Emily's Testimony

In my babysitter's car

In my babysitter’s car, I sat quietly while she answered a call. I was in elementary school at the time, and she had just picked me up after class.

I’d heard about her mission trips when she spoke at school and church, and now she was waiting for news from her team—confirmation that she could join the mission field full-time.

Full-time in Togo. A third-world country in Africa where—according to my childlike understanding—she would live on beans and rice, in sweltering heat, and under the constant threat of lions.

But as I sat there watching, her face filled with joy and excitement. Without a moment of hesitation, she said a wholehearted yes to full-time ministry in Togo.

I knew then that her joy wasn’t in the challenges but in the opportunity to bring hope to where God had called her.

From that moment—and many others like it—I knew I wanted to share in that same joy: the joy of going wherever God calls.

Even then, He was placing in me a missional heart.

As the years went on

As the years went on, that early spark of faith began to deepen.

God taught me that having His heart for others begins with abiding in Him, listening to His voice, and allowing His love to overflow into every part of life.

I’ve seen how that relationship directs my steps, brings joy into difficult days, and encourages me to keep sharing His goodness.

My desire to share Jesus is no longer just because I was inspired by someone else’s faith, but because I have personally experienced his faithfulness and love.

Since then, God has continued to provide opportunities for me to live out that calling and let that love overflow into action.

At my home church, I served in children’s ministry and helped with summer camps, learning early what it looks like to disciple and serve within the local church.

In 8th grade, my family traveled to Haiti to help provide annual medical check-ups in a rural community.

In college, I served as a small group leader with Chi Alpha, walking alongside other students in discipleship.

Later, through a missional internship with OMS in Spain and Budapest, God continued to shape my heart for the nations.

And now, as I prepare to leave for the mission field in Europe full-time, I am filled with joy, anticipation, and trust in His plan.