READY TO DO MISSIONS?

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SUSANNA JORDAN
Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.
Social work major
Junior

Post-graduation plan: I would love to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work.

Assignment: Last summer I was privileged to serve with church planters John and Dana Gunter and their two boys, Daniel and Luke, in the Dominican Republic. My assignment included the following:

1. Loving and leading teenage girls to be followers of Jesus Christ through Bible studies, music and crafts
2. Teaching English classes
3. Children's Bible study
4. Coordinating and serving with volunteer teams

Typical day: Breakfast with our “Dominican mom;” studying Spanish or preparing for Bible study or English class; neighborhood visits; teaching English, Bible study, choir or crafts to the teenagers or children; attending a Bible study with Dominicans in the evening.

Most memorable: Perhaps the most memorable event from the summer was sitting in our little church sweating and distracted by the commotion in the street, yet worshiping the Lord in a foreign language with all my heart, surrounded by believers I could barely understand. I think it was a little taste of what heaven will be like.

Urgency: God taught me many things this summer, but especially the importance of building purposeful relationships. My return date was in the forefront of my mind all summer long. I sensed the urgency of my work for 11 ½ short weeks. I pray I will be conscious of the same urgency to spread the good news of Jesus Christ before His return.

God working: The Dominican congregation is growing rapidly as they share hope with their friends and neighbors. The youth have started a Bible study in the next barrio (neighborhood) and are truly understanding and practicing being disciples of Jesus Christ.

Funny story: I tried to tell my Dominican mother she was the best student in my English class. Instead, I told her she was the oldest student in my class. Thankfully, she saw the humor in my blunder and was not offended.

Her advice: I would encourage other soon-to-be summer missionaries to go to the field with zero expectations, ready to be used by the Lord. I went intending to be a blessing in the life of someone else. Instead, I was blessed beyond imagination and am forever grateful for the opportunity!

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