For many missionaries across the globe, the family they leave behind is always on their mind. There is worry about who will care for their aging parents and a sense of grief knowing their children will grow up apart from their relatives.

“I can really say it’s not just me, but my whole family is serving the Lord by allowing me to go into missions,” said Sarah Palosa, a volunteer missionary currently serving in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

Palosa grew up in Cavite, Philippines, and graduated from Visayan Nazarene Bible College (now Central Philippine Nazarene College) in Cebu. In her final year of study, Palosa met people suffering from injustices. She felt that no one was listening to them and had a strong desire to use the skills God had given her to help in some way. So, she went on to study Christian communication at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary.

As her heart for missions grew, Palosa was inspired by the words of Frederick Buechner, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” As a result, she says her view shifted. 

“Instead of using my communication skills for myself, I want to use my skills and passion to minister to other people and somehow help the church,” Palosa said.

When the opportunity arose to serve in Thailand, Palosa felt nervous about how her family might react. In Filipino culture, it is expected for the eldest to help support their parents. But they told her, “We are going to support you all the way, and we will see what happens and where the Lord leads you. If He wants you to go, He will provide everything.”

“It’s not just my obedience; it’s really the obedience of my parents,” Palosa said. “I always get emotional when I think about it because I know it’s hard for them.”

She continued, “They have their desires for me, but they set those aside because what the Lord desires for me is the main focus. I am really grateful for my parents. They always told me, ‘Whatever, wherever, and whenever the Lord is leading you, just go.’ I feel their support and prayers. I’m amazed by how they followed the Lord also.”

Palosa firmly believes that when someone says yes to God’s call, It’s not just one person who is obeying the Great Commission, but it’s the obedience of their family, friends, and their sending church. 

“It’s communal obedience, not just individual obedience,” Palosa said. “I cannot just say that I obey the Lord, but it’s like we obey the Lord. It’s a connection. Alongside me are my family, friends, and my church people. Because they obey the Lord, I can obey the Lord.”

To learn more about Sarah and her mission field, click here.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific