Hi there! I’m Michelle and I was a California girl until the continent of Africa got ahold of my heart! I was born in Southern California, but raised in Northern California, so I’m a city girl with a country core. I wasn’t raised in the church, but when I was in high school, my best friend invited me to church and that began my spiritual journey. I followed her to Point Loma Nazarene University where my eyes were opened to my sin problem and I found Jesus, the One who set me free! It was there where I also met my husband, Chris, who had a heart for Missions and brilliant creative abilities, especially in dressmaking. Although I had a dream to be a journalist, I used my writing and teaching skills as an English teacher and later as a Children’s Ministry Director in San Diego, California. God blessed us with six children and a church that nurtured our knowledge of the Word and a passion for The Great Commission.
After many short-term trips to work with orphans in Uganda through another organization, we applied with Africa Inland Mission and were appointed and sent to the mountains of Lesotho. Chris taught sewing at the Vocational Skills Learning Centre in a remote village and I homeschooled our four youngest children until he suddenly passed away from Encephalitis. Following Chris’ death, God’s providential guidance and provision led me and five of my kids to Rift Valley Academy where I taught Senior English for two years. Although that was a rich time of ministry for me, Home Assignment brought me back to the States where God revealed another change of plans, our return to San Diego and a new role as the Southwest Mobilizer for AIM. Although I grieved my departure from Africa, my position on the mobilizing team has allowed me to play a strategic part in the mission as a whole.
After many years as a widowed mother to six and a dynamic job and ministry, God granted me my heart’s desire for another partner in life. I met and married my husband Brent in my home church of over thirty years and we continue to live in San Diego with a busy house full of our blended adolescent kids. While I carry the title of Southwest Mobilizer for AIM, both Brent and I are passionate about using our lives for God’s glory and renown in our neighborhood and to the ends of the earth. I’d love to connect with you and hear YOUR story!
