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Am I Willing? A Homebody's journey to north africa

Believe it or not, I am a homebody - a homebody who is actually considering long-term missions in Africa! If you are surprised by what I just wrote, join the club!

If you had told me 6 months ago that I was considering foreign missions, I would have laughed! My missions trip this past summer to North Africa totally changed my vision for my life.

Let me explain.

I was the kid who cried going to day camp.

Growing up, I always loved missions trips with my family and had this sense that I was going to be a missionary “when I grew up.” However, fear always held me back. I was scared to leave my family for even a short while and scared of an unknown culture.

I loved being home, but this summer God opened the door so clearly that I felt as if I couldn’t help but walk through it. He took care of everything (and I mean everything)!

In March I didn't even know the trip existed, but by May I was on a plane bound for North Africa.

He went before me every step of the way.

I was both overwhelmed and confident this was where the Lord wanted me. He enabled my paperwork to go through, gave me a church that prayed for me and ultimately He provided all of the support I needed. On my flight over the Atlantic, He gently reminded me of His presence, even though I was flying alone, He showed up by giving me new friends. He went before me every step of the way.

We land in North Africa.

Sharing the gospel is illegal.

During our time in North Africa, our team learned some of the Arabic dialect, befriended locals, and talked to many missionaries. The missionaries are involved in businesses that provide a legitimate reason to be in the country, since sharing the gospel there is illegal. Time with them revealed the joys and the challenges of long-term work. It gave me a picture of what my future life could look like.

Previously I thought that missions was mainly for those in the medical field or pastors.

This always left me wondering,

“Where do I fit?”

My time in North Africa provided the answer.

There is no such thing as an “ideal” missionary; God can use anyone! God could use even my degree in mechanical engineering in his plan of redemption. Talking with the long-term workers helped me to see that I do not have to give up my degree or natural giftings to pursue a life of missions.

God can use me, but He doesn't need me.

This trip expanded my view of God.

I met people who had converted to Christ through dreams and visions. People testified to God moving in them before they had even met a single Christian. God was already at work! He doesn’t actually need me in his plan; it is my privilege to be a part of it. I simply get to help by the power of His Spirit.

My Heart Broke.

Visiting village after village, I was hit with the gravity of going to so many places that had no Christian witness ever before. None! My heart broke. I couldn’t help but compare it to my life back home. Here, if I ever miss church or have questions about my faith, there are so many resources available to me.

However, North Africa is a stranger to that kind of freedom and privilege. So many people have never even heard the name of Jesus.

As I think about what the Lord has done in my life, I can not imagine living my life without Him. One of the videos I saw during my training showed a Muslim admitting his exhaustion in trying to do enough good to please Allah. He hoped that when he dies Allah will be in a good mood because he has no confidence he will make it to Paradise.

I found myself saying, “If they only knew. If they only knew about the perfect work of Christ. If they only knew that their salvation could be secure.”

While God was clearly at work, my eyes were also opened to how much there is still to be done.

Counting the cost.

This is what I am praying through right now. I know God can make it clear, so I am praying for wisdom and direction. I want to be willing to give up everything for Him, but it’s so hard! In my mind I can see the faces of the people I met for whom I had been the only Christian in their life.

On the other hand, I imagine my nephews growing up and knowing me only through sporadic FaceTime calls.

The cost is high, but this life is a mist. When I compare the years I have on earth to the eternity I will have in heaven, I want to be willing to give up everything.

Am I willing to go?

The call of missions has an expiration date; it won’t be needed in heaven. The time is now.

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Pray.

Pray for R as she considers going back to North Africa as a missionary. Pray that she would feel peace amidst asking God for wisdom and direction as she aims to surrender all for His glory, no matter what He may call her to.

Many more short-term programs, like the one R went on are receiving applications right now! Please pray that God would be preparing more women and men to step out and explore the missionary life.

Interested in serving?

Explore how you can play a part here!

About the Author: R is a college student who is majoring in mechanical engineering. She participated in a BAM Internship in North Africa in the summer of 2022 and is considering returning to the North as a full-time missionary. She has a deep love for her family, particularly her adorable nieces and nephews. R has a heart to share the love of Christ with those who have little to no access to Him.