"It has been a process of faith," says Liliana Reyes of her experiences in medical missions. For her, it started at a youth conference. "I was at OM Teenstreet in Chile in 1998, and it was there I really felt like I needed to join the mission field', she says, "I was excited at first. I knew nothing, I just wanted to help."

Nearly ten years and a medical degree later, Liliana would act on her calling. In 2007, she would begin raising financial support. "My church was very traditional and only wanted to support mission work within the country. They did not want to support me at first. I had to develop a clear plan listing what I was going to do." In addition to her church, Liliana had to leave behind her family, a big step for someone from a culture in which family is paramount. "I became really scared," she said.

Then God spoke to her through His word. "He gave me a scripture," she shared. "Isaiah 41:10: 'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' God renewed her and reminded her that He was going to be with her through this entire process.

Later she discovered that the faith she grew during the support raising process in Ecuador would be used to sustain her on the field in Albania. "I had this idea that I could go in and immediate begin working, using my medical training. In the beginning, I was becoming frustrated. I was ready to work and had this plan that I wanted to get busy on."

But God had other plans. He placed her exactly where he wanted her. She worked alongside a local pastor to help plant a church. Her faith in the Lord's guidance grew. "I've really learned to trust in God, that he is faithful and he will provide."

After a six-month trip home to Ecuador, Liliana says, "It's so easy to live here, to have my family and friends, my culture and my language. It's difficult to live over there but it is an opportunity to see how God works, to experience how your OM team becomes your new family, how you build new friendships with the people."

It is those relationships that make her medical work so fulfilling. She concludes, "The highlight is when you are able to explain the gospel in the local language for the first time, when you see how open their heart is. That point makes it all worth it."