Let's all just agree that middle school is a weird time in pretty much everyone’s lives, and I am no different. I was one of those kids who wore dresses and skirts EVERY day. I loved sparkles and sequins, I got really into liquid eyeliner (yikes..), and I seemed to try out a new personality every few weeks. But out of the fiasco that was my middle school experience, a pretty amazing thing happened, and that was my call to missions. I’m not sure what it was exactly that sparked my interest, but I distinctly remember pulling my mentor to the side one night at a bible study and telling her that I thought God wanted me to do missions when I grew up. She began to pour into me, pray with me, and give me scripture about God’s passion for the nations. I was hooked! I began to learn as much as I could, signed up for as many short-term trips as possible, and the rest is history...
Fast forward to now, when I feel my life is changing daily. It seems like just yesterday that I was entering college as an excited freshman, then turning into a tired senior, and finally a college grad with my whole future in front of me. As I began this most recent transition into full-fledged adulthood, I started to think about the next steps. What did God want next for me? How should I use my social work degree for his glory? Should I go to grad school, or straight to a real job?
As I worked through all these different thoughts, I came across 1 John 2:6 which says “Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked”. Jesus sought out those who were in need, those living in their sin and shame so that He could bring physical and spiritual healing to their lives. As one who claims to abide in Christ, I knew that I needed to strive to do the same. I remembered the calling that God had placed on my heart all those years ago and thought to myself, "why not go now?" I'm as free from responsibility as I will ever be again! Why not use the next couple of years post-grad to make a direct impact on the kingdom of God?
When I started looking at places where I saw the most need, Mexico City grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. I saw such a desperate need for the gospel amongst women and girls who have suffered the trauma of trafficking. This is the kind of trauma that only the transformational power of Christ’s love can heal and restore. Being a Goer with United World Mission’s team in Mexico City, Avance, I will be able to take part in God’s amazing plan to bring renewal and hope to these girls.
As I work through this crazy (but amazing) process of support raising, the one thing I cling to is Christ. I trust that as I work to bring the gospel to the nations, he will perfectly provide for all of my needs going forward.
He is all I need, and this is only the beginning of what God has planned.