Georgetown Family Answers the Call
I’d go anywhere in the world except Asia.” Devon remembers having the thought before she, her husband Jared, and their three sons surrendered their comfortable American lives, preconceptions of the region, and fears about becoming the first cross-cultural workers in Southeast Asia. “I believed what was on TV about these people, that they were violent and hostile. The Father changed my heart,” she says, adding that there are bad seeds in every culture. “The people He has called us to serve are loving and hospitable, very religious, open, and friendly.”
Eleven years ago, Devon and Jared answered God’s call to become cross-cultural workers. They were later joined by their sons, Quinn, Asher, and Silas, to spread the good news so “every man, woman, and child in the whole world would have the life-changing experience of hope and reconciliation.”
When an opportunity presented itself to reach 13 unreached people groups in Southeast Asia, where few had traveled and many had no access to the good news, they were reminded of another trailblazing move they made almost a decade ago that encouraged them to pursue this daunting adventure—being the first ones to help plant River Rock Bible Church in Georgetown. “It’s a good fit for us to be pioneers,” Devon says.
Over the last 14 months, while waiting for coronavirus travel restrictions to end, she and her family lived at 22 different addresses. Their nomadic life taught Devon to be content with not having a home, which is only temporary anyway. “We’re not really from here. Our citizenship is in heaven and I have to be okay with that,” she says.
THE MISSION FIELD
Finally in Thailand, the family has been busy learning the language and culture over the last two months. These final preparations will prepare them for their ultimate ministry destination in Southeast Asia, which they hope will be opened to travelers next year. The unnamed location has restrictions regarding cross-cultural workers, but is home to millions of unreached people who have never heard His name. The family plans to integrate themselves into tribal villages, not as “westerners coming to save the day” but with the goal of meeting needs and incorporating His love and truths into their culture.
Devon is looking forward to planting seeds of the Father’s love in the villages, a reward she believes will make all their sacrifices worth it. “You have to count the cost,” she says. “Is giving up your house and job and all the comforts of America worth it to follow where He calls you? For our family, the answer is yes.”