Why Missions? Our Hearts And God’s Story
Why Missions? Our Hearts and God's Story
Missions is not something that appeared suddenly in our
lives—it has been shaped over years of prayer, experiences, and God’s gentle
leading. As we prepare for what God has next, we wanted to share why missions
matters so deeply to us and how the Lord has been forming our hearts along the
way.
Emma's Story
I was raised in a ministry-minded home. Growing up, my Dad
worked in ministry in a variety of ways—pastoral, camp, military, and orphan
ministries. Working and living for the sake of gospel sharing was a way of
life. But that way of life did not feel ordinary or mundane to me. My parents
did a wonderful job of making our way of life exciting and adventurous! At some
point in middle school or high school I viewed our family's ministry not just
as a job but as a calling. We were taking risks, having fun, experiencing
new cultures, and making so many diverse friends. We were sharing the gospel of
Jesus: the most worthwhile calling of all. So, when my future husband asked me,
“Would you move overseas and be a missionary?” It was a no brainer. Absolutely!
I loved being a missionary kid. But recently I discovered a
new term—third culture kid (TCK). A TCK is someone who was raised in a culture
other than that of their birth origin. This blending of cultures during the
child development years impacts worldview, identity, and feelings of belonging.
I discovered that in a way, I could relate to TCK life. I was American, lived
in Japan for a time, engaged in the military community but wasn’t a military
kid myself, and our lifestyle led to trips all over the world. These unique
layers made me feel different than my peers (usually different in a good way).
At a young age my worldview was broad and maturing. Sometimes I felt that my
story was so unique no one would quite understand me. And now at BFA I get to
be a friend and mentor to MK’s and TCK’s from all over the globe! We won’t have
the same stories, but our layers of cultural experience will be bonding and
more understandable. What a privilege to be a missionary to missionary kids!
Zach's Story
My interest in mission work grew when I attended Dordt
University to pursue my electrical engineering degree. Up to that point I had
been on a mission trip to Puru and loved my experience! But it wasn’t until my
college years that I realized I could marry two of my passions—missions and
engineering. In my core classes I was energized by my vocational choice,
enjoying problem solving and building a tool belt of technical skills. Working
with my hands and my mind tapped into my strengths. It reminded me of the times
with my Dad (also an electrical engineer), taking things apart and putting them
back together and working around the house and the yard. This was an avenue I
enjoyed and was good at. I found myself asking God, “How will you use my
engineering degree for your glory?”
At Dordt, prayer and scripture reading were primary in all
of my classes. My eyes were opened to how God uses all our skills for His
purposes. At the same time, I took a cultural communications class and fell in
love with the cultures we explored! I loved the amazing variety in the world.
My worldview was expanding and so was my heart. I also learned about the lack
of mission workers internationally. The need was so great. I found myself
saying, “Lord I am willing to go. Send me.” And since then, I have been seeking
the Lord’s will in prayer as to where that may be. I have been humbled to find
that the desire to use my engineering degree for God’s glory is coming to
fruition. Although the maintenance department at BFA is not directly an
engineering role, it excites me and utilizes the tool belt I have cultivated!
God tends to surprise us in the ways He answers prayers.
Adelaide's Addition
We are now raising a missionary kid of our own! Joining our
family is the newest addition: Adelaide Jane Sanford. She was born on January
30th. Full of smiles, silly faces, and the cutest squeaky noises,
our daughter is bringing us such joy! Parenthood is a humbling, selfless
experience. We are sleep deprived and quick to question every little thing, but
with the help of family, friends, and strength from the Lord, we are delighting
in these early days of Adelaide’s life.
Thank You for Walking With Us
Zach has 12 weeks of paternity leave to invest in Addy time.
It is such a gift! Simultaneously, he is hard at work preparing for our
international move. Passports, trainings, email correspondence, documentation,
and so much more! Would you please pray for us as we navigate all the newness
that this season brings? We covet your prayers and your impact on our lives.
With much love and gratitude,
Zachary & Emma
If you would prayerfully consider joining us by supporting the mission please hit this link:
www.OneChallenge.org/give and find us in the drop down menu: Sanford, Zach
& Emma 110405.