Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am heading off to Malawi, Africa this December for full-time missions in the area of Children's Ministry. I thank God for how He has prepared me for missions throughout my life, and am amazed at how He has used each seemingly small detail to get me where I am today.

I grew up in the coastal small-town of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. (For all you hockey fanatics, it is the town of Sidney Crosby from the Pitts Penguins!)

I had a quiet life as a child and teen, but one marked with the blessing of knowing and being known by God. As a very young child, I remember God speaking to me one night. He said, "Do not be afraid. I am with you." I remember feeling a peace surround me like I have never felt before in all my life. That moment has stuck with me and held me up through the years.

Growing up, my parents faithfully took the time to read the Bible and help me understand Godly living. My family was actively involved in ministry both in the church and in the community, often running outreaches particularly geared towards children. I was home-schooled for most of my early childhood, and became very grounded as a Christian. As a youngster, I did not realize how much God was investing into my life through every experience.

Through my teen years God was constantly speaking to my heart and guiding me. He put on my heart to go to Bible college, so after I completed school at the age of 16, I started Bible college. While there, God started turning my interest in missions into a calling for missions. I kept this dream in my heart, and treasured all the ways God confirmed His calling on my life.

I was a very shy, timid, and quiet individual, and never had big dreams for myself. I remained humble, and was just thankful to know God's love. I offered Him all of me, for Him to do with my life whatever He wished. He continuously pulled me out of my comfort zone, beyond my timidity and smallness, to do things I would never think suitable to my life.

After Bible college, God called me to go into teaching...I was surprised He'd ask me to do this! A career spent in front of people teaching was not my thing! I was full of anxiety approaching this endeavor, but was confident in fulfilling God's request. When I went into teaching, God made my fears vanish. Being in front of a room full of children was no longer marked by fear--but filled me with great joy.

For 2 years I taught grades 3 and 4 on a First-Nations reservation in Northern Quebec, in a small village called Kawawachikamach (try to pronounce that!). Teaching the children there was the single most difficult thing I have ever done. The children lived a life surrounded by drugs, alcohol, abuse, and poverty--and most of all, a lack of love. As a result, they did not know how to love and trust. For the first while I was there, kids would swear at me, say they hate me, tell me to go back where I came from, and write nasty notes. I did not get angry at them for it. It did not make me want to leave. It didn't make me hate my job. Instead, it made me love my job more.

When I saw these children full of anger and hate, I saw children who needed love. When children yelled at me, I'd embrace them and ask what was really wrong. Often they'd burst in tears, and tell of the horrible things in their life. It hurt to see the emptiness and sorrow in their young lives. I'd go home sobbing and praying for these dear children. Praying for their protection, and for them to know God's deep love for them. When God has given you a life full of His love, it is not a choice to share it--it's a command.

During my 2nd year there, God started stirring my heart for missions, particularly putting Africa on my mind. At first I pushed aside these thoughts, and didn't think it really meant anything. But the stirring in my heart got stronger and stronger. I would lay awake many nights, with God speaking to my heart. People would cross my path who would confirm what God was speaking to me. I started really seeking out God's heart, and coming closer to Him. And more and  more, He was making things clear to me. I knew what I had to do.

At the end of the school year, I resigned from teaching. I had been praying about a few missions opportunities, and made my decision to pursue Children's Ministry in Malawi with Action International. I have to say, moving from teaching in the North to missions nearer the Equator is quite the switch! But God has wild plans, and when we say "yes," God brings us to awesome places.