What a “Yes” Can Lead to
By Judson Taylor
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
I never imagined I’d find myself standing in a Thai prison, let alone sharing my personal testimony with a roomful of incarcerated men. But there I was, asking God to give me words that could offer even a flicker of hope. I came to share how God had worked in my life, but I left with a transformed understanding of how he works in all lives—especially where hope seems scarce.
Hearing about Chapel Hill’s new Global Outreach Teams at the potluck last week, I felt a fresh wave of excitement. Whether hosting a friend from India, serving special needs in Oregon, or visiting prisoners in Bangkok, we get to see firsthand how God is already working beyond our daily lives. It reminded me of my own unexpected journey this past February, when I said “yes” to be a part of our GO Team to Thailand.
One of the most profound lessons I learned was that God is not limited by the circumstances we often assume define a person. It’s easy to disregard prisoners because of their mistakes, but Scripture tells a different story. The gospel is for everyone, and some of history’s most powerful testimonies—Paul, Joseph, even Jesus himself—are tied to imprisonment. As I shared my story, I realized I hadn’t brought God into these prisons—he was already there, working in ways I hadn’t understood.
Being invited to share my testimony was an act of grace. It was humbling to have a voice in a place where many had lost their own voice. My story may not have seemed dramatic compared to the hardships these men faced, but that’s the beauty of the gospel—it’s not about whose story is most remarkable, but how God’s grace meets each of us where we are. As I spoke, I saw receptivity and even a few smiles among those listening. I had come to encourage, yet I left encouraged.
Equally impactful was seeing the work of House of Blessing in Bangkok firsthand. Their partnership with Thailand’s Department of Corrections was opening doors for the gospel in places that might otherwise seem unreachable. But their work goes beyond evangelism. They walk alongside prisoners preparing for re-entry into society, offering practical support, discipleship, real community, and the assurance that they are not forgotten. Seeing the Church so alive and active challenged me to rethink what true ministry looks like.
Since coming home, I keep asking: What does God want from me now? I can’t unsee what I saw or unknow what I now know. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this—saying “yes” changed my life.
Maybe it will change yours too.
If you’re curious about where God might be calling you next, take a look at our new GO Teams for this year. You can learn more here or email Cara Taylor, our Outreach Director. Who knows what your “yes” might lead to?
Judson