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Mission interns learn and grow |
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Written by Linda Moffett
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As a young couple, Dave and Amy (not their real names) were headed successfully down their respective career paths when they made the decision to pursue business in mission by serving as mission interns in an Asian country where Christian evangelism is prohibited.
“We weren’t sure how much we could accomplish in a year,” said Dave. “But by the end of the internship I could see how far we had come.”
Their internship started off with learning the local language. Language acquisition was basically self-taught since there wasn’t a language school available although both of the couple had language helpers.
“I loved language learning,” said Amy. “We were learning a tonal language which means we had double learning to do – we needed to know both the word and the tone. If you say one word, but use a different tone, you’ve said something different than you’ve intended.”
Amy recalls how one day Dave had to call her language helper to cancel her lesson because she was sick. But Dave used the word “angry” instead. “I had to get on the phone right away and explain the situation,” Amy said laughing.
The time spent in language learning paid off. Relationships were able to progress to a deeper level.
 EMM workers begin planning for a factory on a newly-purchased plot of land in Asia.
Much of Dave’s internship focus was on helping other EMM full-time workers start a business. Although land was supposed to have been purchased when he arrived, there were many frustrations and delays in buying property in that culture.
"Things were not working out as we had planned,” Dave said. “We were in a very discouraging situation. I wondered if we would have accomplished anything before we had to leave. But I experienced God’s faithfulness and learned that I needed to obey God for the sake of who he is.”
Land was eventually purchased before their internship was up. But the couple learned very valuable lessons that had to do with much more than property acquisition.
“I know my role is to be obedient and faithful in prayer,” said Dave. Amy agreed.
“It was only when I was stripped of everything that I learned about my identity in Christ,” Amy said. “It was the most valuable thing I learned.”
Dave and Amy served as mission interns in Asia. Neither their country of service nor the type of business can be identified due to security issues.
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Positions Available
Join StaffX at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center to grow spiritually and in leadership skills as you mentor and serve others. Current volunteer staff openings: Community Outreach Coordinator, Mission Mobilizer, Office Assistant, and Prayer Coordinator.
Contact Sherrie Ober if you are interested.
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