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1. How long have you been involved in Missions work?
I started thirty years ago serving as a sponsor for different youth mission trips in the United States.
2. Where did you go on your first trip?
My first mission opportunity overseas was in 1977 to Seoul, Korea.
3. What other countries have you visited?
I’ve been to Cuba, Korea, and Moldova twice, North & South Brazil many times, and several trips to Ukraine.
4. In getting prepared to leave for Missions, what did you find to be your greatest obstacle?
It is always difficult to leave your family for extended amounts of time. Even though my husband has been able to serve with me on two trips, and each of our children has gone once, separation from family is hard. When you have older parents in declining health, and grandchildren that you don’t want to miss time with, leaving is difficult. Then there is always preparation for the trips that consumes a lot of time. These ministries are not tourist based; it’s the hardest work you’ll ever love.
5. What motivated you to go?
Being involved in a “Missions committed” church when I was a young adult and having a “Missions minded pastor”, Brother Shad Rue, implanted a love and desire in my heart to share the truth about Christ Jesus here in Amarillo or somewhere else. I learned as I studied scripture that God had a purpose for my life. I love my life as a wife, mother and grandmother, but I have given my heart to God, and I need to be willing to go wherever and whenever He gives opportunity to go.
6. Describe your first thoughts on arriving in a foreign country.
The sounds (different language, horns honking), the smells (from different foods, & heavy truck, bus, car and train emissions) the sights (different language on the signs, the buildings & homes, driving conditions, clothing, open markets). Then, I can’t believe that God has given me the opportunity to be in this country.
7. What is your favorite memory or most poignant moment?
I have over 30 years of memories; experiences with many people that have forever become treasures in my mind. Most of the trips were evangelism reaching to cultures that were open to sharing about Jesus on the street, in the parks, schools, and neighborhoods. The last several years have been in countries where I am involved in English as a Second Language Ministry. In Ukraine, there were two different men – both former military. One was 45 years old and the other 72 years old. With tears, both stood and shared. The younger man said, “I was taught as a young child that you were my enemy. But during these days, I have seen that you really care about us and that has broken down every barrier around my mind and heart.” The older man said he had been part of the military when horrible things had been done to mankind under Communism. He never knew that Jesus loved him, forgave him, and offered him a new, changed life.
8. Have you ever gotten ill or experienced danger on a Missions trip?
I have never gotten seriously ill. I’ve never felt threatened, but you have to be careful and cautious about being in certain locations in any city or country. Travel in small, domestic airplanes in different countries can make you feel insecure about safety.
9. What shocked you the most about conditions you experienced or cultural differences in a country you have visited?
The poverty and hopeless conditions in which so many people live. I enjoy learning and experiencing cultural differences, their customs, celebrations and traditions. Their appreciation of how little they have makes me aware of how blessed I am.
10. Do you fund the trips yourself or rely on contributions from others?
Usually my husband & I pay most of the trip expense by saving a set amount each month. I have also been blessed to receive support from family, my church, and many friends.
11. Do you plan on going on another trip and if so, where?
I just returned in March from Ukraine and will probably return there this fall with Michael Gott International Ministries. I don’t have to go overseas to find mission ministry opportunities; Amarillo is full of ministries to people. I’m part of a ministry to people from many countries now living in Amarillo that we teach ESL to each week. Mission ministry moves you out of your comfort zone. For me, it is knowing this one thing I do is where God has called me.