Just shy of beginning of her junior year at WVU, Taylor Bailey was presented with an opportunity she simply couldn’t refuse. Not only did the offer include an exotic travel experience, but more importantly, it gave her the chance to share her faith with people halfway across the world.

 

Although her journey this summer took her to the East African Islands, her story began when she got involved with Young Life at Bridgeport High School. Her leader, Gina Lutyens helped her find ways to actively follow Jesus and live her faith. Following in Lutyens’ footsteps, Bailey now serves year-round with Lincoln High School’s Young Life program and is involved with camps, weekend getaways, and a program called Young Lives, which is aimed at teen moms and their children.

 

“I have had the opportunity to use the skills that I learned from Young Life,” said Bailey. “These include learning about scripture, growing my personal relationship with Jesus, and learning how to share my faith.  These skills allowed God to work through me on the trip abroad, helping lead others to Christ.”

 

Bailey first learned about Overland Missions through a friend who is also involved with Young Life.  City Church, her church home in Morgantown, also partners with missionaries from this organization, so she felt very comfortable with accepting the opportunity to travel abroad with the group.

 

After briefly touching down in the extravagant country of Dubai, she and the other students quickly transitioned into the “hut to hut” evangelism that inspired the trip. 

 

“We would go door to door with interpreters, a member of the local community and other students.  We were usually invited into the homes to share the gospel and encourage other believers,” she said.

 

The group also organized beach ministry activities for children and attended local churches and Bible studies to share how Jesus had changed their lives.  Each day began and ended with prayer, praise and sharing of stories and testimonials, creating a new possibility for Bailey.

 

“I had never considered overseas ministry full time before this trip,” she said. “Now I am interested in it and plan to return next summer to attend Advanced Missions Training in Zambia for three months.  It includes classes in practical skills and ministry skills needed for missionary work overseas.”

 

Bailey is currently partnering with individuals, churches, organizations and businesses to help her financially and hold her up in prayer as she prepares for the next step.  Anyone interested in supporting her mission may contact her at taytayy9785@gmail.com.