My parents became Swiss missionaries to Lesotho, in south Africa when I was 6 months old. We lived there till I was 6, when we moved to the states. I've always felt like missions was part of my being, but I've never experienced the Spirit calling me to more than a short-term trip. I have been able to participate in two short-term mission trips to Costa Rica that used volleyball as our tool to minister to the kids and parents of those involved with volleyball. These were both very life-giving opportunities for me. I hope to bring a team to Costa Rica still this next spring for a volleyball missions trip!
Every time I have been in a service that was "missions" focused, I have always had my heart warmed. There is just something special about hearing the stories of how AWESOME God is through the special things He does on the mission field! While at ORU, there was an annual missions chapel, and those were always my favorite chapels each year.
We have attended Christian Chapel for about 28 years now. This church has ALWAYS had a heavy focus on missions, and has both supported missionaries who were not members, as well as some who were sent from among us. The church also offered many opportunities for the youth and sometimes for adults to participate in short-term trips abroad.
When we were in the service in May 2022, I absolutely KNEW in my gut that the Holy Spirit was telling me that it is time for us to do what I was created to do! This is not an easy thing to do, considering a few things...we both are mid-50s, we have a house, jobs, a pet and adult children! Regardless, there are great examples from the Bible who show us that AGE has no bearing on obedience!
As Patti and I have chosen to be obendient, we will be growing in our faith, as the Lord will show Himself to be faithful in His calling.
We are truly excited about what our future holds, and I am a firm believer that my PAST does NOT determine my FUTURE! God will use my past, so that He gets all the glory from what Jesus did for me on the Cross!
I'm looking forward to being able to share what Jesus did for me with those in Micronesia! I can't wait to tell them about our HOPE in Christ!