WHERE MY HEART MEETS YOUR SHELF!

The Story Behind My Poem: Called to Serve

Discover the true story behind Called to Serve, one of my most personal and meaningful poems. In this article, I share how receiving my missionary call to the Ghana Kumasi Mission inspired this poem, the lessons I learned while serving Jesus Christ, and why this piece continues to hold a special place in my heart.

Nephi M.M. Lurie

7/1/20264 min lees

3 brown hand with white background
3 brown hand with white background

The Journey That Inspired My First and Most Personal Piece of Writing

Published by LugenZim Tech

Every writer has one piece of work that holds a special place in their heart. It is the piece they return to time and time again because it reminds them where everything began. For me, that poem is Called to Serve. Out of every poem I have written, this one means the most because it tells the story of one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. It is more than poetry—it is a reflection of my faith, my commitment to Jesus Christ, and the beginning of a journey that changed my life forever.

When people read Called to Serve, they often see a poem about missionary work. While that is certainly true, the poem carries a much deeper meaning than simply serving a mission. It tells the story of answering the Lord's invitation with a willing heart. It speaks about trusting God even when the future is uncertain, leaving behind comfort to follow His plan, and believing that He prepares those whom He calls. Every line of the poem reminds me of a promise I made to dedicate myself completely to His service.

Before I received my missionary call, I was like many other young people. I had dreams, ambitions, questions, and many uncertainties about what lay ahead. Although I wanted to serve the Lord, I could never have imagined where He would send me or what He would teach me. Then one unforgettable day, I opened my mission call and learned that I had been assigned to serve in the Ghana Kumasi Mission. That single moment changed everything. My future suddenly became clearer, and my heart was filled with excitement, gratitude, and a sense of sacred responsibility.

As I prepared to leave Zimbabwe, I began to understand that missionary service was about far more than travelling to another country. It was about becoming a better disciple of Jesus Christ. It meant leaving behind familiar surroundings, family, friends, and personal comforts to dedicate two years entirely to the Lord. I knew there would be challenges, sacrifices, and moments when I would need faith beyond my own strength, but I also knew that Heavenly Father would never ask me to do something without preparing a way for me.

One scripture echoed repeatedly in my heart during that time: "Unto whom much is given, much is required." Those words became a guiding principle as I prepared to serve. I realized that every blessing I had received carried with it a responsibility to bless others. The gospel had brought peace, hope, and purpose into my life, and I felt a deep desire to share those same blessings with people I had never met. That understanding became one of the strongest inspirations behind Called to Serve.

The poem itself became my personal reminder of the promises I had made to the Lord. Every verse reflects my determination to work diligently, to remain faithful during difficult times, and to remember that missionary service is not about personal recognition but about helping others come unto Jesus Christ. I wanted the poem to express that serving God is one of the greatest privileges a person can ever receive. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

My time in Ghana taught me lessons that no classroom ever could. I met remarkable people whose faith inspired me every day. I witnessed lives changed through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned patience when plans changed unexpectedly, humility when success came slowly, and gratitude for the countless blessings that God pours out upon His children. Those experiences shaped not only my testimony but also the way I write today. Many of the emotions found in my poems were born from moments I experienced while serving in Ghana.

Looking back now, I realize that Called to Serve was the beginning of something much greater than I understood at the time. It marked the beginning of my journey as both a missionary and a writer. During my mission I discovered a deeper love for writing, and after returning home that passion continued to grow. Every poem I write today carries a small piece of the lessons I learned while serving the Lord. In many ways, Called to Serve became the foundation upon which my writing journey was built.

People sometimes ask me which poem is my favourite. Without hesitation, I always answer Called to Serve. It may not be the most polished poem I have ever written, nor the longest, but it is certainly the most personal. Every time I read it, I remember the excitement of opening my mission call, the countless prayers offered before leaving home, the people whose lives touched mine, and the sacred experiences that strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ. Those memories can never be replaced.

Although this poem was inspired by missionary service, I believe its message applies to every person. We are all called to serve in different ways. Some are called to teach, others to comfort, others to lead, and others simply to show kindness to those around them. We do not all receive the same assignments, but we are all invited to follow the example of Jesus Christ by serving with humility, love, and compassion. That is the message I hope every reader discovers within these verses.

Through LugenZim Tech, my desire is not simply to publish poems or sell books. My goal is to share messages that inspire faith, hope, love, and purpose. Every poem I write carries a part of my heart, and every book represents another step in the journey that God has allowed me to walk. My prayer is that whenever someone reads Called to Serve, they will not only enjoy the words on the page but also feel encouraged to answer whatever calling God has placed upon their own life.

Thank you for taking the time to read the story behind this poem. I hope it helps you understand why Called to Serve will always remain my favourite piece of writing. It reminds me where my journey truly began, and it continues to remind me that the greatest honour any person can receive is not fame, wealth, or recognition, but the privilege of serving Jesus Christ with a willing heart.

After all, some journeys begin with a single step. Mine began by answering the Lord's call.