God has been leading us towards the mission field for a long time but we are finally ready to prepare for a departure. Through many circumstances and promptings, God has made His plans for us clear.
Ellen had always considered returning to her home country. Joel, who had considered missions even before meeting Ellen, felt drawn to Germany when learning about Martin Luther’s reformation many centuries ago. (Did you know Joel and Martin Luther share the same birthday? - Well, it’s 500 years apart.)
During a missions trip to the Ukraine in 2006, Joel felt a strong sense that God was asking him to return to a formerly communist country but Joel felt certain it would not be Ukraine. As we continued researching Germany, we heard about the desperate need for missionaries in formerly communist East Germany.
Meanwhile, we continued to be involved in youth ministry state-side. God impressed on Joel’s heart to continue working with this age group as it is in need of consistent care and devotion. We have seen God bless our work with youth over the years.
Since her early years of youth ministry, Ellen has developed an interest in compiling Bible studies for young women. She noticed early on a lack of in-depth, challenging, yet youth-oriented curriculum on the bookstore shelves. After we were married, we started writing these studies together. Soon, we got excited about the idea of starting our own ministry that would concentrate on youth group material and training for youth leaders. In fact, we considered that the name of this ministry should contain the word Josiah as to remember King Josiah, who serves as an example to all young people in the Church.
Around this time, our current church hosted a workshop held by the missions organization TEAM. After attending, we began talking about the possibility of missions once again. We decided to work towards the missions field to see if God would open doors and confirm our desire and calling. And that He did!
A few months later, Joel spoke with one of his professors about our interest in missions, mentioning Josiah Venture. Interestingly enough, Joel’s professor works very closely with JV and JV president Dave Patty. Soon, he introduced us. As we continued to get to know this ministry, we fell in love with JV’s values, strategies, and focus. We cannot believe how much their ministry aligns with what God had already laid on our hearts.
Two summers ago, we had the chance to visit East Germany as well as Josiah Venture’s training center in the Czech Republic. We also spend time with Dave Patty as well as other JV missionaries and missionary kids. We are pleased to say that we found all of JV’s core values and vision lived out consistently.
We are excited that you are considering being a part of our journey to the mission field and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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