When I was a child, my parents and my
home church supported the Jennings family, a family of five who were
dedicated missionaries in Korea. Every few years, when they returned
to the States to raise support or take a break, my parents would
invite them over and we would sit for hours, listening to their
stories of their ministry. I remember hearing about a tofu truck that
came to their house on a daily basis as well as the challenges that
they faced while ministering to students and families alike.
It was always a privilege and joy to
have this family join us for a home-cooked meal and my interest was
always piqued, even at a young age, about the cultural differences
and similarities of Koreans. Thanks to them, my family, National
Geographics©, and my interest in people, missions, and travel–it is
no wonder that I find myself a missionary who, like the Jennings, is
warmly invited into the homes of church families here in Australia.
Last Saturday, a youth group from the
local Assemblies church invited us over for an evening of
friendships, sharing,food, volleyball, and a bit of the opening
ceremony of the Olympics. To be welcomed in, asked to share about our
lives, and valued as individuals as well as missionaries made my
week. The women I met and shared with (Ange, Cheryl, and Karen) were
gracious and open and it was the first time (on the field) that I
have felt like an actual missionary, not just an individual out in
the middle of nowhere serving God in any way needed. I look forward,
on my return to the States, to open my house up to missionaries just
as they did and my family years ago with the Jennings.
