1) I think that it would be good to start by sharing your call with your Mother. She knows you very well, cares for you, and wants the best for you. She may ask you some hard questions, but this is O.K. You need to be thinking about them. If for some reason you don't feel you want to tell her yet, then I would encourage you to talk to your pastor or youth leader - someone "older and wiser". But sooner or later you really need to share this call with your Mom.

2) When your friends ask you, actually this gives you an excellent opportunity to give a witness to who the Lord is, why you have responded to His call, and what this means to you. They may respond with admiration, think you are crazy, or be very curious - or all of the above! Remember 1 Peter 3:15: "In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence." These interchanges will help you think through your call and may well raise objections you need to respond to. Also, people need to hear from those who are receiving a call from the Lord. He has a call on their lives as well, whether they know it or not. Your "missionary work" begins right now, not when you go to some distant place!

May the Lord bless you as you continue to follow Him.

Jack