Lily Cossey
Destination: Thailand
Designation: Language StudentÂ
Sent from:Â Fressingfield, Suffolk
From a young age, God revealed himself to me, and I’m blessed to have parents and grandparents who modelled what it is to live for Jesus. My faith was always something I was excited to share with others (though I definitely didn’t always get it right!).
I first heard about unreached people as I prepared to go on a Serve Asia trip to Thailand. For someone who had never been on a flight longer than one hour, this trip was a daunting step. In my mind, it was going to be a one-off, exciting way to spend my summer between studying – I never imagined all that God would do in my heart through these two weeks! Before going, I had heard the crazy statistics about unreached areas, but after being amongst these people and witnessing the Buddhist culture first-hand, I was struck by just how much the Thai people need freedom through Jesus. As I processed all that I had experienced, the burden to serve there longer-term grew until it was something I couldn’t ignore.
Now, as I plan to go back to Thailand for three years, I’m clinging to John 15 which reminds me that on my own I can do nothing. It’s only through being connected to the true vine that he can work through me. When doubts come and the thought of being a missionary feels too weighty for me to manage, it’s a huge comfort to know that all the Lord asks of me is to remain in him. I’m so glad we have a God who uses the most ordinary people to display his strength through our weakness!
Bethany
Destination: Southeast Asia
Designation: Masters Degree Student
Sent from: England
My interest in sharing Jesus around the world really began in my second year of university, where my flatmate introduced me to a Christian charity focused on creating a community for international students at the university. Despite being initially hesitant to get involved, I soon grew to love it and found myself there every week. I made great friends there but was really struck by how many of the students had never heard the gospel before.
Despite God growing in me a heart for unreached people around the world, I did not even consider being a ‘missionary’. To me, that was something that more confident, experienced people did. However, following a mission event at the Christian union, I was really encouraged by the kinds of people that came to talk. They were not impressive, but weak people that our impressive God was using.
Following more events and conversations I was eventually overwhelmed by this very clear picture from God that this was something I could do with my life – yet some part within me resisted. I loved my biology degree and had planned to continue with that into further education and research. I eventually resigned to the fact that not continuing with this passion of mine would be one of the sacrifices I would need to make.
Then, a few months later an opportunity arose to do both my masters and be involved in international mission at the same time! God showed me that he didn’t create me with the passions and interests I have for no reason, but that through them he might be glorified!
Although there is still a lot of uncertainty about God’s direction for my life, I’m very glad that it’s his plan and not mine, and I’m excited to get involved!
