On Sunday, January 27, 2019, Shalom Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota commissioned us for our ministry in God’s Kingdom. 

Wycliffe and Resonate Global Mission both see it vital that missionaries be commissioned by their home church. This action clearly says that the missionaries are not on their own — they are called by God and sent as agents of the Church. Missionaries are an extension of the congregation’s ministry (Acts 13:3).

By commissioning, inspiration is provided for how God is working in the church and in the world: young adults who are wondering if this is also their calling, older folks who may not feel the call to go but can send and engage in ministry right where they are, and pastors who remember their own ordinations through this ceremony and are inspired again toward the work of ministry. This connects the work of God in the congregation to God’s calling in our hearts and God’s work in the world.

It was so incredibly humbling to have friends, family and the Shalom congregation there to support and send us into our ministry. Their personal affirmation was a blessing and for which we are so grateful.

As a part of the process, we were asked a series of questions. Those questions as well as our answers are listed below.

How have you experienced His call into missions?

• We have felt God’s calling for some time and Shalom has played a significant part of that call. Through a blending of His Word and the Holy Spirit we have heard His call. Through prayer we have been strengthened. We have been encouraged from family and friends with deeply rooted faith. Through a sermon right here, we heard strong affirmation of our call. And finally, through the overwhelming conviction from the Holy Spirit to be obedient to the call.

What is the task you are being called to?

• We will be working for Wycliffe Bible Translators and in partnership with Resonate Global Mission. Our functions will be in Strategic Workforce Planning, project management and donor relations.

Where will you be serving?

• Primarily out of our home office in Woodbury, with several international and domestic trips each year to establish and maintain relationships with partner organizations. Most international travel will be to various parts of the African continent.

How will our partnership give glory to God and extend His Kingdom?

• Glory goes to God when we are obedient to the Great Commission. Some he calls to go. Some he calls to send. With our focus on the continent of Africa where there are 706 languages waiting for Bible translation, your partnership will help deliver Bibles to them and lives will be transformed.