I am a...

mis·sion·ar·y [mish-uh-ner-ee]

Show IPA noun, plural -ar·ies, adjective noun Also, mis·sion·er.

1. a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities,as educational or hospital work.
2. a person strongly in favor of a program, set of principles, etc., who attempts to persuade or convert others.
3. a person who is sent on a mission. (definition from dictionary.com)

I am a missionary. Actually, so are you if you're a Christian. According to Matthew 28: 16-20:

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Since a young age, probably 12 or 13, I have known I wanted to be a missionary to other countries. To go to other cultures, live among them, build relationships with them, love them...and share the love of Jesus with them. As I've grown older, I still have the very same desire in my heart. God has shown me I have a calling to a lot of different countries, but He has also shown me the call I have to my own nation. The United States is in desperate need of the love of Jesus, just as much as any other place.

My first "mission" in State has been Kentucky. I didn't realize that is what it was until I had been here for a while, but then He began to show me how this truly was my first "missionary post" so to say. It was away from my family and home (for part of the time) and it was in a place that was different from what I was used to in ways. I learned how to relate to people on a new level, given the different struggles this region holds, and it's been so good!

I know there are more in State missions for me, and as I continue to grow and learn in this one, I hope that I take everything possible and expand my horizons through the process.

I know that every place I go, that my mission is the same. To live a righteous life before God and others. And I know I will fail at times. I have failed at times. But failure is not defeat. There is nothing to fear with God, there is no mountain to big to climb, there is no region too large to overcome with the power of God working through our lives.

Living out the Great Commission is a journey of leading others to the love of Christ through our actions and words spoken into lives. It is an epic journey, and I cannot wait to see more of my destiny unfold in it.