How I became a missionary

Before I get started on how I ended up in the Philippines, I’d like to say that God has a sense of humor. What exactly do I mean by that? Well, He created us, haha! Okay, all jokes aside… God will hold us to the words we speak. The words I spoke were to my family, telling them that I was going to become a missionary. Since the moment I left America, I’ve had missionary stories to tell. Radical miracles kept following me wherever I went!

As soon as I told them both over the phone, I lost both of my jobs within 2 weeks of each other. Yes, I was probably a workaholic to some degree, but God also knew that I probably wouldn’t look into missionary work that fast unless I had more time.

Now, realistically, I should have been freaking out, but I knew that God was using this to further His glory. Who else could have caused me to lose both jobs that fast, especially when I had been working at one of them for 3 years? God is a God of order, and if we’re following His will, there is no reason to question His methods.

Become a Missionary

Of course I was shocked by this, but I quickly realized it was because of the words I had spoken. God was going to give me my desire to make Him known. I must have talked with what seemed like every pastor and missionary I knew, and then some, trying to figure out where to go. I also contacted a lot of different missionary agencies, hoping to find out where God was leading me.

Missionary Stories Began When I Acted on Faith!

I was led by God to look into an agency called Youth With A Mission (YWAM), and it ended up being the one. Then, after much prayer, I was led to Cebu, Philippines, for training. YWAM had many advantages for somebody in their mid-20s, and of course I was trying to get into Asia, as it has some of the most unreached people.

Still, I had an inner sense that I wouldn’t just be going to one small island, but would instead help disciple others. Even now I don’t know exactly what will happen 6 months from now, but what I do know is that I’ll wait on God to lead me after my training here at YWAM.

Missionary Work

Besides all this training and studying, we have done a lot of work with the kids in the slums. Most of the time the students only do ministry on Fridays, but we were blessed with over half a week of outreach during the last week of October.

These kids are hands down some of the most likable kids in the world. They are so humble and, for the most part, very respectful. As soon as you meet them, your heart swells with compassion and you want to meet all of their needs, but it just isn’t possible. On top of being humble, poor and starving, they are also hungry for God. One group even wanted me to keep telling stories about what God did in my life instead of playing games!

Early in the third week, somebody spoke into my life. God used this man of God to encourage me and affirm that I was following His voice. He was a pastor teaching here at the YWAM base, and I could clearly see that the Holy Spirit was all over him. He said things that only God could have told him, especially when he prophesied over us on Tuesday. What happened next threw me off balance, because I didn’t expect it…

The pastor asked me to share my testimony at his church. He knew nothing about it, and nobody had said anything to him. What else could I say but yes? It was obvious that God had told him to let me speak in front of his congregation of 200+.

Needless to say, it went really well, and after I shared my testimony, nearly all the youth came up front to get prayed for. I give God all the honor, as I can do nothing without Him. I’m positive that the words God spoke through me won’t return void. Lives were touched and hearts were kindled.

By the fifth week, I was praying for funds to come in, since I hadn’t heard anything from back home and had no way to call. Monday night I had a dream of getting $600-$700. When I woke up, I had a sense that God would take care of me and that I would have more than enough as a missionary. I told the others about the dream and let them know I had a good feeling that God was going to provide for all my needs.

Wednesday came rolling around, and by mid-afternoon I received an email from my pastor back home letting me know that donations had come in totaling $600-$700. Praise God! I had never really had dreams like this before. It was a wonderful experience. Now I will pray about my dreams more and ask if they’re from You, Lord.

As I continue following the Lord Jesus Christ, I hope you will be encouraged to draw closer to God. If this kind of blessing can be on me, then it can be on any one of His children. As I write this, I’ve been here in Asia for 1 ½ months. Please continue praying for me and sending support, since this isn’t something I’m meant to do alone. If you haven’t already, subscribe to my newsletter, as I’ll be sending out monthly updates.

God bless!