Jennifer Simpson, a student at the College of Charleston, is currently serving as a semester missionary in Maastricht, the Netherlands.  Placed through Baptist Collegiate Ministries and the International Mission Board (IMB), Simpson has been working with youth in that country since she arrived in July. 

Simpson has been instrumental in working with Dutch youth through Wednesday night Bible studies, discipling young girls and new Christians, teaching Sunday School and coordinating service projects for youth.

She emails family and friends regularly updating them on the ups and downs of ministering in a foreign country.  In her own words, Simpson shares some of her experiences.

August 13, 2003:

“Sunday School is going okay.  Attendance changes so much, it is kind of hard.  It is like starting a new series on something every week when there are all new faces.  I hope to have the opportunity to disciple a new girl who just became a Christian and is now involved in the church.  Her name is Melanie and she is Dutch – pray that this goes well, and that the Lord would speak His truth to her as we talk about her new life in Christ.”

September 11, 2003:

“Things here at Emmanuel Baptist are going pretty well.  Wednesday night Bible studies have been going okay…I have tried to incorporate some music, which has been challenging, but the students seem to like it anyway.  A family here has allowed me to use their guitar while I am here.  I still struggle with deciding what to teach at times – most of the students are still pretty young in their faith and, with only a few months here, I wonder what would be most important to focus on.  Please pray for me as I seek God’s guidance in this.

Sunday School has also been going well.  We went through a study of several Bible characters, and we are about to start a study of Ephesians.  I am excited about that.  I have been involved with a group of ladies outside of our church studying this book, and I think the youth would benefit from a look into Ephesians…perhaps they might realize and come to know better ALL the riches they have been given in Christ.  Pray for me as I put this study together.”

College students like Simpson are serving throughout the world on short and long-term missions projects.  Being a semester missionary involves a four- to six-month commitment with either the IMB or North American Mission Board.  Semester missionaries can serve in a variety of ministry roles including evangelism and church planting.  Students are interviewed and placed in these positions and receive support through funds raised by local Baptist Collegiate Ministry groups and through the Cooperative Program.

“Jennifer is an amazing young woman whose commitment to Christ is evident in all that she does.  God is using her in remarkable ways.  She is serving as an example to all of us,” said Chad Stillwell, SCBC Collegiate Ministry Group strategist.

According to Simpson – who returns from her overseas appointment in December -  semester missions has been “an adventure showing me that God really can use me in ways I wouldn’t have dreamed of before.”