Three Weeks and Two Feet In

After three weeks at Big Woods—the name which refers to Family Mission Company's headquarters—I’ve experienced enough of the life here to give an account of what Louisiana living and missionary training looks like.

Southern Louisiana is pretty much as one might imagine it—hot and humid, swampy, and flat. The mosquitoes are out in abundance. Forgetting to apply bug spray, even when going outside for only a few minutes, is a regrettable experience. And when the door is left open too long (as happens often with so many people, including numerous children, going in and out) one quickly masters the skill of exterminating the little creatures with bare hands. It’s all in the name of missionary training.

The flatlands though have been perfect for biking. My morning rides have taken me past fields over which a beautiful sunrise is visible. After a few years of urban dwelling, I am blessed to again witness this wonder of nature.

This part of the state is known as "Acadiana," and its inhabitants are quite proud of their heritage. The Acadians were French Catholics who migrated from Canada in the 1600s to escape religious persecution when their territory was overtaken by the English. From “Acadia” comes the word “Cajun.” We were introduced to this culture one evening as we enjoyed sauce piquante—a rice dish containing alligator—and live Cajun music, which is reminiscent of the bluegrass that I grew up hearing.

On the grounds of Big Woods itself, located about fifteen minutes outside the town of Abbeville, there are a number of houses, an office building, and a newly-built chapel. The chapel has a beautiful simplicity. Constructed of wood, the focal point of the space is the golden Tabernacle in the center with a striking crucifix hanging above. A peaceful spot for a time of quiet prayer with the Lord.

Family Missions Company brings together a variety of people with one particular thing in common: the call to be foreign missionaries. The six families and seventeen singles come from all parts of the US—from Oregon to Maryland, Minnesota to Florida—and from India. Among us are lawyers and healthcare professionals, business owners and stay-at-home moms, recent college graduates and ministry workers.

As I get to know everyone, I appreciate the variety of gifts and personalities among us. It is lovely to meet people who have experienced a similar call to foreign mission and to learn about the Spirit's working in the lives of each one.

These months are intended to prepare us as well as possible to be foreign missionaries. All is directed toward that end, beginning with our own personal prayer lives, for we cannot very well bring Christ to the nations if we are not encountering Him deeply on a regular basis. We begin each day with a time of praise and worship songs and community prayer using the Liturgy of the Hours.

Throughout the week we attend a variety of sessions focused on forming our hearts and minds for missionary activity. We delve into Church documents on mission and the Acts of the Apostles, which chronicles the life of the first Christian community. The study prompts lively discussion in a room full people passionate about spreading the Gospel to the nations. The excitement among us is growing week by week. Our curriculum also includes a teaching workshop in which we develop or fine tune our public speaking skills. Each week we write and give short talks that we will likely use in the field, starting with our own personal testimony.

One day a week is dedicated to works of ministry in the local community. My group is spending our Thursdays volunteering with an outreach that provides pregnancy counseling to women and assists them with material needs including diapers, wipes, and formula. I’ll be helping to register the women as they arrive at the clinic while other missionaries visit with women and families in the waiting room. We seek to be open to the Spirit in becoming aware of needs that arise, which may be an invitation to pray with someone or to help them in some other way.

God brought a need before us this week when one of the women, who accompanied her friend to the clinic, shared that she was also pregnant, but that she had been living out of her car and was unable to get into a shelter because she didn’t have an ID card. All she needed was someone to help her put the pieces together and walk her through the process at the local DMV. One of the missionaries assisted her while the rest of us continued our work at the clinic. When they returned later in the afternoon, the woman who had looked so defeated a few hours earlier wore a smile of hope. We began making calls to find a local shelter that could accept her.

When not in class or serving the community, we are tasked with various work responsibilities. I've been tabbed to help in the office with graphic design projects and am excited to use my experience and passion in this area to serve the organization. And speaking of using my passions, I've been blessed to share my musical gifts by playing violin during community praise and worship—an opportunity that fills my heart with joy.

Photo credit: Kellie Goff

The days are full and long, but the weeks fly by. Our senses are overwhelmed, yet our hearts are filled with zeal. Community is challenging, yet solidarity with like-minded brother and sisters in Christ brings us joy. I’ve jumped in with both feet and with them will strive to walk this path side-by-side with Christ, my community, and the poor we are called to serve.