TENTMAKER STORIES

Tentmaking for Couples

Andrew & Carmen, Scientist & Writer

Andrew’s Story

Andrew was a sophomore in college when he first joined our China Summer Program. He had such a positive experience that he returned to serve as a team leader two years later. Through the repeated exposure to China, he began to see the advantages of serving as a tentmaker.

As a science major, he needed to get his PhD in order to teach. Since he wanted to stay in China long term, he believed it would be a worthwhile investment. He spent the next few years pursuing the advanced degree, eventually landing a teaching position in the U.S. after graduation.

To keep his vision for China alive while gaining teaching experience, he decided to join another one of our short term projects, this time the China Vision Trip designed especially for working adults. The two week trip suited his summer vacation schedule perfectly. The experience of reaching teachers in a rural region would also complement his knowledge of reaching college students in an urban setting.

Carmen’s Story

Meanwhile, Carmen has been working in China as a teacher for several years. She and her roommate both taught at the same school and joined our network for support and accountability.

Many associates in our network are interested in seeing different parts of China as the country is vast and diverse. Therefore, we encourage them to join rural education project, which we refer to as the “Vision Trip” because it exposes them to a different facet of China.

The project is especially appealing to teachers who have the summer off. After teaching for several years, Carmen was seeking God’s guidance on the next step in her career so she decided to join our vision trip, the same summer that Andrew decided to go.

Embarking on a Vision Trip Together

That was how Andrew and Carmen met. That fateful day at the airport when the team got together for the first time, sparks flew between them. It was love at first sight. While they were engrossed in getting to know one another, their teammates immediately noticed the budding relationship.

Lining up the Three M’s

Andrew recalled how we had impressed upon our alumni about the importance of lining up the 3 M’s in the life of service: Master, Mission and Mate. Upon finding the last of the three, he began working with us earnestly on how to prepare for China. Would teaching be the right platform for him to go to China long term?

After teaching at the same school for six years, Carmen was also ready for change. She is a self-starter, but easily bored with routines. Also, she has a deep desire for in-depth relationships and spiritual refreshment, having so often been on the giving end. What is God calling her to in the future? How should she seek to grow in her career?

Following the One Who Holds the Future

Today, Andrew works as a research scientist while Carmen works as a writer. Andrew enjoys his job and is learning how he can do God’s will within his vocation. His work is fulfilling but very time-consuming. He is studying the Word with a fellow scientist, a bright researcher and a young believer.

Feeling settled in their own home and both working for great companies with the support of like-minded colleagues, Andrew and Carmen express thankfulness for a new season in their life. Although there will always be challenges ahead, they know who hold their future.

Reflection

  • If you are interested in missions or China, what are some ways for you to find others who share the same passion or calling?
  • How are the three Ms integrated in your life of service (Master, Mission and Mate)?
  • What are some steps that you and your boy/girlfriend or spouse can take together to explore your calling for missions or China?