God brought me to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (a Converge church) in 2021. I found myself in a community that truly exuded God’s love in both attitude and actions. There, I was encouraged to serve missionally and deepen my relationship with God. After an invitation to go on a short-term mission trip in Southeast Asia, I sensed God nudging me saying “Go!” While I felt terrified and underqualified, after much prayer and counsel, I decided to say “yes” despite my fears. During that trip, God stretched me beyond my comfort zone and made me rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Witnessing the beauty of God working, I saw how faith transformed people with the fullness of Christ’s freedom.

Later, on another short-term mission in Japan, I sensed that God was once again nudging me but couldn’t quite discern His intention. Debriefing that trip, I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of yearning from the Holy Spirit that made me break down sobbing. I felt God was sharing a fraction of what He feels, desiring to be united with His children in Japan. I was reminded of the freedom and love I received from God and realized so many people have yet to experience that. I continued seeking clarification from the Lord, also asking for advice from elders in the missions ministry at church. After much spiritual wrestling, I decided to say “yes” to what I believe God is calling me to do: missions in Japan. While I don’t know exactly how God will use me in Japan, I know that I will walk alongside those He brings into my life, laughing with them in their highs, and crying with them in their lows. And in all of it, I will strive to show them Jesus who loves them most of all.