Never say 'Never' Part 1

How did it all begin? Where did the burning passion for the lost ignite? Well, it started when I went on my first missions trip to Argentina. It opened my eyes to things I had never seen and my worldview was expanded. My heart ached for those who did not know the true hope in Jesus Christ. Did you know that people can see the hope and love of Jesus in you?

A couple years later, I was in a missionary service when the pictures of children tugged at my heart and felt God calling me to the children of the world. I went to college and got my teaching degree, but wasn't sure where God wanted me to go. My roommate in college and I had the opportunity to teach at an International Christian school in Brussels, Belgium. The Lord open the doors for me to stay for 4 years. It was an incredible experience and I worked with students from over 13 different nations. I knew that my heart was overseas and desired to get my Master's degree in education. This is when I headed back to Minnesota to teach and study once again.

God was working on me in many different ways. I had the opportunity to get my Master's degree while teaching at Maranatha Christian Academy. In the back of my mind, I always told God, "I'll go anywhere you want me to go, but please don't send me to Africa." I never really voiced this until it became evident one April day in 2005. I sat in a meeting with my missions pastor in Minneapolis. He listened to my heart wanting to head back overseas. He wanted to send me to China the very next weekend. I expressed my hesistancy, as I was still teaching until the first week of June. He then proceeded to invite me to go on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo with the church in August. I knew I had to figure out a way that it would not work out. As I made several phone calls to people and organizations I have gone on trips with before, each one was a closing door, and I knew that I would be going to Africa. I have now learned to..."Never say 'Never!'"