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Family
My family is very special to me! They are my biggest supporters and my parents have been my best role-models of ministry as I have watched them serve the Lord my entire life. My younger brother is still at home. He spends his days learning all that a ninth grader needs to know, playing a variety of games, and rollerblading.
Education
After experiencing both public and private schooling, my parents decided to teach me at home starting in the fourth grade. I am so thankful for that decision! In the year following my graduation from high school, I took a class to become an Emergency Medical Technician. Then, in 1999, I started college at Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, Wisconsin majoring in Elementary Education. After two years, I transferred to Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa and graduated in 2003. All of my education choices have been geared toward preparation for missionary service.
Teaching Experience
In order to be fully prepared for cross-cultural ministry, following graduation I sought the opportunity to gain experience in teaching. God opened the door for me to teach for three years at Grandview Park Baptist School. Each of which developed my love for students, opened my eyes to the many challenges students face, and improved my abilities in the classroom. I am thankful for the time I had there to learn and grow professionally and spiritually.
Testimony
At the age of four, I came to an understanding of my need for salvation. My mother had been helping me memorize Romans 3:23. As I memorized the words, "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," she talked with me about the meaning. I understood that I had sinned, and that I deserved separation from God forever in hell. I also understood that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and took the punishment of my sin on the cross, then rose again three days later. I accepted the gift of salvation that day.
Missions
As an eleven year old, I was listening to a missionary speak during our church's missions conference. God worked in my heart during that time and I publicly surrendered my life to serve the Lord wherever He would lead. I continued to wait on Him in prayer, be involved in my local church, and seek counsel from godly advisors during my high school years. God gave me a love for missions and a love for teaching. During my time at Northland and then at Faith, I was introduced to the ministry of Bethesda Outreach International in South Africa. I was able to take two short summer trips to Bethesda. God lead me during that time to commit to serving Him full-time at Bethesda.