Comment
Print
Since Susan Johnson first heard the voice of God, she's dedicated her life to doing His work. Among that work is going with others from Rutherford County to do mission work in Moldova.
A trained Precept leader since 1993, Susan said she'd done mission work since that time, primarily in Panama and South America. But one day, the Eurasian area was put on her heart, and she began to pray for Moldova.
"It wasn't until 20 years later I was finally able to go there," she said.
Her first visit to Moldova was in the summer of 2014, and while there she ministered through English for a New Life camp.
This weekend Susan, along with her son, Paul, and daughter, Sarah, and Reagan Davis, will visit Moldova for another mission trip where they will help run a weeklong camp to teach English.
"English is the second language in Eurasian countries," Susan explained. "It opens doors for those who live there for future jobs, and for ministry."
English is taught to those who attend camp through inductive Bible study. With inductive Bible study, students approach Biblical stories using observation, interpretation and application.
"It allows them the opportunity to hear God's Word without the opinions of others," Susan explained. "It's not me speaking to them, it's the Word speaking to them."
Campers are given opportunities to practice English and their understanding of the stories.
"In the evenings each group is assigned a skit, song or activity based on what they learned that day," Paul explained. "It reinforces what they learned Biblically and English."
Those who attend the weeklong camp have the chance to return for the longer camp in the summer.
When the Johnsons and Reagan return for camp this summer, they will do so again with books and other items for campers. All fundraising they do for the mission trip is used to provide for campers, Susan said.
"We have to take books for all the campers, and somehow we would up with almost double the books we needed," Paul said. "So, on the second day we gave each person an extra book that they could share with a friend. One camper said that she had prayed the day before that she would be able to share a book with her friend, and now she could."
The people of Moldova, Susan added, are some of the most humble she's ever met. Sarah agreed.
"I asked one boy what he would do with a million dollars, and his response was 'I'm going to go to heaven, why do I need it?'" Sarah said.
Visiting Moldova will provide both Sarah and Reagan an opportunity to further consider mission work as a career.
"I am a freshman at Gardner-Webb, and I'm majoring in missiology and teaching English as a Second Language," Sarah said. "I've visited Panama, Haiti, Thailand, India.... but God has really put Moldova on my heart, and I think it's where I will end up once I'm out of school."
"I believe this trip will influence my future by giving me more insight of what it will be like to be a missionary," Reagan said. "Traveling to other countries has already broadened my experience and made me more appreciative of what I have."
All are looking forward to seeing friends they've made and students from summer camp.
"I'm excited to see what the Lord has been doing in their lives and what He's going to do with me while I'm there," Reagan said.
Volunteering for English for a New Life Camp is open to anyone, no matter their church affiliation. Training is provided. Camp will be held July 12-22, and those who volunteer will travel from July 9-26. If you would like to take part, get in touch with Susan Johnson at 828-245-7397.
