone. He loves the people back home even more than you do. He cares about the lost immensely. He cared enough about you to create you and call you His child.
I wish I had known how to process things sooner. You'll learn, but just know it's good to set aside some of your off time to handle the stress and even heartbreak of your life and ministry.
Your hobbies will likely take a back seat during ministry, but it's okay. You can pick up some of those things that you used to do as time goes. Maybe one day you'll share one of those activities with one of your new friends. Sharing life like this is one of the healthiest things for everyday ministry. Not every day needs to involve heroics, a late night or traveling to every person you know in your city or village. Settle into Jesus' easy yoke and light burden for each day.
Follow God. Draw near to Him even in your off time. Remember Him while you are at work. Count on Him in crisis. Praise Jesus. Literally, take time to praise Him.
Pursue God. Let the instinct of your heart be prayer.
There are nuggets of faith you save for people who are ready for them, but be generous with and qiuck to share the simple, powerful message of the Gospel --that Jesus died for what we did wrong and was raised to life again and that eternal life is through Him. Pray with people and let them know that Jesus wants to be with them, kind of like how you spend time with them.
Enjoy the journey. God put you in this time and place for a reason, and that reason is because of His love for you and everyone He created.
May Jesus give you the courage, the words, the love, and the community to minister exactly how He designed you.
Sincerely,
Seth Rivett