By Wendy Wagoner

Every time I read about the call of Abraham, I am amazed. Although Abraham lived thousands of years ago, God continues to call his people for his purposes. I remember the spot where I sat when I knew the Lord called me to Tanzania. That moment when, like Abram, I answered a call to be challenged in my relationship with God and carry out his plan. I stepped out in faith, left my homeland, the center of human prosperity, and traveled to an unexpected place filled with hungry children who needed to know God. 

The Step

When I left the United States for Tanzania I too left family and friends behind. I remember taking that last glimpse at the airport, wondering if the tears would ever stop. The first steps to an unknown land are often difficult. 

However, the call within my heart began to run by faith to a dry and dusty land that needed to know God. The first of many lessons I discovered during those days of travel, transition, and adjusting to life in Tanzania was to trust in God’s strength alone. It sounds easy, doesn’t it?

Trust

We teach our children at an early age to trust. But as we grow we surround ourselves with our own securities. It is difficult to take those needed steps of faith and trust, to continue to make Jesus’ name known to those who need to hear. The challenge before us is to endure. We are created for a purpose. The Holy Spirit continues to empower us to be instruments of blessing to the world around us. Our call is found in Matthew 28:19, 20. Your step of faith may not take you to Tanzania, but what is your unexpected place? Trust in God’s strength to work in you this week to bring hope as an instrument of worship as you proclaim his name among the nations!

Wendy Wagoner is a CMF Missionary in Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa ministering in the area of children’s education.