Our Schooling

We are on our last week of classes in our missionary school. I would try to summarize our experience as a “test run” in missions. Being in Africa for 3 months has exposed us to some of the emotions one might face should the Lord call them into overseas missions. Our experience has also exposed the barriers in my mind that would cause me to tell God, “But what about my family? Is it safe to have a family on the mission field? What about finances? And what about the enormous spiritual need? It’s overwhelming and where will we begin?”

The very first week, Jackie Pullinger, a missionary to Hong Kong for 40 years emphasized to us that we cannot let fear of having a family in a foreign land be the obstacle to us going overseas. She reminded us that the Israelites did not enter the Promise Land because they too feared that the giants would swallow up their children. I had never before pondered this before and it resonated in my heart breaking down this mental barrier I had allowed.

In addition, by observing the ministry of Iris, my faith for God’s provision has been greatly increased. During Iris’ 30 years of ministry, they have never sent a support letter or requested money. They have held to the belief that for God’s work God will provide, and He has done so for Iris. As I witness the long-term impact of their ministry trusting the Lord for their finances, I do not feel like I should ever again limit my ability to serve the Lord based on finances.

But what about the enormous spiritual need? Heidi Baker’s primary encouragement to us has been “to stop for the one”. Our job is to minister to the person in front of us. It is God’s job to multiply the “two loaves and five fish” to feed the multitudes. We do not need to try to reach the masses but simply be faithful with the one in front of us. This message has been modelled to us in an incredible way here, and I hope we have caught it in our hearts.

Our time here has also been very beneficial on a practical level. We have experienced some of the emotions of missing the comforts of home: family, friends, food, and English. We better realize the people we meet might become friends with us because they want to take advantage of the fact they think we are rich westerners. We know the importance of language study and the priority it needs to be to minister. These lessons have been invaluable and should the Lord call us to be missionaries, will make this journey much more smooth.

Well, this summary is an attempt to capture an incredible experience for us. We are so thankful we have had this opportunity. Time will determine its true impact on our life.




I have witnessed Iris minister impact thousands of people and yet, they have never sent out a support letter. They believe God provides for the things He calls one to do. How can I fear that my good Father would not also provide for us too should He call us? I have discovered that the mistake I had been personally making over time is living as a survivalist and a minimalist. I knew I did not need much money and was content with this. However, I am beginning to discover that God does not just want me to have faith to feed only myself but that He wants me to have faith to believe for enough to help other people too.

(to be continued)