Meet Sammy Tillery: a high school student with a heart for serving. He raised his funds, said yes, and gained a new perspective on his hometown and what it means to have true courage.
England isn’t necessarily the place people think of when they think of international mission trips. Can you tell us a little more about the needs there?
England isn’t the place people usually think of when they think about international mission trips because most people see England as a place where tourists go to see some of the world’s greatest treasures; however, England lacks religion immensely. Religion was founded in England, but has declined very quickly over the years. Today only 3% of the population is of Christian faith.
The difference between going to a place like England and a place like Africa is that the people of England have everything they need. None of them face extreme poverty. They don’t see a need for Jesus because they already have so much whereas in a place like Africa, the people lack so much and they are thirsting for something to put their hope into. It’s not that the people of England are rejecting Jesus...they just haven’t really heard of Him.
How did going and serving change you?
Going and serving changed me in the sense that it allowed me to have a new perspective on life. We are so fortunate to grow up in a culture that freely allows us to learn about and worship Jesus. Not only that, but that we have people who are passionate and bold enough to pour into us. We very often take that gift for granted. The kids and even the adults in England are not fortunate enough to have tons of people sharing Jesus with them. Don’t get me wrong...there are some, and I am so grateful for them. Going and serving really opened my eyes to how much I take for granted in my own life.
What did your trip teach you about loving God and loving others?
My trip taught me more about loving God just by taking in His creation. When you are in a place like Guisborough, England, you can’t help but to feel the presence of God. He is all around you. I truly learned to appreciate our Savior more by seeing the works He has made.
I learned more about loving people just by listening to them. Every person I was fortunate enough to meet on my trip had a different story. Listening to their stories and their backgrounds really showed me that there is more to the world than just Southaven, Mississippi, and that there are other people just besides me and those close to me.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about serving others internationally?
I wish that people knew they were capable. No matter what you think, you can do it. God calls us to be bold. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” I believe that many people are afraid to serve internationally for the fear of “What if...” God doesn’t call us into a sense of fear...He calls us into a sense of courageousness. If we truly believe that Jesus lives within us and will protect us no matter what, then we have to accept his callings no matter how big or how small they are.
Some people believe that high students are too young to serve and make a difference. What are your thoughts on this?
NO ONE no matter their age, race, or any other factor is unable to make a difference. The power of Jesus is a very life changing thing, and if that power is in you, you cannot fail. Never let anyone tell you that you are not capable of making a difference because YOU ARE! Someone somewhere believes in you.
Start small. Look for opportunities to serve within your church or your community. Pray. Ask the Lord to give you opportunities. Nothing you do is too small to make a difference in someone’s life. Keep working at it even when you feel discouraged. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” What you do makes a difference. Believe in yourself, and you will go far. Who knows? Maybe the Lord will even send you far. Serving internationally is truly a blessing, and my hope is for everyone to have that experience. No matter what you do, always continue to serve because you are not just serving others, you are serving the one true King.
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