The church I grew up in is very focused on mission. We took mission trips every summer starting in middle school. When I was a sophomore in high school, we went on a trip to Mexico to work with partners on a building project there. The trip really opened my eyes: "Oh! This is how big the world is. This is how big God is." (i.e. Bigger than my little corner of middle school and bigger than worrying about what kind of toothpaste I'll buy at the mall.)
When I returned home from the trip, I began to examine what my faith might mean for the rest of my life. In college I decided for sure that my next step would be seminary.
So ministry for me has always been very closely linked with a broader global picture of what God is doing all across the world.
That global perspective shapes what I do on a day to day basis quite a bit. You know, most people are just trying to make it through the day. And I believe it makes a difference when they know that they're not alone, and that it's ok if it's hard because it's hard for a lot of people. It makes me feel better to know that are other people right there with me when it's hard and also that God is right there with me, too.
So basically, I love what I do!