AFRICA? ME?

Missions has been an important part of my adult life, starting in 1990. That year, at the annual Arkansas Youth Camp, there was an altar call to dedicate your life to missions. I answered that call, not knowing how it was going to play out in my life.

It wasn't until 1996 that missions became a reality for me - and I found myself in the deep jungles of Nigeria, West Africa! It certainly wasn't the easiest place to start - no plumbing and no electricity, and hot as blazes. But I learned from the Nigerian Christians how to walk with Jesus!

My volunteer mission trips spanned from 1996 to 2008, and if I could, I would go back to Africa in a heartbeat!

I admit it - I'm an Army brat! For the uninformed, this designation is used for children of a man or woman who serves or served in the Army.

My dad was stationed in two foreign countries: Venezuela and the Panama Canal Zone. That was to be extremely beneficial for me, because I had the experience of living in third world cultures. There's even a designation for these children: Third Culture Kids.

When it came time to go on short-term mission trips, I was reasonably prepared for the culture shock we all experience!

God has given me the gift of encouragement, and it is my joy to encourage pastors and missionaries I've met over the years of mission trips I've taken. It is a privilege and a responsibility God has given me to pray for these people and their families.