Missionary from the Ends of the Earth

On Thursday, November 25, 2010 we finished a gathering with about 350 tribal pastors from over 20 tribes on Mindanao Island in the Philippines.  Pastor Ben Embaan coordinates an incredible training ministry which reaches hundreds of leaders and thousands of believers with quality leadership training each month.   Ben has four wonderful children, a boy and three daughters who have the voice of angels.  JasJane or “Jane” is his middle daughter and recently graduated from college and completed her teaching credentials.

Jane leading pastors in worship

Now she feels called to Cambodia to work with the children there as a missionary.  From the “Ends of the Earth” to some, Jane is moving to an even more remote place in northern Cambodia.

A few days ago the leaders of the tribal churches commissioned her and set her out much like Paul and Barnabas were sent out.  The Bible tells us that “² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.‘ ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:2-3)

Tribal elders praying to send off Jane

Unfortunately today, many potential missionaries have a very complicated preparation time of being scrutinized by committees, completing many levels of missionary training, fund raising, more fund raising and again more fund raising before they can ever hope to board an airplane to the place God has called them to go.  It has been wonderful to see how simple JasJane’s calling has been. Her preparation includes:  a calling from God; a demonstratable faith which is utterly dependent on God; unquestionable character; a history of serving in congregations and personal ministry since a young child;  and a impressive worship leader with other gifts in administration and teaching.  She also just finished her Philippine teachers’ exam.  (To me, that is the only optional qualification.)

Tomorrow, she starts a journey with a one-way ticket to Cambodia.  She has 30 pounds in personal clothing and teaching materials and a heart filled with passion and expectancy. She has an empty purse and a full heart.  I have no doubt she will be an exceptional missionary in Cambodia.