DESCRIBE WHAT THE LORD HAS  CALLED YOU TO DO & THE COMMITMENT YOU HAVE MADE TO ANSWER THAT CALL:

After receiving my teaching degree at Messiah College in Grantham, PA I quickly noticed my desire to serve Him in a greater capacity. Ironically having been to Germany throughout high school and college, I had never thought of becoming a missionary there. After graduating, God knew the spiritual growth I would have at Oxford Bible Chapel in Oxford, PA; He knew the maturing I would have while teaching two and three year olds at the local YMCA, but most of all He knew the need for my heart and His at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany. Currently serving as the Assistant Chaplain at the HS, my previous roles have included MS Math teacher and Resident Assistant in one of the female residences. My ministry at BFA includes, but is not limited to, mentoring, small groups, coaching, spiritual life formation, activity organization, tutoring, and baking. To look back on God’s guidance of my life and His protection over me is nothing less than powerful. To see how God took the various pieces of my life and put them together for His plan captures my heart, the heart that He specifically created to serve His people – no matter what the cost.

TELL US ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU MINISTER TO: 

Black Forest Academy is a private, coeducational boarding school serving the children of international Christian workers and business families who want a North American curriculum that incorporates a Christian worldview. BFA, serving over 50 countries, has an enrollment of approximately 340 students, both believers and non-believers. With such an international scope, it is our hope and prayer that these students will be equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to go forth and serve the nations.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR MISSION FIELD?

Speaking truth over opposition is a definite challenge within my mission field. The students of BFA struggle with finding their identity, having no control over the cultures that they have come from or the cultures that they may eventually be a part of. Transition is, and will always be, a part of these students’ lives, making it hard for them to be consistently rooted in Christ.

HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?

As the students start their new semester here at BFA my continual prayer for them is that they are able to find their identity in Christ, and nothing else. If you could pray that along with me I would greatly appreciate it. For me, pray for continual real conversations to take place with students as they are processing multiple aspects of their lives and their walk with Him.

DESCRIBE ANY FINANCIAL/MATERIAL NEEDS OF THE MINISTRY:

For the past four years not only has my ministry been with those students of Black Forest Academy, but it has also expanded to the lives of my fellow staff members, as well as the German community. In order to properly pour out in these specific ways, I need partners like you. Financially speaking, for some time now, I have been consistently low in support each month. Please take time to pray and ask God if you are meant to financially partner with me in my ministry in Germany.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHALLENGE US WITH?

Please, I urge you, do not think that just because you have a “normal job” or “a different calling” that you are not making a difference. God has led us all down different paths for a reason, ones specifically meant for us. Whether it is a time of waiting, processing, or action – we are all a piece of His puzzle, part of His master plan. As it says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VERSE/QUOTE?

The short answer would be Romans 12:12, I use it as the salutation in my emails:

“Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.”

The long answer, or version, would be Romans 12:9-15:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

WHAT IS THE BEST/PREFERRED METHOD OF SENDING MONETARY GIFTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS MINISTRY?

Through my profile page on my mission’s website.