As I was wondering what I could write about for our newsletter, I was reminded of my upbringing in a Christian and Missionary Alliance church. As I look back, one of our main emphases was missions. Every year we had a three or four-day stint when missionaries came to speak at our church, and we pledged what we would give for the coming year. When I attended Nyack, their Bible school, a missionary spoke every Friday night. So, as a result of my background, I was pretty much sold on giving to missions. In fact, I wanted to be a missionary.
When Dean and I married, we decided to apply to be missionaries, but that didn’t pan out. However, we have always emphasized the importance of standing behind our missionaries and informing others about what they are doing. When Dean was a pastor, he sought to have missionaries speak as often as possible, and we entertained many in our home. He had a “moment with missions” every Sunday. As a result, our kids were exposed to missions. When the children’s boxes for the special offerings were passed out, they gave generously of what they had, which wasn’t much.
We review in our minds the process of preparation for Sue --- through high school. Then Eastern College … visiting her roommate’s family in Peru (she changed her minor to Spanish) … studying in France for her French major.
There was seminary and study with Wycliffe during two summers …getting a job at Valley Forge with Educational Ministries. Then came the loss of her job because of cutbacks --- what should she do then? Was it a good time to test her “call” to be a missionary? Sheila and Steve Heneise had stayed with a family in our church when on home assignment so Sheila could finish her college degree. Sue decided to go to Nicaragua to work with Sheila on educational materials.
On her return home she got a local job but was asked to work temporarily with short term volunteers at Valley Forge. The big day came --- her appointment to Nicaragua! After serving five years as the National Christian Education Coordinator for Nicaragua, she left. She was then approached to go to Cuba with Ruth Mooney to conduct classes on writing Christian educational materials. During that time she met Ramon … returned to Cuba … got married … had Katy … continued working with the writing group and taught some seminary classes.
It’s amazing how God prepares each of us to fulfill the plan He has for us. Along the way you have been a great support in helping Sue fulfill His plan for her. Thanks so much! May God bless you as you continue to follow His plan for yourself and as you reach out to others to enable them to fulfill theirs.
P. S. Although we never went overseas as missionaries, we have visited our two daughters who serve the Lord in foreign countries. What part did we play in their decision to go? What part does each of us play in our commitment to pray for and support emotionally and financially our missionaries?
Erma Hegarty (Our missionary to Cuba, Sue Hegarty's, mom
No comments:
Post a Comment