the call
Finding the right church changed everything for me.
For years, I struggled with depression and anxiety. It took a long time to find a church that didn't just acknowledge what I was going through, but truly supported me and walked alongside me in it.
That changed when I found The Bridge in Houston, Texas. After meeting with the youth pastor, I experienced something I hadn't expected. Instead of judgment, I was met with complete acceptance. Everyone at the church embraced me exactly as I was, broken, hurting, and searching, and loved me unconditionally, regardless of where I was in my faith journey.
One day, while driving home after church, my heart was overflowing with gratitude. I thanked God for leading me to a community where I could finally be myself without fear of rejection. As I prayed, I felt a deep prompting that I was being called to something more.
In that moment, I sensed God speaking to my heart: "Amanda, I want you to take the church to where it is not, and be the kind of Christian you needed when you were coming to know Me."
Immediately, the word missionary came to mind. As I began researching what that calling truly meant, everything clicked into place. The more I learned, the more certain I became that this was exactly what God was calling me to do. It wasn't just an idea. It was the purpose He had been preparing me for all along.
why France
My call to France wasn’t immediate; in fact, it was born out of a profound journey of redemption.
From the beginning, I wanted to go to the "hardest and darkest places." While attending a missionary training university, I had the opportunity to spend my junior year and the first semester of my senior year abroad. The school offered placements in Thailand, China, and France. I chose France—specifically Marseille—solely because it was the closest gateway to North Africa, which was my ultimate goal.
But my global internship in Marseille broke me in ways that felt completely beyond repair. I left that city making a vow to myself that I would never, ever return to France.
Yet, after graduating, I couldn’t find peace about moving to North Africa. Seeking clarity, I took a vision trip to the Middle East. During a worship night there, I asked God why I lacked peace when I thought this had been the plan since the day I was saved. He clearly responded, "Amanda, this isn't what I have for you." In my heart, I hesitantly asked, "Are you calling me back to France?" He replied, "I am calling you back, and I am going to redeem this part of your life."
Why go back to Marseille?
coming soon!
what I am reading
what I am listening too
