Ashley’s testimony
In February 2008 the Lord pulled me out of the sins I had been living in and unveiled His marvelous grace and mercy towards me, my eyes were opened to His gospel. In a moment, my heart was changed and, consequently, so was my life. I wanted other people to know the Jesus I had encountered who covered my sins and conquered death on my behalf. Seven days later I was on my first outreach with a campus ministry. During the trip I met a gal who was in the process of applying to a missions agency. My heart beat faster as she began to tell me about places where people had never heard the name of Jesus. To imagine people living their entire lives and never having the opportunity to hear the gospel still burdens me.
As time went on, my desire to go out with the gospel grew. A course on biblical church structure and function convinced me that to be a missionary would require not just a desire, but also a commissioning by the church. During that time the Lord blessed me with a friendship to a young man, whose love for missions I found quite compelling, named Matthew.
In February 2008 the Lord pulled me out of the sins I had been living in and unveiled His marvelous grace and mercy towards me, my eyes were opened to His gospel. In a moment, my heart was changed and, consequently, so was my life. I wanted other people to know the Jesus I had encountered who covered my sins and conquered death on my behalf. Seven days later I was on my first outreach with a campus ministry. During the trip I met a gal who was in the process of applying to a missions agency. My heart beat faster as she began to tell me about places where people had never heard the name of Jesus. To imagine people living their entire lives and never having the opportunity to hear the gospel still burdens me.
As time went on, my desire to go out with the gospel grew. A course on biblical church structure and function convinced me that to be a missionary would require not just a desire, but also a commissioning by the church. During that time the Lord blessed me with a friendship to a young man, whose love for missions I found quite compelling, named Matthew.
Matt’s testimony
The story of my salvation is not as black and white as Ashley's, my heart changed slowly over the course of many years. However, maturation in my faith and theology began in college. The Lord revealed to me in 2008 His plan of fulfilling the great commission through His people. At the foundation it started as I grasped Jesus’ death and resurrection along with the implications of those events with a global mindset. My introduction to the Unreached Peoples of the world showed a larger purpose to the gospel. At the same time, God was teaching me about the role of the local church in missions. When I met Ashley I was extremely thankful that she had the same passion for the church and the unreached. In 2010 we were married. Our five year plan included a short term missions trip overseas. The Lord had other plans.
Two years ago we were introduced to an agency, To Every Tribe, focused on pioneer church planting in unreached areas. Our elders affirmed our desires and have commissioned us as missionaries in training. We were able to make the move to Texas to start training on August 27, 2011. Along with weekly courses in Theology and Missiology, we have been doing monthly trips into Mexico and last year Matt took a trip to Papua New Guinea. This year another Spring trip outside the United States is in the works. These trips are serving as “on the job training” as we acclimate to life as missionaries.
The story of my salvation is not as black and white as Ashley's, my heart changed slowly over the course of many years. However, maturation in my faith and theology began in college. The Lord revealed to me in 2008 His plan of fulfilling the great commission through His people. At the foundation it started as I grasped Jesus’ death and resurrection along with the implications of those events with a global mindset. My introduction to the Unreached Peoples of the world showed a larger purpose to the gospel. At the same time, God was teaching me about the role of the local church in missions. When I met Ashley I was extremely thankful that she had the same passion for the church and the unreached. In 2010 we were married. Our five year plan included a short term missions trip overseas. The Lord had other plans.
Two years ago we were introduced to an agency, To Every Tribe, focused on pioneer church planting in unreached areas. Our elders affirmed our desires and have commissioned us as missionaries in training. We were able to make the move to Texas to start training on August 27, 2011. Along with weekly courses in Theology and Missiology, we have been doing monthly trips into Mexico and last year Matt took a trip to Papua New Guinea. This year another Spring trip outside the United States is in the works. These trips are serving as “on the job training” as we acclimate to life as missionaries.
Anna Grace
We knew from the very beginning of our marriage that if we were ever to have a daughter we would name her Grace. Back then we hadn't a clue of how God's grace would be magnified through our trials and her life, as our journey to become parents was full of unexpected loss. Our daughter arrived on August 3rd 2013. Her full name is Anna Grace, we call her Gracie. Her life is truly a miracle and we are so blessed to be able to raise her. She is growing so fast and we are enjoying ever smile, coo and giggle she gives us!
We are so thankful for the clear direction God has shown us. Please pray our hearts be always attentive to His will as we endeavor on this journey to the mission field. Pray also for our little Gracie, that the Lord would show Himself to her and that her life would be glorifying and honoring to Him. We covet your prayers!
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