Trust and Obey

Today I would like to briefly tell you my personal testimony. I always enjoy hearing testimonies as they describe an all-powerful, all-knowing God who loves and guides us individually. I pray this will be an encouragement to you.

1) When I was in third grade, I went to a rustic Bible camp in MN. I don't remember the sermon; I just remember my heart crying out. I realized I was a sinner bound for hell (Rom.3:23; 6:23). I went forward placing my faith in Christ (Acts 16:31), trusting in Him alone.

2) Although I was saved then, I remember living a two-faced life style, doing sinful things with my friends during the week and repenting at church on Sunday. This continued for three years.

3) When I finished grade six, we moved to a small town in ND, called Medina. Before we actually moved, I remember the Holy Spirit working in my life, convicting me of being two-faced. Again, I do not remember any sermon or any one talking to me - just God. I remember praying by myself, "Lord, the people in Medina don't know me yet, this is my chance to live fully for you." Years later, Dan.1:8 became precious to me. Daniel, who might have been 12 years old, and I, who was 12 at that time, purposed in my heart to follow Christ. I was now going to fully obey Him,

4) Thanks to God strengthening me, I did change and made a stand for Christ.

5) After I graduated from high school, I enrolled at Calvary Bible College to be grounded in God's Word.

I knew God had put a burden on my heart for children. At first I thought I might be a child psychiatrist or psychologist. But after going to CBC and getting to know some dynamic missionaries and having some Christian teachers that really cared for me, God redirected my life. My advisor challenged me with some questions: "Who has made a life-changing impact on my life? How many children will you have an impact on from your fancy office as a child psychologist or psychiatrist?" Now the desire of my heart was to teach at an MK school (missionary kid school)

6) I met my wife at CBC, dated two and one half years, I graduated, and we were married.

7) New Tribes Mission requires you have some experience before going abroad, so I taught for two years in Wichita, KS (85-87).

You might wonder why we chose to go with NTM. I did look at other mission agencies while in Bible college, and I was impressed that NTM had an educational department to give support to its teachers on the field.

We also liked it because it is a faith mission. We are not supported by the mission itself or some denomination. All of our support comes from individuals, groups, or churches who are not pressured or obligated to contribute, but give as God leads.

NTM