I grew up in a missionary baptist church where foreign mission trips were an exotic concept. We took up our Lottie Moon offering at Christmas, cheered other groups on as they left for different nations, and reached out to our local community. My church had not been on a mission trip to foreign lands until about 10 years after I had joined. We had witnessed solely in our community as long as I could remember.

When my church left for their first trip, I thought it was great, but not for me. I loved living in my little bubble in my little town. Why would I leave the comfort of my home to visit a nation completely different from my upbringing? I wouldn't know the language, the people, or the customs. I was content with my life the way it was, and I had no plans to change it. And then God stepped in.

When God began to push my heart to pursue a mission trip, I did everything I could to not answer the call. I was not stepping a plane and flying to uncertainty. I prayed for God to take the burden away from me. Instead, he began to increase it. The slightest mention of my church's mission trip would send my heart into flutters. My palms would sweat, and I would bite my lip. I was as stubborn as a mule. I was not going to change my mind.

As I prayed for God to take away the burden, He not only increased it, but He began to change my prayers. Instead of asking for my will, I began to ask for Christ's will to be done. I asked for direction and guidance. I asked for signs and reassurance. If I was called to go on this trip, I wanted to be certain.

The more I prayed, the more God calmed my heart. Instead of hesitation, I began to feel excited and anxious to go. My prayers changed from signs to go to the willingness and work ethic to fundraise. I asked what I needed to do to prepare for the trip. My heart swelled with gladness every time the trip was mentioned.

Answering the call to go on a foreign mission trip was the best decision I made of my life. If you believe God is calling you to go, but you are uncertain, pray. Pray until you feel like you cannot pray anymore. Pray like you've never prayed before. Ask others to pray for and with you. Do not push God away. Whether you desire to stay in your small town or travel to all seven continents, He will lead you into His will if you will pray.

"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,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20 NIV