My Early Life

I heard about Jesus at a very early age, being from a pastor's family and always  going to church.  At the age of 4 I realized that I needed Jesus in order to go to heaven.  I talked with my parents and insisted I wanted to go to heaven.  They tried to put it off thinking I was too young; however, after much persistence on my part my father prayed with me.  At nine years old I was having doubts about my salvation.  I talked with my mother and prayed again for assurance.  I know that when I leave this earth I will be in the presence of Jesus forever.

Studies

Throughout middle school and high school I was very involved in my church and youth  group.  During my early teens, I remember watching a missions trip presentation and knowing that I was willing to serve The Lord full time as a missionary if that's what he would have for my life.  In college I studied Middle Childhood Education and continued to serve on mission trips in the states as well as out of the country.  I completed my student teaching at  Ukarumpa International School in Papua New Guinea with the goal of getting a "feel for life overseas" for a longer period of time.  While student teaching I was given an opportunity to teach for 2 years at another school overseas.  After much prayer I felt I should return to the states.  I did not feel right about staying overseas at that time.

God's Plan

My plan was to get married and start a family; however, as I graduated college and moved back home to teach in a local middle school I realized my plan and timing for my life was not the same as God’s plan and timing.  Throughout the next few years I was learning to be content in my life as a single woman.  Although at times I struggled with not being married, it was my singleness that allowed me to spend a lot of time serving the Lord in my local church.  I treasure those years as I grew closer to the Lord and  developed lasting relationships with other women.  I was also able to gain experience in leading drama and directing kids musicals as well as gaining valuable experience in my job as a math teacher.  During one summer I was able to travel to India to teach puppets and drama to the people in the area so that they could then use those skills to minister to local churches.

Josh and Jodie

Soon after that trip, Josh and I started dating and not long after we married.  Together we were able to go back to India where he taught in the Bible college and I was able to do more puppets and drama as well as help train math teachers in teaching conceptually.  This trip really solidified in our hearts and minds that The Lord was calling us to serve overseas helping to train others so they could use that knowledge in ministering to others.