How I was Called to the Mission Field

Called. Called is such a funny phrase that only my Christian friends use.

For a long time I hated that word. Calling. Calling implied that I didn’t have a choice, that it was going to be something that I didn’t want to do. I wasn’t sure that I was ready to submit so some “calling” that God had for me that meant giving up everything I thought I wanted: being selfless and without comforts, leaving my family and friends, following God blindly into situations that I didn’t know how I would survive. To be honest I thought if i followed the ambiguous “calling” I would end up single, in some backwoods place with no internet, and 100% miserable.

Little did I know that God had been preparing me my whole life.

I grew up going on mission trips. I went to Mexico with my parents when I was 5. Then I went to Denver at 9 without my parents (Mom… how did you let me go on that?? I know 9 year olds. They are seriously crazy…) I went on several more throughout high school and college, but by far the most impactful one was Romania. 

I worked with orphans and young girls who had been sexually trafficked and then arrested. It broke my heart and I wanted to take them all home with me and keep them safe. 

I also love traveling. I love other cultures. I love people. When I wasn’t going on mission trips I was going to other countries like Italy, France, Czech Republic, and Mexico for fun. I don’t know where the travel bug could have come from except from God. My family doesn’t travel. My friends I grew up with mostly all still live in Indiana… I feel restless if I don’t leave the country every year. 

Most recently I went on a short term mission trip with the church I work at (Yes, I work at one church and attend another. long story.) During that trip I was reminded (after a long absence of missions in my life) how much I loved it. How happy it makes me. How I don’t mind not showering for days. 

Then a short time later I heard about The World Race. I investigated it purely out of curiosity, but I was hooked almost instantly. I felt this tug at my heart like I have only felt a few times. 

Called. That word is still pretty scary, but for different reasons. But I now associate “the calling” with Passion. Calling is no longer this ambiguous list of things that I HAVE to do, it is a PASSION that God has instilled in me. Being Called is EXCITING.

I might still end up in the middle of nowhere alone with no internet, but I am pretty sure it won’t be miserable. 

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.