After ministering for 10 years in Togo as a missionary, I was ready to pursue more studies that could help me be more effective.  As a single woman, finding a master’s program that fit or was at a school that accepted women was difficult.  Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary had just what I needed. 

What I appreciated most about the master's program in intercultural studies was that I could do many of the courses by extension.  Another plus was that the course assignments were practical in many ways. A lot of the homework was hands-on.  A course on Muslim evangelism gave me principles I use every day in my contacts with Muslims.  The doctrine course assignments helped me defend my beliefs on things such as speaking in tongues and the open view of the sovereignty of God.  My research project on cross-cultural mentoring is also something that I continue to use in my ministry today.  I also found that taking courses as a mature, experienced missionary gave me a completely different perspective than when I was younger. 

It is humbling to be used by the Lord as I serve in Cameroon.  We all need to continue to learn, as both life and ministry involve the learning process.  I am passionate about sharing Christ with those who do not know Him.  My heart is in the local church, whether helping to start one or mentoring Christian women to serve in their congregations.  Life is short, but eternity is forever.  I prefer to be focused on those things that will last forever.