I was born and raised in a Christian home. At age seven during Vacation Bible School, I asked Christ into my heart. When I turned thirteen, something happened to me which I blamed God for and started a path of rebellion. A few days later, I heard a message on a radio program saying that if you are not a Christian then you will go to Hell. That night I prayed “fire insurance prayers,” asking Christ to forgive me. However, I didn’t change physically or spiritually. I prayed those “fire insurance prayers” every night until my junior year of high school. At age sixteen, during a winter youth event, my pastor’s wife helped me get assurance of my salvation. I did a 180-degree turn and have never doubted since.

When I finished high school, I planned to work in the medical field. But when my pastor’s wife asked me to teach the 2-3 year old Sunday School class, it showed us both that I had a gift working with children. Through the years, I have been able to help with teaching Bible Clubs, counseling at Christian Camps, and working in various Church ministries.

When missionaries came to my church, I always enjoyed hearing their stories. Going on my first overseas mission trip in college made missions real to me, and it opened my heart with a desire to serve God full time overseas. Through the years God has opened and closed doors, allowing me many learning experiences in my Christian life. But the verses in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 16:9 have taught me that God’s plan and timing are perfect!