Growing up in the Nazarene church, I had heard about Youth in Mission as a teen. I also have been interested in missions since I was little. This last summer, I traveled with a ministry team called Witness for Northwest Nazarene University. While at a camp in Washington, I met Kenny Wade as he was the speaker for the week. Thus, I heard about the Youth in Mission re-launch.
In September, back at school in Idaho I talked with Kenny and learned what Youth in Mission is doing in Summer 2015. Kenny told me about an amazing multicultural ministry in Cactus, Texas and invited me to pray about being a part of the YIM team. Honestly, it sounded interesting, but I had just started a new job and the summer seemed far off. Nevertheless, I was googling internships with Spanish-speakers often, and making connections with other missions groups. I found many different amazing opportunities, but none of them clicked. I kept looking.
A few weeks later, I went to talk to one of my professors. I told him about the YIM opportunity in Texas and as I spoke, I realized that this was the perfect opportunity for me and felt this sense that my search for summer 2015 was over. I finished talking with my professor, went to eat lunch, and was about to email Kenny to tell them my search was over. Just then, he walked in, and I told him that I was done looking for my place for Summer 2015. I had found it in Cactus, Texas with Youth in Mission!
This was a very different way of God calling me. I usually think, contemplate, and analyze a lot before making a decision, but this time there was an immediate peace and assurance that this is where God wants me. I know he has prepared me for this this time and this place-Cactus, TX, Summer 2015. I am so excited to work with Spanish-speakers, and to also get a taste of cultures from around the world. I can’t wait for the collaborative ministry that will happen with college students, leaders in Cactus, and youth groups.
