Mariko:
"It has been my desire to serve God
through missions overseas since I
was in high school. However, I
struggled to discover in what
capacities I could best serve.
Recently, as my goals for my life are
solidifying I am realizing more and
more that no matter what I'm doing,
my focus should be on allowing
Christ to love people through me.

"My goal is to work in connection
with the outreach and community
programs at Rosebank Union Church
in Johannesburg, South Africa. I plan
to volunteer in children's care and
education programs such as AIDS
orphanages and after-school
programs. Through interacting with
children in these programs I will
hopefully gain valuable experiences
that I can draw upon later as a
Christian as well as in my future
career.

"Your prayers will be an encourage-
ment and a source of strength for |
me while I am in South Africa.
Thank you!"

Christina:
"Since working in an HIV/AIDS
home in Johannesburg, South Africa,
last year, something has changed in
me. It would in anyone! I have been
interested in the affects of this
disease in Africa since my research
projects on the subject in university.
I went to South Africa excited to
observe and join the work that
Rosebank Union Church was doing
through various community relief
projects.

"This year, I have decided to return
to Johannesburg to do more of the
same work in cooperation with
Rosebank Church. I hope to connect
with a school for disadvantaged
children that could use someone
with my experience in education.

"I have felt clearly that God has
shaped my heart to be compassion-
ate and that my gifts are in educa-
tion and care. I feel God drawing
me back to work with children in SA.
My thoughts and prayers stray back
to that part of the world daily.

"To know that my church and my
family and friends support me in
doing what God is pulling my heart
towards means so much! Thanks!"

Kathryn:
"Never in a million years did I
think that I was the traveling
kind! I always wanted to stay
at home and be in a comfort-ing environment where I was
never forced to meet new people. So, to be challenged
by friends to travel in Europe,
to find employment in England and to minister to AIDS
orphans in South Africa is a leap of faith!

"Overseas missions work is
certainly not new to me as
I've grown up in a church
that is very outreach-
oriented. But to hear God's
call to me to go "out there"
is very exciting, if not scary!

"I look forward to see how
God connects my training to
be a teacher with accom-
plishing His goals at the same
time.

"I appreciate the backing and
prayer support of the church
as I begin a new chapter in
my life."