When I arrived at the World Horizons centre in South West Wales eight months ago, I had zero intention of going overseas for the gospel. Long term mission work wasn’t even on my radar. I still remember walking along the seafront in Llanelli with the team, chatting to a teammate, explaining that this was ‘just a gap year’, a pause between university and whatever came next. She laughed and said, ‘It’s a weird choice if you’re not planning on mission.’
Struggling through the training
As the course progressed, the challenges didn’t ease up, they increased. By October, I was close to quitting. Being the only Brit on the team left me feeling isolated, and I felt the weight of culture shock both within the team and in every country we visited. One particularly difficult moment came during a trip to France, bouncing around in a battered Land Rover, wondering what on earth I was doing.
In those moments, my response was to cling tighter to what I thought I wanted: a stable job, to live in a safe part of the UK, a nice house, a comfortable life. When I told Joel, our training leader, he simply said, ‘Wait. Let the Lord speak.’
Letting God interrupt my plans
Honestly, I didn’t beleive God would speak to me. I thought that was for the ultra-spiritual, not someone like me. But Scripture says otherwise. God pours out His spirit on all people. (Joel 2:28–29).
Still determined to leave, I mentioned it to a few teammates. A teammate prayed that God would give me clear direction. I didn’t expect much, but I agreed to try.
Another teammate encouraged me to look back at anything God might have spoken before I joined the training. So I opened an old note on my phone, and discovered a ‘word’ I’d written down months earlier. It said:
‘You won’t go into counselling or psychology after university. You must pursue God’s work for you.’
I was stunned. My first instinct was to argue: ‘Lord, I can’t even afford to finish this training.’
Within weeks, completely unexpectedly, my church paid the remaining fees.
At every turn, God kept surprising me. All that was left was obedience.
I share this because mission rarely looks like what we imagine. A lack of enthusiasm, or even outright resistance, is not too big an obstacle for God. When we surrender to Him, we find ourselves drawn into that shared calling for every disciple:
‘Go and make disciples of all nations…’
And so now, instead of running from the idea, I’m beginning to commit my life to whatever God is calling me to overseas.
Surrendering to God’s direction
David’s journey reminds us that God often works most powerfully when our own plans begin to unravel. His story isn’t just about a change of direction, it’s about learning to listen, to wait, and to trust that God speaks to ordinary people in ordinary moments.
As you read his experience, take a moment to reflect:
- Where might God be challenging your assumptions about your future?
- Are there areas where you’re holding tightly to comfort, security, or your own expectations?
- What doors might God be opening that you’ve been hesitant to walk through?
David didn’t begin with confidence, clarity, or enthusiasm, he began with reluctance. Yet God met him with provision, guidance, and gentle persistence.
Perhaps God is inviting you into the same kind of openness. Ask Him what obedience looks like for you in this season. Be willing to revisit words He has already spoken. And consider how He might be calling you, whether across the world or across the street, to join in His mission.
* Name changed for security reasons. Some of the images are for illustrative purposes only and are not a direct representation of people or events.
The Pioneer Initiative: a prophetically led, adventure-shaped training for those ready to follow God anywhere.
Our next training programme will begin in 2027, with exact dates and locations to be confirmed. If you’re interested in taking part, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch to register your interest and stay updated as details are announced.
