Michael and I began our overseas missionary adventure in April of 2019. We are members of the Impact Life Church in Joplin, MO. and Iglesia Fresca Presencia in San Cristobal, Guatemala. We have two grown children Isaac and Emma, who are both living in Kirksville, MO.
Michael was a sports writer and editor for several local newspapers for years before he moved on to a variety of other jobs including volunteer youth group leader, barista, church custodian, Amish furniture sales and delivery, and most recently, delivering hospice equipment to those nearing the end of their lives here on earth. No matter what the job title was his real job always came down to listening to and sharing his life with others.
In May of 2018, I finished a 21-year ministry teaching speech and theatre at College Heights Christian School in Joplin, Missouri, where it was my joy and privilege to share my life and Christ’s love with God’s precious children. For ten years, we led teams of students from College Heights to the Red Bird Mission Work Camp in Beverly, Kentucky. It was through these trips that the love of serving the Lord side by side began to take root.
On May 22, 2011, Joplin was devastated by a massive EF-5 tornado. As my daughter Emma and I took shelter in a corner of our home the peace of God descended and I realized no matter what happened that it was all going to be ok. As Paul said, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” We lost almost all of our “stuff” but gained an ironclad faith and freedom from fear. The prayers and blessings that overwhelmed Joplin in the months and years to follow created an insatiable appetite to serve the Lord.
God Said Go missionaries do not receive a salary. Each looks to God to provide the funds for their own personal living and ministry costs. Financial Partners are those who commit themselves to invest financially with their missionary so that together they minister to those in need. Some invest monthly, some quarterly and others once a year. Financial partners receive personal news and first hand reports from their missionary about the results of their joint efforts.
It is the commitment of a faithful partnership team that enables us to go where God has led us to minister. With that commitment comes a unique bond that further strengthens our relationships with those members. Becoming a ministry partner will not only help meet our financial needs but fills a vital intercessory role as well.
Can we be partners in ministry together?
