Evangel alumni to serve as missionary associates in Southeast Asia
November 19, 2007
Article by Kara Chase
In the fall of 2008, a group of Evangel alumni will travel to Southeast Asia and serve as missionary associates for a year. They will be sharing the Gospel in countries where as little as one percent of the population identifies itself as Christian.
– Dana Rich
During my time at Evangel, I was able to witness a faith that was so far beyond just rules and doctrine — I saw a loving God, and in response to that, I am living a life of purpose, a life that works. My goal now is to live that life of love and purpose overseas, wherever God will lead me.
– Heather Goff
About five months ago, the Lord began directing me to develop an idea for an international business program overseas that will bring together American undergraduate students to study business side-by-side with international students. Relationships I’ve made through Evangel and through my MBA program at Missouri University are helping the business plan come together faster than I ever expected. I’m excited to see what it might become in Thailand.
– Derek Schmidly
During my time as a student at EU, I have been privileged to participate in three mission trips to Europe ministering to children. Through all of these experiences, God has opened my heart to international schools and the need of teachers to serve overseas. Throughout my four years at Evangel, the education department has shown me how much of an impact we as Christians can make as educators. Working with children in Thailand, at the international school, is the first step for fulfilling God’s call on my life to be a teacher to those children around the world who want to learn.
– Sarah Tattershall
These recent graduates will implement skills they have learned through their various majors at Evangel, including missions, education and communication.
Some members of the team will teach English to students at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the largest schools in the world. Team members will build friendships with the students and have opportunities to share both the Gospel and the love of Christ.
Assembling a Team
Dr. Gary Martindale, associate professor of biblical studies, originally approached each team member and asked them to prayerfully consider spending a year overseas.
For the past eight years, Martindale has coordinated short-term missions trips to Southeast Asia. Recognizing the need to send a team that could make a more significant contribution by an extended stay, he asked students to consider investing in missions for a protracted period of time.
Applying Educational Skills
“There was a time before graduation when I was really questioning how God would use my love for writing and communication in a way that would tangibly impact lives for him. I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share truth with people who desperately need to know Jesus’ love and sacrifice,” said Kara Chase, who will serve in Bangkok as an editor and writer for Women’s Connection Asia.
This publication is a women’s magazine written in both Thai and English as a culturally relevant way to introduce Asian women to Christianity. Kara follows Evangel graduate Rebecca Povec, who served on the initial editorial staff of the magazine.
Preparing for Service
In preparation for the mission, the group meets every other week for a time of prayer, encouragement, and fellowship.
“Our team dynamics thus far have been phenomenal,” said Heather Goff. “We meet every other Friday night to bring our trip before the Lord, lift up new Southeast Asian believers in prayer, and transparently share our struggles and victories with one another. I am beyond grateful that I have a team of genuine and devoted friends to share with in this journey and adventure.”
As approved missionary associates with the Assemblies of God, each alum is responsible for raising his or her own budget of approximately $30,000.
Impact 2008 Team
- Sarah Tattershall, an education major from Barnett, Mo., will graduate in 2008 and serve in Thailand.
- Dana Rich, an education major from Austin, Texas, will graduate in Dec. 2007 and serve in Cambodia.
- Lauren Becker, a 2007 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies, biblical languages, and missions studies, is from Ventura, Calif. She is seeking appointment as a missionary in training and will serve in Thailand.
- Derek Schmidly, a 2006 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies and biblical languages, is from Springfield, Mo. He anticipates serving in Thailand.
- Heather Goff, a 2006 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies and missions studies, is from Moore, Okla. She will serve in Thailand.
- Kara Chase, a 2007 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations, is from Camp Hill, Pa. She will serve in Thailand.
- Richie Nelson, a biblical studies major from Tacoma, Wash., will graduate in 2008 and anticipates serving in Thailand.
- Thomas Biro, a 2006 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies, is from Willoughby, Ohio. He anticipates serving in Southeast Asia in the near future.
- Keri Dittamore, a biblical studies major from Montrose, Ill., graduated from Central Bible College in 2007. She has received missionary associate status and will be a great asset to the team; she served in northern Thailand in the summer of 2006.
