From Maybe to Yes
How God used CAMP BIMI to deepen my burden for missionsBorn and raised in Jamaica, the message of salvation was unfamiliar to me. I knew of God, but I didn’t understand what it meant to be saved or to accept Christ as my Savior. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, God allowed me to move to the United States—and it was there that my life changed forever.
On February 26, 2022, I was invited to a teen activity at the church where I am now a member. That night, I heard the Gospel clearly for the first time, and I accepted Christ as my Savior. From that moment, the Lord began working in my heart, placing a deep burden—and a call—to missions. I wish I could say I responded immediately with willingness and obedience, but for about a year, my heart was hardened toward that call.
By God’s grace, I had the opportunity to attend CAMP BIMI, and it was there that God began softening my heart. Before attending, my understanding of missions was very limited. I thought it simply meant going from one country to another to tell people about Christ. CAMP BIMI gave me a much deeper understanding.
I learned the threefold way I can be involved in missions: praying for missionaries, supporting them financially, and going if called. I also greatly appreciated the sessions taught by the field directors. They addressed many aspects of missions and answered questions I didn’t even realize I had. During that week, I surrendered my life to the Lord for missions.
Since then, I have prayed earnestly for God’s direction. Through that process, He has taught me patience and the importance of waiting on His perfect timing. Returning to CAMP BIMI Week 2 was an exciting experience. Not only did I continue learning about missions, but I also had the opportunity to speak with the directors again personally and hear their burdens for the fields where they serve. My time at CAMP BIMI has helped me grow spiritually and has greatly strengthened my prayer life. I was especially convicted by the consistent emphasis on praying for more laborers, realizing how often I had fallen short in that area.
At the conclusion of my second week, I was challenged to seek the Lord fervently regarding His calling and to remain faithful to the ministry I serve in now.
If you are struggling with your call or considering missions, I want to encourage you in three ways. First, seek the Lord earnestly. He is all-knowing, and He reveals His will in His time. Second, seek Godly counsel from your pastor and spiritual mentors. Lastly, consider attending CAMP BIMI. It has encouraged my growth in missions, provided direction on becoming a missionary, and offered wisdom from those who have served faithfully on the field.
Although I am still unsure where the Lord is leading me—whether locally or abroad—I am committed to serving faithfully in my local church until He makes His will clear.
Mickhaylia Raymond is a CAMP BIMI alumnus and college student from Maryland.
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