Over the past year, my journey towards a profound love for missions began as I served as an intern with my church. The program aimed to nurture young leaders, immersing us in a community passionately devoted to the Lord. This experience allowed me to delve into the Word, theological texts, and witness the beautiful yet sacrificial facets of leadership. The ultimate goal was to equip us to confidently use our gifts in service to the Kingdom, leading me to the calling of organizing a medical mission trip to Peru.

Medical missions have become a growing passion for me over the past few years, rooted in my deep love for Jesus, people, and medicine. But the significance of this Peru trip goes beyond mere passion; it aligns perfectly with my calling and purpose. Long before college, I felt a distinct calling to serve in the field of medicine, and with the Lord's guidance, I have fervently pursued this path. Additionally, I've dedicated the last five years to learning Spanish, the primary language spoken in Peru, and have visited Spanish-speaking countries to refine my language skills.

South America, especially Peru, has become profoundly meaningful to me through the stories and culture shared by my closest friends from Brazil and Guatemala. Serving, speaking, and loving in a context that feels familiar is a testament to God's guiding hand on this journey. In the convergence of my passion for medicine, proficiency in Spanish, and connections to South American culture, I see the fulfillment of the scriptural promise: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Recognizing the Lord's orchestration of my path, my role in the upcoming medical mission trip to Peru takes on a deeper significance. As a co-leader, my focus is on contributing to the team's growth in wisdom, bold service to God, and leading with conviction. Short-term missions hold a vital role for us, emphasizing obstacle removal rather than life transformation, understanding that transformation is the work of God.

Removing obstacles during this mission takes various forms, from translating Scripture to addressing physical health needs and fostering a sense of belonging through acts of service and compassionate conversations. The overarching goal is to clear the path for the Spirit to move and create opportunities for salvation.

This project aligns with the belief that a change of place leads to a change of heart, fostering spiritual maturity as a natural byproduct. Our primary purpose is to share the gospel and the love of the Lord, anticipating that spiritual growth will follow, sparking a fire for Jesus among team members and contributing to the broader spiritual community.

While the specific outcomes of the trip remain unknown, my prayer is that the Lord works powerfully as the life transformer we recognize Him to be. Whether planting seeds, sharing the gospel, or providing medical assistance, success will be measured by our commitment to "love our neighbor as ourselves" (Mark 20:31). Any additional accomplishments will be seen as blessings from the Lord.

In my personal capacity, I hope to be an instrument used by the Lord according to His plan. Recognizing that my spiritual gifts are being refined, and my heart is in preparation, my focus as a co-leader is on leadership guided by humility and self-sacrificing love, echoing the example of Christ described as a servant rather than a leader. My prayer is to embody the characteristics of the Good Shepherd as I serve both the team and the people of Peru. This journey is a testament to the Lord's orchestration of our paths according to His divine plans, as I step out in faith on this mission that resonates so deeply with my calling and purpose.