Tim and Melissa
North America and Europe | 32600
Our Story
We believe that knowing Jesus and staying connected to him are the most important things in life (Matthew 7, John 15). Mission (doing things FOR God) is the natural fruit of abiding in Christ (spending time WITH God). Of course, when we are constantly connected, we can do things FOR God while WITH God. What a privilege and responsibility!
We met in college where we did eight short-term mission trips between us. That led to two years teaching English and studying Mandarin in Taiwan, which led to seminary for Tim and grad school for Melissa. Then we worked with youth in a Chinese church for five years.
GEM entered the picture and, after studying at CIT, we spent four years in Ireland, including learning our second new language as adults. After Ireland, we served eight years at CIT where Tim became the director of pre-field training for new missionaries.
Where We Work
Currently we have three ministry focus areas.
Mentoring GEM Missionaries— Tim spends two workdays each week encouraging new missionaries by meeting with them, preparing them to serve in their new country, answering questions where our experience is invaluable, and praying with them. All this work is for Greater Europe Mission.
Developing CIT— Tim took on a special project at CIT to build a new department for fundraising. In 30 years CIT never had a staff member dedicated to this area. It is a steep learning curve for us and the organization. He is giving this effort three workdays per week. We have discovered two essentials: a deep dependency on God to provide, and building genuine relationships with those who would like to partner with CIT. Please pray for wisdom and God's generosity.
Local Ministry— Our family engages in multiple areas of service. Melissa volunteers with our church, such as cooking for youth camp and hurricane relief. Our oldest son is a bible study leader for Cru on his college campus and took five of his young men on the spring break mission trip this year. Tim preaches at local churches when invited and substitute teaches at our church. We are praying about launching a new local evangelistic effort this fall. Please pray that God guides and that we follow closely in all these opportunities.