Why Missions?

Since I first began this journey towards full-time mission work, I have had a lot of questions because many people don't quite understand what I'll be doing or why I'll be doing it. 

The one I want to answer today is one that has been asked more times than I can count, all from people who believe in God, particularly when they learn I have to raise all of my support before departure:

"Why not the Peace Corps, Americorps, or some other alternative?"

I hope my answer does not sound trite, but there is no other way to say it: I was not called to be a part of those.

Those, along with many other government-funded and non-profit organizations, are absolutely wonderful. They teach the volunteers involved more than they could dream to learn, they build up the communities and the very humanitarian efforts that bring development to countries are a gift, to say the least.

But there is one integral factor missing from those organizations and if you've ever had more than a 3-minute conversation with me or read a single thing I've ever written you know what that factor is....Who that factor is.

I am not quitting my job because I am bored. 

I am not moving half-way across the world because I'm looking for adventure.

I am answering what God called me to do, for no other reason than because He called me to do it.

Doing something that I was not called to do, just because it seems like a great idea, is the very definition of disobedience...even if that thing produces amazing results.

I'm not in this for amazing results.

I'm in this for God's results.

I'm in this to see women freed.



I may not get to see some of them walk through the doors of the prisons back into the world, but if they are able to walk from this life to the next and their destination is Heaven's gates, well there's nothing else I would rather do.

I have been abused. 

I have suffered depression.

I've been made to do things that I never wanted to do.

After that, I chose to do things I didn't need to do.

But I was freed.

Our God wastes nothing. 

God is increasing my love for these women I haven't even met yet by putting me in very common situations from day to day and breaking my heart for those who are right in front me. 

Though I have never been imprisoned myself, I created my own prison in depression. 

It wasn't until I fully gave control over to God that I was set free, and it is His name I will make known.

It is His love I will express. 

It is His truth I will share.

It is He for whom I am going. 

"For You, Lord, rescued me from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling.

I will walk before the Lord

in the land of the living. 

I believed, even when I said,

'I am severely afflicted.'

In my alarm I said,

'Everyone is a liar.'

How can I repay the Lord for all the good He has done for me?

I will take the cup of salvation

and call on the name of Yahweh.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord

in the presence of all His people."

Psalms 116: 8-14 (HCSB)

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Because of Stories

Stories are so important. They are the fabric with which we weave our relationships with others. They either help us connect, or tear us apart.

You may not feel like your story is important enough to share, but I can guarantee that God puts people in our lives to hear parts of ours and people from whom we draw encouragement by hearing theirs.

God uses our stories to teach us lessons. God uses our stories to heal us. And if we’re willing to share, He will use them to help others. 

Another beautiful thing that happens when we share our stories is the enemy is stifled. When we proclaim the goodness of our Savior and share the details of what He has done in our lives, when we stand face to face with our past abuse or failures, satan has to run because shame no longer hinders us.

Over and over the Lord demonstrates His faithfulness and it would be a sin to keep quiet about it.

This past week, I had the blessed opportunity to connect with several people I hadn’t seen in far too long due to the distractions of life.

Sunday afternoon I was packing for my week away for work and I happened to comment on a friend’s Facebook page (because doing laundry always needs a distraction). This is a friend I have always admired for the grace with which she handles the chaos of life and her sheer display of love in every situation. She responded to my simple comment by inviting me to dinner that very night with her family (as in dinner was in 30 minutes, the exact amount of time it would take me to drive to her house), and because I didn’t see her post she didn’t leave anything to chance and immediately called me to confirm, because that’s the kind of friend she is. I hadn’t seen her in almost two years (save a baby shower and running into each during the transition between services when visiting my old church), and I was elated.

That night was real. Among tears and excitement, mini-tantrums and the most loving hugs, her children shared with me the things that mattered to them most, whether it was their favorite vegetable from their garden, or their “food stand” they set up day after day in their living room -- a food stand which their baby brother may just destroy each and every chance he gets. They shared jokes and riddles, a few of which I had to draw from their parents on how to answer, because when the first response that pops into your head is “suicide” you tend to not want to give that answer to a group of kids aged 4-11 years. They danced and sang and they were teeming with joy, none of them realizing that what they were sharing with me was magical.

And then when it was bedtime, the adults shared. We shared how God is working in our lives, how He brought us from places we never expected to leave and over the years brought us to places we never expected to be. We shared the things we are struggling with, the sins we can’t get past, the fears we are unrighteously gripping and the control we are giving over to our Father because we simply don’t know what is coming next.
She gave me encouragement that I didn’t even know I needed and again, it was magical. 

Had I remained so wrapped up in my plans to pack and clean, I would have missed out on a beautiful evening with a fun group of kids and wisdom you can’t get from Facebook statuses and Twitter updates. Wisdom that only comes from sharing real and raw stories. Wisdom that cuts to the core and challenges me to reflect on what I believe and why I believe it.

And then Tuesday, I got to have dinner with two women who have indescribable roles in my life. We are cousins by birth, but sisters by all other accounts. We talk multiple times a week, but we don’t get to see each other that often and dinner with them was an absolute treat. And after we caught up on the regular goings-on of work, relationships, and family drama, one of my sisters reminded me of why I look up to them so much.

She went into the details of an illness that was intended for her harm, but from which God has brought so much good. She shared her lowest lows, and how the word of God and the faith of her family brought her through those times. She reminded me of how precious and powerful just opening the sacred text is. She epitomized strength. She also affirmed something my friend and I discussed on Sunday, that not every person needs to know every part of your story, and you don’t have to apologize for not sharing with those who are not safe.

She didn’t have to share any of that, but she chose to. She was intentional about giving me a piece of her that would bring us closer.

Wednesday at work, I shared with one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met about my plans for going to Peru. I haven’t hidden it from anyone with whom I work, but I don’t necessarily broadcast it since my departure is still quite far. We talked about my struggles regarding relationships and marriage and children and she reminded me by sharing the story of her own marriage that what God has intended for us can only be at its best when we follow Him. There will be things that happen that we cannot explain, but they serve to prepare us for the next season and if we don’t go through them, we cannot thrive.

Thursday morning, I met with a sweet friend for breakfast and shared with her what my co-worker said and little did I know that was what she needed to hear, too.

Thursday night, I got to spend time with a kindred spirit I met three years ago and have never had a doubt that we were separated at birth. Though different cultures and circumstances, our family situations are nearly identical and the way we process is pretty much the same, too. She is my future maid (probably matron at that point) of honor and godmother to my children. She is a constant source of encouragement and her authenticity is unmatched. And if I even began to tell you how our stories intertwined, I’d have three chapters of a book here.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of having a corner, especially for those of us who are introverts and would rather sit on the couch after work with a Summer Shandy writing a blog post than be in a room full of even our most beloved friends and family.

The thing is, you’re not always going to be prompted to share your story in the safety of that corner. Sometimes we are called to share to others outside of the box and we may not know why.

Sometimes we don’t plan to share our stories but the Spirit moves us to. Sometimes we plan to and God tells us the time isn’t quite right.

In whichever situation you find yourself, be sensitive to what God is saying.

If you hear Him say speak, don’t let anyone silence you.

If you hear Him say be quiet, don’t force the conversation.

Be intentional. You never know what part of your story someone needs to hear. 

I am so grateful for all of you who keep sharing your stories with me.

And that is why I will keep sharing mine.


If you would like to keep up with me during my adventures in Peru, please feel free to bookmark my new site, Let the Heavens Open, and/or join the mailing list to get those posts directly in your inbox.


I will still be sharing my story on this blog, but that site will be exclusively related to my mission work in Lima.

Additionally, if you would like to join my prayer team, please let me know by sending me your email via whichever method is suitable for you (comment here, Facebook, text, etc.).

I am beginning to create my newsletter and support teams, and I would love for any and all who desire to follow what God is doing through this season to be a part of my story!

"Pray at all times

in the Spirit with every prayer and request,

and stay alert in this

with all perseverance and intercession

for all the saints.

Pray also for me, 

that the message may be given to me

when I open my mouth 

to make known with boldness

the mystery of the Gospel.

For this I am an ambassador in chains.

Pray that I might be bold enough in Him

to speak as I should."

Ephesians 6:18-20 (HCSB)

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