The Story of Mike and Sharon

Mike chaired the missions committee for many years. Now they are the first home-grown, empty nester tentmakers to go out from their home church. There are challenges for Mike and Sharon, but there are rewards too. Together, they give new meaning to “The Golden Years”.

The Preparation and Waiting

As an energy and environmental resource management consultant, I had for years dreamed of contributing to the greening of the energy infrastructure of my home country in East Asia and being a part of God's work there.

I took jobs with companies interested in that market, hoping that they would place me overseas. Over the years, I traveled there often , but my work was largely stateside. My wife and I kept praying, but it was getting frustrating.

Finally, the Lord showed me that perhaps the best way would be to move to the field as an independent consultant. It would require using our retirement savings to support ourselves, but we would have more flexibility for ministry.

The decision was made. My wife took early retirement from the school district so that we could go together. 

The Surprise

Sharon had always envisioned her role in the mission field as a supportive wife. But God had plans for her too. Some local Christians in our neighborhood were starting a center for children with special needs. With lots of heart but no training, they are desperate for help.

Sharon had been in special education for 15 years. She could get involved and access the needed resources from back home. It’s exciting to discover that this move overseas is as much a calling for her as it is for me.

The Road Ahead

Our children and their families are all in California and we’ll be expecting our second grandchild soon. It’s hard being so far away, but we’re set on making China our home for the foreseeable future. Now that we’re here, we’re so sure there’s no other place we’re meant to be.

Mike and Sharon served in East Asia for ten years. In their eighties with eleven grandchildren, they are back in the U.S. and still supporting missions initiatives in their sending church.

For the security of those serving in sensitive locations, some names and identifying details have been changed.