Too Young? God Thought Otherwise

When people learned that I was going to be a missionary, many doubted me. I was only eighteen years old when I decided to join the 1000 Missionary Movement, and they thought I was far too young. But I believed then, as I do now, that God does not measure our usefulness by our age. He simply asks for a willing heart.

During our training, I never worried about where I would be assigned, even though I knew very little about the Philippines. I simply told myself, "Lord, wherever you send me, I will go." Instead of a location, I prayed deeply for my mission partner. I didn't ask God for a specific person; I just prayed, "Lord, whoever my partner is, please help us understand one another. Change me, and teach me how to be a good partner."

When my partner was finally announced, I was caught completely off guard. We had hardly spoken during training. Questions began to flood my mind: How can we possibly get along? But I chose not to overthink it. I trusted God’s plan.

We were assigned to Panglao, Bohol, as the very first missionaries in that area. The moment we arrived, the community welcomed us so warmly it felt as though they had been eagerly waiting for us all along. Right then, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging.

As a foreigner, the first month was a steep learning curve. We had very little experience with house-to-house visitation. The homes were scattered far apart, and we often found ourselves navigating narrow pathways, forest-like terrain just to find them—sometimes accidentally winding up at someone's back door!

But every single trek was worth it. The families we visited were incredibly kind. They even shared their food with us in exchange for basic medical services like checking blood pressure, measuring blood sugar, and offering massages. Their bright smiles made the hardest days easier.

Yet, despite the kindness of the people, I struggled deeply on the inside. Because of the language barrier, I couldn't communicate well, leaving my partner to do most of the talking. Whenever locals spoke to me, they would invariably ask for my age, followed by the familiar phrase: "You are too young."

The constant reminder wore me down. There were times I questioned my purpose entirely. I remember tearfully telling my partner, "Ate, I don't know what I'm doing here. I feel so useless because I can't help you."

I felt so frustrated. Does age really matter in ministry? I wondered. I began to pray, "Lord, is this really Your plan for me? Please show me the way. Teach me how to be of use in Your ministry."

Then another challenge came. Instead of continuing with house-to-house visitations, I was reassigned to teach at the academy as a kindergarten assistant and music teacher.

Honestly, I never wanted to be a teacher. As an introvert, I didn't think I had the patience for it—especially with small children. But I soon realized that following God often means being pushed far beyond what we can imagine for ourselves.

On my first day at the school, a high school student approached me and asked bluntly, "Are you going to teach here? But you're too young to teach—you're almost the same age as me!"

I was taken aback. Once again, it was all about my age. But instead of letting my disappointment show, I simply smiled and said, "Yes." Inside, I reminded myself that a willing soul doesn't require a certain age to serve; it just requires a life fully surrendered to God.

Those words were discouraging, but God was quietly teaching me to trust Him, even when I couldn't see the bigger picture.

Day by day, He provided a strength I didn't possess on my own. I learned to deny my comfort, depend completely on Him, and serve with a willing heart.

Then, I noticed something incredible: God wasn't just working through me; He was working in me. The impatient person I used to be was slowly transforming. I discovered that loving these kids was far more rewarding than letting them annoy me.

The very place I once questioned became the exact place where God transformed my character.

Truly, God does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls. Age, personality, language barriers, and personal weaknesses are never obstacles to Him. When we fully surrender our lives to God, He transforms our fears into faith, our weaknesses into strength, and our doubts into confidence.

Looking back, I realize that the people who said I was "too young" weren't entirely wrong—on my own, I was inadequate. But they underestimated what happens when a young, willing soul meets a limitless God.

He didn't need my experience; He just needed my "Yes." And now, the question is no longer whether you are capable, but rather: When He calls, will you let your excuses stand in the way, or will you be brave enough to say, "Lord, here I am. Send me"?

Sreynou Sokhom

64th Batch

Panglao, Bohol