MITCH & ZOE’S STORY—CALLED & ALIGNED, TESTED & CONFIRMED
Being called and becoming aligned
“The Middle East? Why?” Mitch’s friends were shocked when he shared that he felt called to serve overseas. Mitch’s story goes back to 2014.
Mitch had joined two short-term mission trips, and two things happened to him: he was moved by God’s work and felt a growing emptiness in his heart. The career that he had always enjoyed paled in contrast to the compelling call to reach the lost for Christ. He wanted to quit his job and enroll in seminary to prepare for ministry. He also wanted Zoe’s support because she did not share his passion for missions.
Short-term mission trips are a great way to experience God’s work on the mission field. When Zoe agreed to go to Taiwan, that was a game-changer. She was working with middle schoolers in Taiwan. Career-driven and ambitious, Zoe always saw herself as a successful professional, which she was. But to the youth, she was this fun, endearing mother figure whom they loved. Deeply touched, Zoe discovered a new identity and self-image, and a new way to serve.
Mitch and Zoe started exploring different mission fields. Many times, circumstances beyond their control prevented them from going. They were baffled and disappointed. But they trusted God’s timing.
Finally in the winter of 2016, they went on their first medical mission trip to the Middle East. When they revisited two years later, Zoe was offered an academic position to work there. By then, Mitch had also completed his seminary studies.
During this time, Mitch and Zoe were leading a hospitality ministry in their home, mentoring students and young professionals from China Mainland. This ministry equipped them well for missions because hospitality is a big part of Middle Eastern culture.
In 2018, God spoke to Zoe through Jesus’s prayer in Gethsemane, “Not My will but Yours be done”. Zoe was ready to say yes to missions. Husband and wife became fully aligned.
Knowing that God cares
Missionaries are bearers of the message. Their lives showcase how and why the gospel is good news. The Lord has reason to care about the emissaries of His mission.
More importantly, the missionary call comes from God’s father-heart. Missionaries are not mere servants. They are first and foremost sons and daughters. God delights in supplying all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). What they have received firsthand can then be shared and proclaimed with confidence (1 John 1:1-4).
God knew that there was a child in Zoe that had been hurting for years. No worldly blessing or professional accomplishment could heal it. Through a Spiritual Formation course that she took with Mitch in seminary, Zoe came to a new sense of self, an identity in Christ that enabled her to forgive and become whole again. She felt ready to step into God’s plan for her future.
Tested and confirmed
When they visited the Middle East in 2018, Zoe was offered a faculty position on the spot. Her expertise was precisely what the new university needed. They were thrilled.
But Mitch and Zoe’s faith was put to the test in the drawn-out hiring process that followed. Determined to not rely on human effort but to trust in God alone, they waited. “Just go with the flow,” Zoe said.
A year later, Zoe received the official offer. All gears were set in motion. Mitch and Zoe booked an Alaskan cruise with a June 15 start date, two months from their mid-August flight to the Middle East.
On June 6, Mitch was rushed to the hospital with a severe flare up of chronic hepatitis. His condition deteriorated rapidly. The doctor suggested liver transplant. Incredulous and shaken that this should be happening to him, Mitch clung on to Psalm 23. Many people prayed. Then, as suddenly as he was taken ill, Mitch turned the corner. To everyone’s surprise, he improved just enough to be discharged in time for the cruise!
Still, Zoe was worried. Mitch’s liver could have another flare up at sea. On Father’s Day, they got a text from their son. Quoting Mark 4:35-41, it read: “Fear not because Jesus who stilled the tempest is Lord over nature. Trust and lean on Him so you can fully relax!” These words were a blessing in the midst of testing!
That afternoon, Mitch and Zoe were on deck to see the glacier. Although partially obscured by clouds, it was an awesome sight. When other passengers had left for dinner and they were alone, Mitch on a whim asked the Lord to part the clouds and give them a second private viewing. From 6:16 to 6:20 pm, the glacier reappeared for four minutes, its magnificence on full display.
That night, unable to sleep, Mitch turned to his favorite gospel, the Book of John 6:16-20. It was the passage of Jesus walking on water. The sea was stormy, and the disciples were afraid. Jesus approached the boat and said, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Can the message be any clearer?
Mitch repented of his lack of faith. God had spoken repeatedly in sickness, in nature, and in Scripture. He felt reassured. That night, Zoe too had confirmation from the Lord in a dream that put all her worries to rest.
Their commissioning service was one of much joy and thanksgiving. And they departed on schedule for the field.
Reflection Questions:
What can you learn about God’s calling to missions?
What has helped Mitch and Zoe to clarify their calling and feel ready to go?
If you have questions you would like to explore, we would love to have a conversation with you. Contact us at info@goliveserve.org