I felt called to Zambia on what felt almost like an impulse, but looking back, it might have been one of the most incredible decisions I've made in my life so far.

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Before coming here, I feel like I had a cover over my eyes and my thinking. I saw the world I knew and, without even realising it, thought that was how the whole world was. I was so, very wrong. During my three months in Zambia, I began to see God in a completely new light. His timing and His purpose for me while I was here slowly started to shine through, and I began to see and experience Him in all aspects of life.

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My goal in coming here as a missionary was to learn, to see the Lord in a way I hadn't known before, and simply to learn more about the world. I wanted to take on every opportunity that was put in front of me. Some days that meant helping set up for preaching at the school, other days it meant playing sport in the afternoon with the locals, spending time in the community, or simply sitting and talking with people whose lives were completely different from my own.

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I was also able to use some of the skills and talents I already had in ways I hadn't expected. I've always loved photography and drone work, and being able to use those skills to capture life here and contribute photos and footage for the mission and its website made me realise that serving God doesn't always look the way you expect it to. Even the things you already love doing can be used for a greater purpose.

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Sport became another huge part of my experience. It gave me a way to connect with the local community without needing much more than a ball and a willingness to join in. Some of the friendships and connections I made through those afternoons became a really special part of my time here. But more than anything, I feel like God moved in me through the experiences I've had and the people I've met throughout my journey.

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He challenged the way I thought, the way I saw the world and even the way I saw Him. My spiritual thinking was turned upside down in ways I never expected, and I've learnt that God's timing and plans can be so much bigger than what we can see at the time. I came to Zambia wanting to learn more about God and the world. I'm leaving having learnt far more about both than I ever thought possible, but also having learnt a lot about myself.

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If there's one thing I'd say to another young person considering doing something like this, it's to take the opportunity. Come with an open mind, get involved, use whatever skills and talents God has given you, and say yes to the opportunities that are put in front of you. You never know what God might do with that yes.

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By Tallon Willis, 18 yrs