My name is Emma Myers, I’m 22 years old, and originally from the Central Valley in California. Today, my husband Andrew and I are living out an incredible calling as missionaries with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Salem, Oregon.
My heart for youth ministry was ignited during my senior year of high school, but it wasn’t until after graduation that I began to see how that passion could intersect with global missions. Honestly, stepping into missions came as a bit of a surprise. But the more I leaned in, the more I realized that youth ministry doesn’t have to be confined to one place. It can happen anywhere. So why not follow the call of Jesus and bring the Good News to the nations?
One of the most influential voices in my journey has been David. David was my former youth pastor and he didn’t just lead me, he walked with me. After high school, I had the opportunity to serve as a youth ministry intern under him, and those years were pivotal. Throughout the years David opened the door for me to experience missions firsthand through annual trips, and more importantly, he taught me what it means to truly listen for God’s voice, even when it’s scary, even when it’s unexpected.
Watching David and his family live out a life of radical trust in God showed me that faith isn’t always about having all the answers, it’s about being willing to say yes, no matter what. I can say without hesitation that I wouldn’t be where I am today without his influence and his heart for the Great Commission.
Since then, God has taken me places I never imagined. I’ve sat in coffee shops in Albania, sharing about Jesus with curious young Muslims. I’ve walked the streets of Turkey in 2023 after the devastating earthquakes, witnessing hope spark back to life over shared meals.
Becoming a missionary can feel daunting and it’s not always easy-but it is profoundly beautiful. There is wonder in every step of obedience. Jesus calls each of us to go and to share the Good News with the world. The only question left is-where will we go?