Called For A Purpose

Jacob Jasek // Serbia Missions Team Member

Have you ever been uncertain about something, but chose to trust God's greater plan instead of your own understanding?

Twenty years ago, I never would have imagined that I would one day be called to serve on a mission trip. I wasn't living a Christian life. I wasn't even attending church regularly. I certainly wasn't thinking about missions or what God might have planned for my life.

But God. The Lord is my Redeemer!

Knowing that God would take someone as broken as me and use me to minister to others is truly mind-blowing. It reminds me that God doesn't call us because we are perfect. He calls us, and He gives us the opportunity to walk in obedience and trust Him.

Now here I am—5,942 miles from home, sharing the Gospel with children and experiencing something that has truly changed my life.

Last year, I went on my first mission trip, and this year God gave me the opportunity to return to the same community. That first year, everything was new—the people, the culture, and the places. I was nervous, but I quickly realized I was there for a purpose. There was so much unknown, but I put my trust in Jesus. And God showed us that He had us exactly where He wanted us.

This year was completely different. When we arrived, we were greeted by familiar faces. The children remembered us and were genuinely excited that we had returned. Seeing them from blocks away and watching their faces light up melted my heart.

Then there was Boldie. From the moment I met him, he reminded me so much of the son of a friend whom my wife and I had the privilege of fostering for a few months. That connection immediately touched my heart. But seeing Boldie's transformation from last year to this year was incredible.

Then I saw his mom's tears. Those tears impacted me deeply because she knew that people cared about her son and her family. They knew they were seen and loved. Every morning, I found myself rushing to greet Boldie, his sister, and his mom. That connection erased any remaining doubts I had about whether I was truly called to be there.

Sometimes God asks us to step into something before we understand why. Faith means trusting Him even when we can't see the whole picture.

There are still things I don't understand. I don't know if my wife and I will ever have the privilege of having biological children. I would be lying if I said that doesn't bother me.

But our team lead said something to me that has stayed with me: "You have many spiritual kids, and you are here for a purpose."

Maybe that is part of God's greater plan for me. Maybe the children and families we meet along the way are part of the spiritual family He has entrusted to us.

God is moving all over the world!

We also had the opportunity to meet Danko Dudok, pastor of Centar Crkva, our sister church in Belgrade, Serbia. Different country, different culture, but the same God and the same mission. The body of Christ truly has no borders.

We are here to spread the message, love like Christ, serve others, and fulfill the purpose He has given us. I may not always understand God's plan, but I'm learning that I don't have to know everything when I know Who is leading me. Hard work. God first.

And wherever He calls me, I pray I will always be willing to go.