I come from Ribeirão Preto, a city in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. Since I was a child, I have always heard about missions and how much there is still to be accomplished so that God’s love can reach all people. But it was not until a few years ago (I am 19 now) that I realized this calling was not just general—it was personal.

There is a Bible verse that speaks deeply to my heart: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2). As I reflected on this verse, I understood that if there is a need for workers, why not offer myself?

That is how I entered the mission field. Unlike many of my missionary friends who chose their projects, I was assigned to the Pnong Project, located in northeastern Cambodia. At first, that made me nervous. I did not know much about the culture, the language or the people I would be serving. But now I see that God knew exactly where to send me.

At the project, I serve as an English teacher for children in daycare and first and sixth grades. Each class brings joys and challenges. Teaching goes far beyond delivering content—it is a daily opportunity to share love and patience, provide a good example, and slowly plant gospel seeds.

Living among the Pnong has taught me so much about simplicity, respect and community. I have learned to smile more, speak less and listen more attentively. Every “hello” in a new language, every meal shared, every game played in the schoolyard becomes a moment to grow and to serve.

Being here is changing me every day. I have come to see that missions is not just about what we leave behind—it is about how much we allow God to shape us as we walk with Him.

My hope is that more young people will hear this calling. Because the harvest is still plentiful. And the workers are still few.

• Twitter