For many years, it has been my heart’s desire to serve the Lord. 
In 2014, a missionary to Egypt met with me and encouraged me to attend Mission ConneXion Northwest in the coming January (2015). So, I registered for the event.
When it came time to attend the conference, no one from my church would go with me, which was a great discouragement to me. I was afraid to go by myself, but God spoke to my heart and reminded me that although not everyone has the same call on their lives, He wanted me to be there. In obedience, I got out of bed, got dressed, and went to Sunset Presbyterian Church.
At the Mission ConneXion Northwest conference, I attended several workshops and spoke to many people; and then the Lord directed me to the workshop taught by Bill MacLeod, “Fifteen Weeks Will Change Your Life.” Through this workshop, I learned about Perspectives, took the information, prayed about whether God would have me attend this 15-week class; and I felt that God was leading me to do so.
Perspectives transformed my life. The Lord has opened my eyes to reach unreached people groups with the Gospel, and I see the world with a different perspective: Some places have a lot of churches and missionaries, but other places or countries have never heard the gospel. I am more aware of and compassionate toward those who are unable to provide food for themselves and their families.
In August 2015, I traveled to Egypt to visit my mom, who was suffering and dying from cancer. There, in the middle of my own struggle, the Lord gave me the courage to provide clothing and money to a poor lady who had no income. The Lord also allowed me to support many Muslim families who have converted from Islam and were homeless because their families would no longer accept them.
Because of Mission ConneXion, I learned about Perspectives, and I am so thankful for what the Lord has done in my heart and life – He has expanded my role in mission. In addition to the individuals God allows me to support and encourage, He has made me one of the coordinators for Perspectives. I now get to share with others what God has done in my life through Perspectives and encourage others to take the class!
I never did get to see the missionary again who initially encouraged me to attend Mission ConneXion, but I am so thankful for how the Lord sent her to me at the right time to help give me direction in His plan for me. I am grateful to do the same for others.
This article represents the true story of Magdoleen Eskandar and was edited by Gloria Ames.
