Wonderful Wednesday

I am late!! I was trying to get this up on time, but we have had a bout of sickness hit our family and most evenings have been spent 'cuggling' my little man and trying to get better myself. Day three and he still is not eating and burning up, so please pray for this little monkey!

I am really excited for this months give-away. This month I am featuring an incredible family that we have had the pleasure of getting to know in Caronport. They are 6 months away from embarking on an incredible journey to Africa. A journey that I know is going to have such an amazing, profound effect on them. Amie just opened an Etsy shop and is selling these wonderful "C Coffee Cuffs". I really wanted to help support them and bring some awareness to the journey that they are about to embark on. I know that they are still in need of support to fulfill their financial obligations before they leave. I also know that they would love the 'prayer' support too.


I have a little interview that Jon completed for me and it will give you a little more insight into what they are doing and the journey that God is taking them on. We are super excited for them and know that God is going to do incredible things through them and in their lives. The Chalmers are an amazing family. You can also read more about their preparation, journey, etc. on Jon's blog and you can check out Amie's blog too--she also has a post about her Etsy shop.


1. When did you first think that God was laying it on your hearts to go to Africa? Tell us how you came to know that this was God's calling for your lives?

For Amie it has been since she was a child. She has always wanted to be a missionary in Africa. She signed the pledge cards at mission conferences and had committed her life at a young age to do something like this. So, she came to Briercrest College to pursue her education to go over. Then she met me. I had no interest at all in going over to Africa. But, thankfully, she made the decision to stick with me and marry me despite that and just trust God in His leading. So after pastoring a small rural church in Sask. for 4 years we felt called to come back to Seminary at Briercrest. About half way through my degree I had the classic student crisis like what am I going to do with this Master's degree when I am done. Amie and I talked through my giftings and desires. We came to the realization that I wanted to teach. So we began exploring options basically worldwide through missions organizations. That is when we came in contact with Africa Inland Mission. We loved their vision of "Christ-centered churches among all African peoples."

2. What will you be doing in Africa and how long will you be there?

I (Jon) will be teaching at a bible College called Pwani Bible Institute in Mombasa, Kenya. Pwani has a 4 year degree bible program and they train pastors, ministry leaders, and church leaders for ministry in Africa. Students are men and women ranging in age from 18-60. Amie is going to be caring for our three children Elijah (6), Grace (5), and Ian (1). At this point she is planning on home schooling them at least for the first year we are in Mombasa. So, in some senses life will look like here in North America. I will go to work and come home in the evenings and Amie will be able to care for the kids. Except, it won't be nearly as neat and organized as it is here! One can't plan ahead too much in Africa! As far as time frame and length of service in Africa. We are leaving this July and are committing to a 4 year term with Africa Inland Mission. It is kind of crazy to think that the only life our youngest son Ian will remember when we come back will be Kenya. He will have no reference of our life here in Canada.

3. Where in Africa will you be going?

We are moving to Mombasa, Kenya. It is the second biggest city in Kenya. It is a Port city located right on the Indian Ocean. The city itself is heavily influenced by Islam even though Kenya as a nation is predominately influenced by Christianity.

4. What has been your biggest challenge in preparing to leave thus far?

I think for us it has been the challenge to trust God's plan for our preparation to leave. It has been God constantly challenging us to dependence upon Him. Our work plans for this year completely fell apart. We thought we had everything lined up to make for an easy year before we left for Kenya but in the summer my job fell through. Leaving us completely at a loss. Amie was working part-time at a Subway/Coffee Shop in town and was able to ask for more hours. Obviously, this was not ideal and we both have had to take on new roles for this year. God has taught us a lot in that. Included, in this theme of dependence has been trusting God to supply for our needs in going to Africa. Because Africa Inland Mission is a faith mission we have to raise up our living expenses and all our one-time costs. Again, this is something we can't control. The last thing we want to do is manipulate or push people into financially participating in this ministry. But, it is a constant struggle not to count numbers and people as we prepare. We have decided that we will take up every opportunity God gives us to share about the amazing work He is doing in Kenya and explain our needs but leave it at that. God has been so gracious and we have spent many miles on the road this year visiting with churches and people.

5. What will be your biggest obstacles upon arrival?

The CHANGE! Cultural and also just the amount of moving we will do in Kenya. We go through a series of different training opportunities before we actually are allowed to begin ministry. First there is a month of training for all new AIM missionaries that we do near Nairobi. After that we do a homestay with a Kenyan family for 2-4 weeks. Where we live with them and learn about the culture. After, that we will move into our place in Mombasa. At that point we will begin language training in Swahili, which may last another 4-6 months. Although, I will teach in English it is important for us to be able to connect with the people in their mother tongue.

6. Any prayer requests for your last 6 months in Canada?

1. Physical strength and endurance for the traveling and visiting that we must yet still do. 2. That we would be filled spiritually and emotionally with strength as we begin to say good-bye to family and friends. 3. For our children, and that they would make a smooth transition into life in Africa. 4. For the rest of our support to be pledged or coming in before we leave.


I am giving away three sets of "C Coffee Cuffs". So three lucky readers will receive these awesome gifts. Tim Horton's has started charging for extra cups (their coffee is so darn hot, you need it), so ours will stay in the van. You can check out Amie's Etsy shop to see the various styles, colours, etc.

When I started doing the Wonderful Wednesday giveaways, I knew that I wanted to include a mix of international organizations, local organizations, and also local people that are doing extraordinary work for His kingdom. To me, it is important to recognize these people and the struggles, hardships, praises, etc. that they face. It is important to see and realize that we are not alone and I truly love hearing stories, testimonies of real life people close to me and seeing how God is and has been working in their lives. So please, most imporatnaly keep the Chalmers in your prayers and if you feel led to, buy some Coffee Cuffs or donate to help ensure they have the support before they leave.

Before I forget, in your comments,( if you want) tell me about a major change that has happened in your life and how you dealt with it?