Tony and Rachel are now home after two short-term overseas placements with WEC. Alongside some fantastic experiences of cross-cultural mission, they’ve learnt a lot about trusting God’s plans …
“In all, we’ve been overseas for 18 months. Our first placement was in south Asia, where we worked in a preschool for local children; teaching and taking care of administrative tasks. In the second placement, we served as Dorm Parents to missionary kids at Bourofaye Christian School, Senegal.
The grounds of Bourofaye Christian School, Senegal
It was eye-opening and rewarding.
“There were so many great things about these experiences. For Tony, interacting with the kids and getting to know them personally was definitely a highlight. It was such a meaningful time for him and those relationships meant so much.
And I (Rachel) loved working with children in cross-cultural settings. Having been a missionary kid myself, it was eye-opening and rewarding to be serving God in this way. I particularly enjoyed being able to support young girls, pastorally and spiritually, in a way that I wish I could have been supported, as a child.
“We had no choice but to listen to God as he taught us more about being flexible and trusting him.”
“Our plan was to use our time away to explore the idea of long-term mission: to pray about it and to experience different elements of service – in particular, what it’s like to be on a team for an extended period of time.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out quite as neatly as we had planned. We had to leave our first placement because of political unrest, then had a period back in the UK, seeking God's guidance, before the opportunity in Senegal opened up.
Let's be motivated by the amazing grace of the gospel!
“We learnt so much through this whole process. We had no choice but to listen to God as he taught us more about being flexible and trusting him. With the unexpected change of plans, we felt confused and hurt, but God showed us that he is always sovereign and knows what he is doing.
It was such a meaningful time.
God spoke clearly about our expectations and how he can work through our plans, but all the more so if we hold those loosely. ‘Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.’ (Proverbs 19:21)
Our entire perspective on life in the UK and what it means to live for Christ has changed.
“Our entire perspective on life in the UK and what it means to live for Christ has changed. We are trying not to let the demands and expectations of society guide us and weigh upon us, but rather be motivated by grace.
We are still looking to continue serving the Lord overseas and God is guiding us in that.
We have also just entered the world of parenting, which is an adventure in itself!”
Check out our Short Term Mission opportunities here.
Find out more about our Short Term / Gap Year ministry
WEC’s Short Term programme is geared to fuel your passion for God through a hands-on experience.
For a Solo Trek, we aim to match your gifts and time-frame for a short-term cross-cultural faith-filled adventure with God. We will place you alongside an experienced missionary in any one of over 80 countries, where you can serve God, share the good news and grow in your faith.
Alongside Solo Trek, we encourage Church Teams to organise and run your own short term cross-cultural trip. Feel free to get in touch if you would welcome some tips to get you started.
Read more about Short Term / Gap Year here.
We need you to get involved
Take your first step with WEC. Go on a Short Term placement with us.
