What happens when you give God a year of your life? For Tanya, an Australian pharmacology graduate, it led to Southeast Asia and a heart-transforming journey among unreached people groups.

Tanya candidly shares her unexpected path to cross-cultural ministry, including the crucial five-year waiting period that built her character, matured her faith, and equipped her with essential ministry skills. Through a powerful encounter with Luke 10:2, God revealed her unique calling: "You will be, and then you will multiply" - first serving as a worker, then multiplying workers for the harvest field.

The timing was divine. Arriving just before COVID closed international borders, Tanya began with language learning but soon found herself distributing food parcels to communities devastated by the pandemic. These acts of practical care opened doors for prayer, which led to miraculous healings and deep discipleship relationships. She emphasizes the power of consistency - weekly visits, shared cups of tea, and genuine listening - in building the trust that forms the foundation of effective ministry.

Throughout our conversation, Tanya challenges common misconceptions about cross-cultural ministry. She warns against seeing people as projects rather than God's beloved children, rushing the discipleship process, or thinking we can quickly "fix" problems in a new culture without understanding the context. The most beautiful fruit of her ministry? Watching local believers become empowered to independently reach their own communities - people she could never access herself.

Whether you're considering overseas missions or supporting those who go, Tanya offers practical first steps: speak your calling aloud, connect with like-minded individuals, explore through short-term trips, invest in training, and position your heart to say, "God, I'm available." Her story reminds us that kingdom impact often begins with simple obedience.

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