Before I moved overseas, I remember hearing stories about amazing missionaries; Missionaries who died bringing the gospel into tribes; Woman like Katie (Kisses from Katie), who became a mother to several orphans. I always wanted to be a cool missionary. I wanted to be the kind of missionary that people would write books about, or would read about.
I have come to realize that “amazing” missionaries are missionaries that actually might not look good on paper. They are the ones persevering in spite of the lack of fruit or the lack of excitement in their story. They are the ones whose story may never be published in a book. People think that it is difficult to jump on a plane and become a missionary…but really the most difficult thing isn’t leaving your home country, the most difficult thing is staying.
I am privileged to know an “amazing” missionary. I believe that her story is note-worthy. She moved to El Salvador with her husband and four children about four years ago. I think that she probably didn’t really know what she was getting herself into. Her and her husband work with a Canadian organization called Shelter. Shelter sends groups from Canada to El Salvador between October and April to build houses made out of aluminum in the poor communities. Each week a different team of volunteers come and Carie is waiting at the airport with a smiling face to greet them. Carie and her husband do all of the groundwork. They coordinate and schedule the week for each team.
Canadian team building houses
If you are not impressed yet…just wait. Carie and her husband also started a sowing center and t-shirt printing business that provide jobs to several Salvadorans. She taught most of the women how to sow and how to make quilts. They provide jobs to 14 Salvadorans. She not only is providing them with jobs, but also skills, and opportunities for a better life. (http://www.sowersofjireh.com)
Carie at her sowing center
Carie and Stuart also have four kids to keep up with, Kade, Winnie, Ellis, and Violet. Ages 5-11. I have no idea how she juggles ministry and four kids! But she is a supermom and somehow finds time for all of it. **Almost forgot that she has a cat too!
They also have taken another family under their wings. They have provided jobs to this family and have supported the children to go to school and pursue their dreams. The family isn’t just employees, they are family. Carie and Stuart really have poured out their love and opened their home to them. Carie not only does all of this but also is involved in her local church, is learning to play the sax, and continues to learn Spanish.
Lastly, Carie has been an encouraging friend and emotional support to me. I believe that God gives us exactly what we need. It was difficult stepping off that plane onto Salvadoran soil…but it was even more difficult staying. God has given me all I have needed to stay. He provided a friend that I can confide in and that understands me. He has given me a life support…when everything seems crazy and is falling apart, I have someone to rant to.
I believe that Carie is one of those amazing missionaries. Her story might not include serving un-reached tribes or adopting 10 orphan children. But her story is much more. Because in spite of hardship and discouraging times, she chooses to stay…and most importantly she chooses to continue to love.
***Don’t forget the missionaries that you know. They might to hear encouragement. Take the time to tell them that you appreciate them choosing to stay and serve overseas.
