And then I became a missionary.

In preparing to leaving for Niger, I spent time this past week in Chicago for TeachBeyond's Orientation.  What a blessing to be a part of such an authentic organization and group of people who share a strong vision for changing lives by the Gospel through transformational education.  My heart is full as I think about the impact that each individual has had and will have for the Kingdom.

Over 80 missionaries were present, representing about 17 countries.  Families, couples, single men and women, each with their own story of how God has brought them to where they are now.

As I reflect on the week, I remember my misconceptions about missionaries.  At one time, I viewed missionaries with a higher regard than most other people.  I don't think I even realized that I assumed that because they received "the call" from God to serve in missions, that they were these special and holy people that were obviously better than me.

And then I became a missionary.

This term "missionary" was very uncomfortable at first.  I didn't like the idea of having this great responsibility that comes with the title.  And I especially didn't like other people assuming the same expectations about me that I had placed on other missionaries - that missionaries are holier than most.

In humility, and through Orientation, my view has changed.  I realize that I am "not called to a people or a place or a vocation; but rather, to the very person of Jesus Christ"  (Howard Dueck).

Missionaries are no different than your average Joe.  They are sinful people, saved and sanctified by the supernatural grace of God.

All of the preparing and learning I have done over the past week has been extremely helpful.  But I am continually reminded that heart preparation is the best way for me to really be ready to leave when August 1st comes.  I am reminded that the Lord is still the most important relationship I will ever have.

My status as "missionary to Niger, Africa" may sound like I am set apart somehow as a Christian.  The truth is I still struggle.  But my goal to honor and glorify God remains the same.

Join me.  Accept your calling, not to a place, people, or job; but to God, Himself.

"Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever."  -The Westminster Shorter Catechism

P.S.  Check out more TeachBeyond Orientation pictures on facebook!

Missionary Kids

Tonight I had the privilege and honor of sharing my heart and vision with a beautiful group of people over a delicious dinner and dessert.  I left encouraged, and my heart is full.  Thank you, Lord.  Some of what I shared had to do with MKs (Missionary Kids).

Two summers ago, I spent a couple months with a missionary family in Budapest, Hungary.  This beautiful family of 6 opened my eyes to the strengths and challenges that missionary kids face.  After observing and conversing with the parents and kids about the struggles and joys of raising a family and growing up abroad, God began to grow in my heart compassion for MKs.  I am thrilled to be able to serve, teach, and love these types of kids at Sahel Academy in Niger.

Watch this video to understand a bit more about TCKs (Third Culture Kids) and MKs (Missionary Kids).

It's best that way.

A pastor recently spoke about "counting the cost."  As I raise support, I feel like that is all I do.  But with only 7 more short weeks until I plan to leave, I have had very little time to really think about this HUGE transition ahead of me.

Not only will I be leaving everyone and everything I know, but I also will be going to a place where I am known by no one.  Everything will be completely unfamiliar.  I do not speak French, which will make simple things like getting groceries a challenge.  I will have to set up my own second grade classroom for the very first time ever.  I will have to eloquently and creatively inspire learning in the hearts of 17 little seven year olds.  I will have to adjust to living with complete strangers.  I will face loneliness, heartache, and struggle.  I am about to move to the least developed country in the world.  The road ahead has a cost.

BUT...

Jesus Christ paid the price so that we, as Christians, can be a part of the Body of Believers.  Even in Niger, I will have the privilege of meeting brothers and sisters in Christ, adopted into the same Family because of His precious blood.  I may not be known by others, but I am known by God Almighty.  I will have the opportunity to learn a new language, experience a new culture and people, precious to the heart of God.  I will finally be able to apply four years of training and education as I set up my first classroom.  I have the privilege of getting to know 17 beautiful second graders, whose smiles and even frowns, I'm sure, will make my day - a daily opportunity to learn from the heart and faith of a child.  I will bond with once complete strangers as we laugh and struggle together.  I will face joy, purpose, and victory.  I am about to move to a place where lives will be changed and transformed by the Good News.  The road ahead is rewarding.

Although I can be tempted to say that only the exciting moments of joy and victory are of the Lord, I would argue that the moments of exhaustion and disappointment are just as necessary.  God desires us to encounter both emotions, not just because we are created in His image and therefore we emote, but also because it is through these experiences that we will encounter our NEED for JESUS.

When I embarrass myself in the market because I said the wrong thing or when I completely mess up a lesson, I can say to the Lord, "I trust you!"  And when I make friends with my roommates and help a second grader have an 'aha!' moment, I can say to the Lord, "Thank you that I trust you!"

What a beautiful thing to know that God is TRUSTWORTHY.

EVERYTHING belongs to God and He is absolutely worthy of it all - my time, my energy, my heart, my money, my friends, my job, my family...EVERYTHING.

It's best that way.  Yes, there is a cost.  But His reward is greater.

So I will continue to TRUST, or "lean into," the One who knows my thoughts before I think them and who numbers the hairs on my head.  May we all learn to TRUST our Abba, Father with EVERYTHING.

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"Then the king said to Araunah, '...nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.'" - 2 Samuel 24:24

 

"Not only is all your affliction momentary, not only is all your affliction light in comparison to eternity and the glory there; but all of it is TOTALLY MEANINGFUL." -John Piper
(2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Two Years in Two Months

For those of you who have not yet read my support letter...please keep reading!  As of this Sunday, June 1st, I have TWO MONTHS to raise support for TWO YEARS.  In order to cover all of my expenses, I will need a little over $1,800/month.  Therefore, if 181 people commit to giving $10/month, I will be fully funded!  Please consider giving (see below for details).  Thanks so much to those of you who have already given!  I am SO grateful for your generosity.

Grace and Peace.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."  -1 Peter 4:10


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May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

April 25, 2014

Dear Friends and Family,                                                                                                                                               

Sometimes the Lord’s grace allows our desires to coincide with others’ needs.  I once heard this referred to as finding your “sweet spot.”  It is with excitement and nervous anticipation that I let you know, the Lord has graciously allowed me to find my own “sweet spot” serving the needs of children in Niger, Africa. 

After graduation I plan to teach in the city of Niamey at a mission school called Sahel Academy.  I will serve there for two years, teaching a class of about 20 second graders, under a mission organization called TeachBeyond.  TeachBeyond’s mission and vision statements affirm, “As followers of Jesus we are an international organization providing transformational education to children and adults.”  I am pleased to be associated with such a group.

While I did not always know that I would end up in Niger, God has been working in my heart for quite some time.  Growing up in the home that I did, missions was practically a given.  I learned early on about the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and was exposed to other cultures through various mission trips to Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, and Senegal.  The Lord has blessed me with a desire to serve people in need, at home and abroad. 

More recently, about two summers ago, I spent six weeks with a very generous missionary family in Budapest, Hungary.  I wanted to learn about “the life of a missionary.”  I believe it was then that God opened my eyes to the needs of TCKs (third culture kids; or MKs, missionary kids).  As a student at Grove City College learning about Elementary and Special Education, it only seemed natural that I would find my “sweet spot” in a missionary school abroad.  This endeavor to Sahel Academy allows my passion for children, learning, traveling, and missions to, by the grace of God, meet the emotional, spiritual, and learning needs of missionary children in Niger. 

I am so excited for this God-given opportunity to serve.  I ask that, as part in the body of Christ, you join with me by supporting me in either one or two ways.  First and foremost, I need your PRAYER.  I am not sure that I have ever experienced a point in my life in which I CANNOT not trust God.  I am very aware of my dependency on Him and realize that apart from Him, I will not be able to pursue this mission.  (See the enclosed list for ways to pray).

In addition to your prayers, and in order to leave by August 1^st, I will need to raise about $1,804 of monthly support (totaling $21,651 of annual support).  I also need about $5,000 for start-up costs (plane tickets, shipping items, purchasing household items, purchase of a car overseas, etc.).  Please prayerfully consider either a one-time donation or a monthly commitment of financial support.  Indicate your financial gift on the enclosed paper and send it to
TeachBeyond, PO Box 6248, Bloomingdale, IL, 60108-6248.  (All checks should be made out to TeachBeyond; they will be tax-deductible).

Thank you so much for your support!  I am humbled and blessed by this incredible opportunity to reach God’s people in Niger, Africa.  Please feel free to keep in touch by Facebook, email, or snail mail!  You can also read weekly updates on my blog at http://hannahjoyinafrica.blogspot.com/.  

Be blessed as you continue to participate in the body of Christ,

Hannah J. Knox

Prayer Requests:

·         For peace and courage as I prepare for moving away from family and transition out of college life.

·         For the people of Niger; for the school, students and staff; for my second grade class of about 20 students; for the ladies with whom I will be rooming.

·         For safe travel to, from, and within Niamey; for favor with those with whom I come in contact.

·         For the adjustment to a new culture and people; that I might shine God’s love to those around me.

·         For hope in the midst of loneliness; for the Lord’s hand to sustain me; for spiritual nourishment and a good home church.

Contact information:

Blog:  http://hannahjoyinafrica.blogspot.com/

Email:  hknox@teachbeyond.org

Mailing Address:  B.P. 10065  Niamey, Niger West Africa

Shipping Address:  c/o SIM 9 rue de Tarka Niamey, Niger West Africa

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Click on this link for more information about how to donate!  (https://give.teachbeyond.org)

No Reserve.

It's hard to imagine that four years can go by so quickly.  And yet, here I am:  an educated graduate and alumnus, ready to face the "real" world with all of it's responsibilities and challenges.  Or am I?

In a lot of ways, Grove City has prepared me well for the future.  And in a lot of other ways, it doesn't matter how much education I have received, because I will never be "ready."  In about two months, I am leaving for Niger, West Africa.  I don't think I ever imagined myself in this spot exactly.  If you ask a child what she wants to be when she grows up, rarely do you hear "I want to be a missionary in a third world country."  I wanted to be a dancer, singer, and writer.  Therefore, I was no exception.

And yet, the Lord has been growing my heart for Africa, missions, and TCKs (Third Culture Kids).  (It's funny how the Lord uses experiences and circumstances to direct our attention to Him and His plan).

Less than a week ago, at Grove City's Baccalaureate service before graduation, Dr. Moore spoke about having

No reserve.
No retreat.
No regret.

That is my prayer and hope as I leave for Niger.  The Bible says that our lives are like grass (Psalm 103:15-16).  My tomorrow, my life is no guarantee.  Each day is a gift and I want to live it out to the fullest.

"The glory of God is man fully alive."  -St. Irenaeus

May I - may we - live each day without reserve, retreat, or regret; to the glorious honor of Jesus.

I am humbled to have this opportunity to serve, teach, and experience God's world in a new way.

Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare to get everything (Visa, International Driving License, Health shots, Plane tickets, Support raising, etc.) in order before I leave!

Grace and Peace.

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." -Proverbs 19:21