Why I Became A Missionary
(continued)

Although my father is a well-known minister and our family has been in ministry my entire life, my decision to go to Africa wasn’t met with the enthusiasm you might imagine. By the grace of God, my parents were supportive and gave me their blessing. Yet some others were surprisingly critical. Some urged me to stay at home until I was married; then, I could follow my heart with a husband. I also had people telling me that I needed to just stay at home and help the thousands of Americans who needed help. What was the big deal with Africa anyway? Other people have told me that I am just trying to get earthly rewards and the praises of men for doing something that seems self-sacrificial. Believe me when I tell you that there are much easier ways to get ego gratification!

However, in reality, I am not here to feed hungry children although they need to be fed. I am not here to punish myself or to seem selfless to others. I am not here to make sure that these children can learn or achieve some semblance of the American dream, which I myself reject. I am here for only two reasons. First, I am here out of obedience to the Lord. I know that it is the direct intentional guidance of the Lord that has me here for this season and at this time. I know that I do not have the courage to choose something like this on my own.

Second, I am here to bring the Gospel to these people and these children because I believe that it is the only way for a person to ever have true peace and purpose. I have learned that talk alone is cheap, and so I am using all I have and am to tangibly demonstrate the love that Jesus has for the people of South Africa. I am feeding them, entertaining them, and teaching them so that they can also find love and life in Christ as I have found love and life in Him. Ultimately, I know it is through His love and His life that they will find a brighter future, not through any service I could provide on my own. And so,even though I still have pangs of that initial anxiety on the airplane, and I face a truly overwhelming task, I have great hope. It is that hope that I share with you.