Something unexpected happened that pushed me out of my comfort zone this summer. I decided to join the literature evangelism program Youth Rush, something I had never really imagined myself doing. Youth Rush took place in southern California, with the first half in Riverside County and the second half in adjacent Orange County.
I joined Youth Rush along with some school friends because I wanted to get closer to God, and I have always been interested in missionary work. Youth Rush took me to Southern California, where I was expected to canvass in random places like parking lots, neighborhoods, businesses, and even gas stations. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, because I’m uncomfortable talking to strangers, making this especially challenging.
I prayed that God would remind me of my purpose in canvassing as I stretched myself to do the work I had signed up for.
One day, I was dropped off at an apartment complex and met a woman who said she was an Adventist. After a short conversation, she told me about her life experiences, sharing how she grew up Adventist but left the faith and now wanted to return. I gave her a “dump” bag which contains all of the books literature evangelists carry, including Peace Above the Storm, The Great Controversy, Superheroes, Answer, and Habitos que sanan. I was also able to pray for her.
Later the same day, I was dropped off at a Walmart parking lot. I was nervous to go up to the next person, but I kept pushing myself. The next person I spoke to was interested in the books, but she didn’t have enough money to purchase one. Since someone had given me a donation, I asked her which book she liked most. She chose Peace Above the Storm because her mom had recently died. She was in tears, and I was able to pray for her as well.
That’s when I realized God answered my prayer. And not only did He show me my purpose in canvassing once, but twice! When canvassing, I was planting seeds of God’s love in people’s hearts with the books I sold or gave away. I was helping people get closer to God, one of the most meaningful blessings I could share. This was the first time I truly felt heard by God, and I felt pure joy being used by God to help other people get to know His love.
This experience opened my mind in different ways, and now I feel closer to God. I encourage you that if you ever feel afraid of getting out of your comfort zone while doing something you're not used to, remember that God can bless you in ways you can't imagine.