Forever Changed

I feel that God is leading me into worldwide missions. I have always desired to help those in third world countries facing injustice. I have been passionate about justice for as long as I can remember, whether it was standing up for my younger brother being bullied, or desiring to help the child on tv suffering from starvation. The more I study the word of God the more I long to do so.

When I was completing my degree in Kinesiology, I enjoyed it, but I never felt like God was calling me to further purse work or education in the field. In the back of mind I always thought, "I know I need to get this education, but I believe God will use it for a purpose other than the obvious". I currently work as as a exercise rehabilitation specialist and although it it rewarding helping people in my community recover from injuries, I don't feel I am fully walking out God's purpose for my life.

After I finished my degree I decided to do an extra semester abroad teaching Health and Physical Education in Antigua, West Indies in May 2009. This was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had. It was wonderful to show children games that incorporated life skills (leadership, communication ect) and to teach them about healthy habits (nutrition, smoking, hygiene, STD's). It was incredible to be able to show love to children who many told me experienced violence in their homes. Yet I left there feeling so broken, like I hadn't done a thing to help them. I heard so many horrible stories, saw children being beaten, saw the scars on their bodies, I knew at that point how we as humans, without the love of Christ, making a sustainable impact on the world is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. I hope that maybe the love I showed those children will be enough to change their life, maybe not, but for everlasting long term change, I realized that the foundation of love through Christ is essential.

God blessed me with the opportunity to see how Christ can change lives and a community as I spent Christmas 2009 in La Mision, Mexico, building an orphanage and serving in an already flourishing orphanage. As I heard stories from the locals how God had changed their lives, and given them so much hope, I was filled with overwhelming joy and a new understanding of how God works to change lives. I saw people with nothing, but a joy so vibrant, it could only have been from the Lord.

After experiencing these things, I want to become more. I want to grow deeper with Christ so that I can be used to make lasting change in the lives of others who have no hope.