At the young age of six years old, I was challenged to walk out my faith and go beyond the borders of my country to an ethnic group that did not have access to the truth of God’s Word. Now, I did not truly understand what serving Him wholeheartedly meant, but I did know that it was something that I wanted to do. In my early childhood, I heard stories of ethnic groups in Papua New Guinea in need of someone to tell them about God.
My life verse became Romans 10:14-15 NIV: How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
During my growing up years, serving the Lord overseas became my passion and focus, and I took steps — doing what I could right then. I remember using my birthday money to buy a baby doll to take overseas to give to another First Nations girl. Once I got a job at the age of 15, I began supporting a missionary family in Papua New Guinea monthly out of my paycheck. I went on three overseas short term missions trips to Bolivia, Papua New Guinea, and Mongolia to serve other missionaries. For me, each missions trip just confirmed, that this — serving Him wholeheartedly overseas — was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
At the age of 17, God brought a man into my life with the same heartbeat. Mike, a third generation MK (missionary kid) who grew up in Paraguay, knew that he too wanted to serve God overseas among the least reached. We were married once I turned 18, and together, we attended two years of missionary training, took a year to raise our financial and prayer support from individuals and churches, and moved to the country of Paraguay in 2004 with two small children. I can honestly say that learning Spanish, building relationships, mobilizing the Paraguayan church, mentoring young ladies, and walking alongside First Nation leaders and their families is beyond anything the young girl at the age of 6 ever imagined when she said, “Yes” to missions.
Tricia Goyer said, “God may sometimes call you to something beyond your natural bent or abilities, but trust that as you follow Him you’ll discover more about yourself and your capabilities than you ever dreamed possible. More than that, you’ll discover more about God – His character and His ways.”
My passion remains the same, and I have learned more — and am still learning — what serving Him wholeheartedly in my home, in my city, in my country and beyond looks like. I do know that it is not easy. Sometimes, the foundation and core of my faith is challenged. It requires daily dying to myself, “walking out the Word of God and daring to do what it says,” even when it is uncomfortable. It requires selfless acts of love. It requires serving, even when I feel as though I cannot serve anymore.
“God designed us for a purpose that will impact His kingdom. The purpose we all share as Christ followers is to worship God, love Him, love others, and live a godly life.” – Tricia Goyer
My desire is to be faithful to obey His Word and bring Him glory while serving Him wholeheartedly with my family in Paraguay. Christ followers, will you join me? Let’s obey God’s Word and do what it says! It is time to “Walk It Out”!
Trisha’s passion is serving Him wholeheartedly in her family and in ministry. Married to Mike since 2001, they have three children, Michael, Lea, and Kaleb. They have lived in Paraguay, South America since 2004 and serve as field workers of Partners for Paraguay. Trisha loves to read, spend time with her family, and travel. Connect with her at mtgoddard.com, Facebook, and Instagram.
Partners for Paraguay | Website | Facebook | Instagram
More about Walk it Out
What Happens When We Read God’s Word and Actually Do What it Says?
Bestselling Author Tricia Goyer demonstrates the powerful work God accomplishes if we are willing to step out in obedience to Biblical commands and His quiet urgings, no matter our fears or feelings of inadequacy.
Walk It Out illustrates the real-life results of listening to the Scriptural mandates such as care for the orphan, serve the poor, go into the world to spread the gospel, and love others of all races. The author’s journey, from accepting Christ’s forgiveness and telling her story of redemption to answering the call to adopt seven children when she least expected, is filled with the exhilarating, radical, unexpected life that we experience when we walk into God’s plans for us.
“I neither planned or expected any of this—from the ten kids to the stamped-up passport. I didn’t accomplish these things by making a list and checking it off. They happened as I took steps of faith to follow God’s directives.” ~Tricia Goyer
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