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Elizabeth questioned whether she was called to share the gospel.

How did that obstacle make you feel at the time?

My heart was really against going on summer project, especially to Berlin. I had never felt “called” to go out to another nation because my calling was to stay in the States. I was so adamant about my choice that I started becoming frustrated when people would encourage me to go to the Berlin Summer Project. I thought sharing the gospel with strangers was in your face and uncomfortable. I just didn’t think the Lord had called me to go out of the country and that he could use me to share His gospel.

What was the turning point? What made you realize God was calling you to go on summer project?


My discipler and I went through an evangelism study. Soon after, we then started sharing our faith. I was so surprised, because sharing was actually fun. I learned through sharing the gospel that the focus is to meet people where they are, not forcing them to make a decision about following Jesus. Through evangelizing, it truly allowed me to see that I wasn’t focusing merely on the content we’re trying to get across, but adapting my communication to help that person be guided towards a better understanding of the actual content.
I continually pushed down the idea of summer project but continually kept praying about my summer. The more I prayed and considered summer project, the stronger the Lord placed it on my heart. I felt more and more called to be apart of summer project. I was aware that it would definitely place me outside my comfort zone and knew that it would be challenging, but I was willing to go if that is where God desired me to be.

What practical steps did you take during the process?

During this process, I made intentional time to pray. I prayed that God would mold me into an open and willing servant. I have also had a multitude of opportunities to partake in “stranger evangelism,” which forces me to become for comfortable with being uncomfortable. I’ve been trying to comprehend that my entire life should be one lived to demonstrate Jesus all around me, stranger and friend. Stranger evangelism is an intentionality that seeps into every encounter you have in your life, it’s just about realizing that and humbling yourself.

What do you recommend to others who face a similar obstacle?

One of the most important things is to dig into the word and really seek the Lord through his word and faithful prayer. You have to be honest with God and allow him to know what is holding you back. You have to allow yourself to trust God and know that He is leading you.

Elizabeth attended Germany: Berlin Summer Project in 2011.