Testimony - Esther Moody, Ministry Area Warden
"Jesus was a part of my life from the start, growing up in Papua New Guinea where my parents were missionaries. I thought my calling would take me far, but in a moment of uncertainty, God showed me His plan wasn’t about distance—it was about obedience. I prayed, surrendered my own desires, and realised my mission field was right where I was. Through highs and lows, I trust Him completely. He has a plan for you too—keep looking up!"
Having been born in the depths of the Papua New Guinean rainforest, where my parents were serving as missionaries, Jesus seemed like a given from the very start of my life. My first encounter with church was one where you sat on a concrete floor, men to one side, women to the other, and very little of the service was in English. My first understanding of following Jesus was that you follow Him wherever He calls you- even to the other side of the world.
With a strong family history in mission, it seemed to be inevitable; I was poised for action as soon as He called me to my mission field. Through highs and lows, Jesus had already become my Saviour and dearest friend, and will forever remain to be the greatest thing in my life. And I was ready to go wherever He called me.
At a poignant moment of feeling lost, I realised that, amid all the things I thought I could and should be doing with my life, God had a plan for me. A good plan. A plan with purpose, good things and no doubt with some trials too. But why would I want anything other than what He has planned for me?!
I had to change from looking for what I wanted- and instead look for what He wanted. So I prayed. “I want what You want for me. I’ll hold everything lightly. Take what You do not want for me, and whatever You give me, wherever You place me, even if I don’t know what to do with it, I will trust that You have a purpose for me there.”
I was looking out into the world for where He wanted me and He wanted me right where I was, just doing different things- my very own mission field, nestled amid my family and friends, local church, colleagues and community. I needed to stop looking around and look up. Life changed a lot in that year- through highs and lows, I had confidence to take on anything because I didn’t want to miss out on anything that God was offering me.
He has a plan for you, a purpose, a reason. If you are willing, He will use you. Keep. Looking. Up.