When considering what it means to be a missionary’s sending church, most people’s minds will go immediately to financial funding which, although a necessary part of the equation, is certainly not all there is to sending missionaries to the field. 

Being sent out by Providence Church started long before there were any open doors overseas for us to walk through. For us, Providence lives up to its name. It was God’s providence that led us to this church family at a time when we felt a deep need to be poured into spiritually. Providence invested in us as a family. We grew and matured in vital spiritual areas. We gained dear friends who showed us the love and kindness of our Savior.  

Furthermore, Providence walked beside us during the decision-making process to leave our home and move overseas. They supported us in both practical and spiritual ways, helping confirm our decision to move and work among an unreached people group. They rejoiced with us in this opportunity and commissioned us lovingly and prayerfully. 

As we’ve been on the mission field, although halfway around the world, we do not feel forgotten or unknown. Holly Longacre (Providence Director of Missions) and other Providence staff and members have continued to invest in us through prayer, ongoing communication, and service. Providence has continued to invest in us in small and large ways, from remembering our birthdays to sending short-term teams to serve and encourage us on the field. When we have returned home for a furlough, Providence has helped welcome us by meeting practical and spiritual needs. We are met by elders, staff, and members who know our names and the details of the work we are doing. We know this only happens as a result of being remembered and prayed for by our congregation. 

There is a famous story of William Carey, father of the modern missions movement. Before leaving to carry the gospel to a foreign land, he was quoted as saying to his fellow missionary society members, “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope.” Lesser known is the response to his statement made by his friend Andrew Fuller, “I will most certainly hold the rope.” Providence has been the faithful friend and family holding our ropes- partnering with us, praying with and for us, rejoicing with us in the victories, weeping with us in our times of sorrow. Halfway around the world we have felt the prayers prayed and have had our hearts and spirits lightened through words of truth and encouragement. We give thanks to God for Providence Frisco, our sending church, who is certainly holding our ropes. 

Get Involved:

• Learn more about Providence’s heart for global missions and how you can get involved by viewing our missions page at www.providencefrisco.com/serve/around-the-world.