For Mother’s Sake

By Baylee Wilson

I was 15 when I went on my first mission trip to East Asia with Church That Matters. At the time, I had no idea those two weeks would change the trajectory of my life.

What started as a youth trip quickly turned into a calling. Soon after, I went to Guatemala, and then, a year later, to Haiti.

Haiti was different.

The brokenness, hunger, and desperation—it broke my heart. God stirred something in me I couldn’t shake. I didn’t know how or when, but I knew I had to return. So I began to pray for any opportunity.

Shortly after I graduated, I met Michael. I told him from the beginning that I felt called to live overseas. I didn’t have the full picture—just that God was leading me there.

Thankfully, he was all in. So just one year after we got married, we moved.

Obedience wasn’t easy…for us or our families.

Even when you are confident in your calling, others may not be able to comprehend.

Think about the story in Luke 2:41–52, where Jesus stays behind in the temple. His parents are frantic, but Jesus responds, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Even Mary and Joseph struggled to understand what obedience looked like for their child.

My mom never told me not to go, but I knew it was hard for her.

Now, as a mom myself, I understand. But I pray that my boys will also say yes to God, no matter the cost to their comfort.

Michael and I had never felt more at home than we did while walking out God's will for our lives.

When God calls you—whether it’s missions, motherhood, ministry, or something else—it may not fit your comfort zone or make sense to others. But like Jesus in the temple, your obedience points to something bigger.

And obedience is never wasted.