Africa to Mongolia: A Young Missionary's Journey

When we hear stories of modern missionaries, we often picture seasoned veterans with decades of experience. However, some of the most inspiring stories come from young people stepping out in faith for the first time. Paisley Jackson, a young woman with an extraordinary calling, recently returned from her first major mission trip to Africa before preparing to leave for Mongolia. Her journey illuminates how God can use anyone willing to say "yes" to His call, regardless of age or experience.

Paisley's African mission began with an incredible testimony of immediate impact. On her very first day in Burundi, while doing fishermen ministry, about twenty people gave their lives to Christ after her teammate Benji, a Norwegian fisherman, preached to local fishermen. Three teenagers immediately requested baptism, and Paisley had the privilege of baptizing a young girl – her first baptism ever. This powerful beginning set the tone for a journey filled with both challenges and divine appointments that would stretch and strengthen her faith.

The cultural adjustments were significant but revealing. Before leaving, Paisley had confidently declared she wouldn't eat any "weird food," yet hunger and necessity quickly changed that perspective. She found herself enjoying ugali (a starchy staple food rolled by hand and dipped in sauce) and even consuming whole fish, bones and all. This experience taught her about human adaptability and gave her a deeper appreciation for the simplicity of meals like beans and rice – a stark contrast to the overwhelming choices available back home in America. These practical lessons in cultural humility mirror the spiritual humility required in cross-cultural ministry.

Transportation between locations proved to be one of the most dangerous aspects of her journey. The team traveled from Burundi to Congo via a 24-hour boat journey across Lake Tanganyika on an overcrowded vessel where they were targeted as the only white passengers. Men repeatedly approached the female team members with concerning intentions, forcing their male teammates to intervene by claiming the women as their "wives" to create boundaries. Despite these challenges, God's protection was evident, especially considering that shortly after their journey, another boat capsized on the same lake with fatal consequences.

Perhaps the most powerful testimony from Paisley's journey came through an unexpected divine detour. The team had been praying for an opportunity to minister at a local brothel, and Paisley was particularly excited to share her testimony of healing from impurity with women who felt unworthy in God's presence. However, just as they were about to depart for this ministry opportunity, she clearly heard God instructing her to stay behind and intercede in prayer instead. Though initially disappointed, she submitted to this divine redirection. While praying, she received a specific name – Deborah – and interceded for this unknown woman. When her teammates returned, they shared how they had ministered to a woman named Deborah, confirming that Paisley's prayers had been directly aligned with the actual ministry taking place. This powerful testimony demonstrates how prayer is not a secondary ministry but often the primary battlefield where victories are won.

The physical challenges of mission work became acutely real when Paisley and her entire team contracted malaria despite taking preventative medication. The mosquitoes in Congo were far more prevalent than anticipated, and two teammates required hospitalization and IV treatment. Paisley herself experienced severe symptoms including extreme weakness, vomiting, and persistent diarrhea that affected the team for weeks. Despite these hardships, she witnessed God's provision for medical care and experienced a deepening of her faith through physical suffering – a theme common throughout church history.

As Paisley prepares for her upcoming mission to Mongolia, she carries forward a profound lesson: "Obedience over results." She shared how God once instructed her to make mud with her saliva to place on a blind woman's eyes (mimicking Jesus' healing in Scripture). Though the woman wasn't immediately healed, Paisley recognized that God values obedience more than outcomes. This principle has freed her from performance-based ministry and allowed her to step out in faith without guarantees – even as she prepares to leave for Mongolia with enough funds to arrive but not yet enough for a return ticket.

Paisley's journey reminds us that mission work isn't about capability but availability. God continues to call young people to the nations, speaking clearly to those willing to listen and empowering those willing to obey. Her testimony challenges us to consider what areas of obedience God might be calling us to, whether across the ocean or across the street.

Listen to the whole conversation now on the E's Greenhouse, "Rooted & Rising" podcast!