- When did you first know God was calling you to the mission’s field?
Jon: I have felt drawn to the mission field ever since I can remember. I’ve wrestled within myself as to how much of this is the romance of international living and how much is a sincere desire to be useful in God’s service. Both are there and I’m willing to step out in faith and trust God to refine and direct. The Great Commission calls me to go, even as it might call others to pray and support the going. Like a sport’s game, some are meant for the field, some to cheer on from the sidelines. I feel I’m made for the field. I guess it makes sense that the majority are in the stands, but still I would like the portions to be flipped. There are still unreached people out there. There are huge populations without the Gospel and a single church among them. Why do we concentrate our usefulness where the Gospel and churches exist in abundance?
Jeni: In the fall of 2002, I felt the Lord prompting me to pray about serving overseas in either China or Kenya. After some months of prayer, Kenya is what the Lord confirmed to me. I made plans to join a short-term missions team from my church that summer to visit the country, but also to meet with the superintendent of a missionary school in a nearby area the team was going to work in. The door was opened for me to begin teaching at this school the following year. The Lord put a bookmark in this plan, as I met Jon in early 2003. Fast forward to February 2004 when the superintendent was coming to the States for me to formally interview for the teaching position at her school. I learned that the position was no longer available because the teacher I would have replaced had decided to stay. My heart for missions had not changed, but it was clear that God’s plan was for sometime in the future.
- Who is someone who influenced you in your decision to serve as a missionary in a cross-cultural setting?
Jon: My parents and growing-up experience have been my biggest influences. My dad and mom served as missionaries on the field in Kenya. My dad served as a doctor working primarily with disabled children and their families. My mom taught French and mathematics at Rift Valley Academy and helped arrange internships for college students attending Moffat College of the Bible.
Jeni: A friend that I was in a small group with worked at English Language Institute in China and had shared her experiences of teaching English in China and getting to share Christ with people through her job there.
- What life experiences did you have that helped you prepare to go overseas?
Jon: I grew up in Kenya as a missionary kid and have observed missions in action both in Kenya and in other countries in Africa. I have also visited with missionaries and Gospel workers in Mexico, India, and Austria.
Jeni: For me, it has been stepping out in faith and going on short-term missions trips to Mexico and Kenya. Jon and I also lived in Kenya for ten months. We have lived away from family for seventeen years. Although we were still in the same country as most of them, being states away still feels far away.
- What initial fears/concerns did you have about serving as a missionary overseas?
Jon: The support-raising process is fairly intimidating. I’m excited about learning other languages and adjusting to other cultures, but I know there will be some challenges with that as well.
Jeni: The support-raising process is intimidating for me to think about. It requires a lot of faith that we are stepping in the direction the Lord is leading us and trusting that He will provide. As a mom, I worry about how our kids will be impacted by our move overseas.
- What is something that would surprise others about mission work or the people you are called to serve?
Jon: In my experience, it is easier to share the Gospel cross-culturally than with people of my own culture. At least in some places, there appears to be more of a willingness to enter conversations over faith and Christianity.
- What are some of the factors that lead you to become an overseas missionary through the NAB?
Jon: Jeni and I are currently attending and serving at a church affiliated with the NAB. The church’s retired pastor, Dana Goodnough, is an NAB regional minister. He recommended we attend the NAB Fit Assessment, knowing that our desire was to serve on the mission field. While we are not partial to NAB missions above other quality missions organizations, it seemed appropriate to pursue missions through our current affiliation.
- What advice would you give to those considering overseas missions?
Take the Great Commission seriously. Step out in faith and let God lead you to your part in it. Don’t let your comfort get in the way of obedience.
- How can people pray for you?
Pray that God would shore us up with confidence as we prepare for and begin this journey. Pray that God would provide for us “Macedonian supporters” (2 Corinthians 8:1—5).
