In my previous blog entry I gave an abbreviated account of some of what I did during my seven-month assignment to the Solomon Islands.  I returned home to the USA three months ago and set about transitioning to the “next thing.”  As I transition, I thought it would be useful to readers of SAMS’ blog  to learn about what I will be doing next, and more importantly, why the SAMS Bridger program has been such a helpful component of my discernment process.  I should add that I am in no way under compulsion by SAMS staff to write this blog entry.  The opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own, but I hope that they will be an encouragement to SAMS staff and supporters.

Shortly after returning to the USA I married my long-time friend Kyria.  You can read about her life and work on her blog.  The two of us met as volunteers at Uncommon Grounds Cafe in 2010.  Since then Kyria has been serving as a long-term missionary with Mission to the World (MTW) in West Africa helping with Bible translation research, and in the United States receiving training at the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics.  As of our marriage we have begun transitioning into the MTW family as a married couple.  We don’t know where God is calling us to specifically, but we have expressed our willingness to serve in a majority Muslim context.  We hope to combine our diverse gifts and experiences and return to international work sometime in 2019.  Over the next year we will be exploring potential field locations and continuing to raise support.  You can partner with us by giving by following this link (please note: for security reasons our number shows up, 13703, and not our names).

How has the SAMS Bridger program helped prepare me for the road ahead?

Before Kyria and I were going to get married, we knew we would be facing roughly seven months apart as she conducted literacy research for her Master’s thesis.  I set about thinking of ways to utilize the time to get myself some further training and experience working internationally.  I had finished my MAR from Trinity School for Ministry, and had several years experience working with faith-based non-profits in the USA, but I only had short-term experience serving internationally.  That’s when I was reminded of the SAMS Bridger program.

The Bridger program was recommended to me by a former colleague whose son was a Bridger.  As I looked into it, I realized it was exactly what I was looking for:

• Instead of a short-term trip, the Bridger program offers highly flexible opportunities ranging from 1 month to one year.  This allowed me, with some advanced planning, to schedule an internship during the time my fiance was away.
• SAMS Bridger program involves mentoring for individuals seeking to explore missionary service as a vocation.  This was a very big draw for me.  My Bridger mentoring experience taught me a lot about team dynamics, met and unmet expectations, and the daily challenges of international life.  I formed close relationships with my teammate/mentors that will last for a lifetime.
• My Bridger  experience was highly personalized–through conversations with my mentors before arriving in-country we found work that would utilize some of my previous skills and experiences.  I also had opportunities to try new things such as preaching and teaching cross-culturally.  Every Bridger will have have a uniquely designed missionary experience.

Beyond these program qualities, God’s providence was evident throughout my whole experience–from Bridger training, to support-raising,  arrival in country, and returning home–God’s plan was continually confirmed in my being sent and my coming home.  God raised up supporters.  God kept me safe.  God gave me the strength to preach, teach, and live.  I may be transitioning out of the SAMS community, but I will never forget the experiences I had as a SAMS Bridger in the Solomon Islands, nor the genuine relationships I formed with SAMS staff.  Moving forward Kyria and I hope to collaborate with SAMS workers wherever it is possible.

Who is the SAMS Bridger program for? 

In the 9th chapter of Matthew we are told that Jesus went throughout the towns and villages, full of compassion, preaching good news and healing the sick.  He told his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”(9:37b-38).  If you are considering longer term missionary service, or if you have considered it in the past, then this is a program for you.  Don’t let money be a worry that keeps you from pursuing a God gifted vocation.  I think this is a program especially suited for college age (in between semesters), recent grads, graduate students, or even second-vocation adults.  If you are interested in learning more about the program from me, or if you are a Bridger raising support looking for advice, don’t hesitate to email!  You can also contact the Bridger program coordinator directly.

Blessings!