‘“Aren’t you a bit old to be considering heading off to Africa for mission work?”
People might not say it out loud, but you can be sure that more than a few have thought it!
Yes, we’re a fair bit older than most people at the start of cross-cultural mission work, but it’s certainly not a new idea for us.
The start of our journey
Way back when I (Linda) was a teenager over forty years ago, I heard Helen Roseveare speak about the missionary life at a Katoomba Youth Convention and decided that that was what I wanted to do.
So I headed off to Bible College to get some training, then met Darrel, we got married, and we discussed overseas mission work together.
Knocking on mission doors
We knocked on a few doors over the years but God had other ideas and so we’ve stayed and served here in Australia, first in Sydney, and for the last 21 years in Tamworth.
Last year, when we went to Kenya to visit our daughter Lauren and her family, we also investigated whether we might be of help if we went in a more permanent capacity.
It became apparent that we could be, so we started the process of applying to go with AIM. This time, God is opening the doors – we’re looking forward to seeing what things He’s got planned for us!’
Mission work later in life: preparing to serve in Kenya
Linda and Darrel are preparing to go to Nairobi, Kenya for long-term service with AIM. They’ll serve in a member care role, helping missionaries go the distance. Linda shares:
‘Recently, we have been in contact with some of the missionaries we will be ministering to. They told us of many instances where Member Care would have been invaluable for them. We are now convinced in our hearts that this is certainly what God has been leading us to.’
Darrel and Linda’s story is a reminder that God’s timing might look different to ours. We think it’s worth staying open to His leading no matter what stage you’re at.
Your gift helps AIM send, support and equip gospel workers to serve among Africa’s peoples.
