Ashlyn says that the missionary life has always seemed quite normal to them. "Our childhood was spent in one country and our teenage years were spent in another, so we didn't move around a lot. Other than our dad leaving for a few weeks a few times a year, life goes on as usual. My parents have always simply tried to get us involved with whatever they were doing, to show us the importance of this kind of work."
Once Gord became involved in ministry in Southern Sudan, Ashlyn and Alyssa looked for opportunities to experience it for themselves. After a short term trip in 2009, Alyssa returned as an intern earlier this year, with Ashlyn joining her for the last month of her internship. Ashlyn says the trip was significant to both of them because they were better able to understand why Sudan is so important to their father. "Not only is it Dad's work, but it's his passion, and it's a big part of who he is. I wanted to understand why it was important to him. I was so glad to go while Alyssa was there too – it was nice to have someone with me who knows me very well and really understood what it felt like for me to be there."
Alyssa's internship was made even more special because she was able to share part of it with her fiancé Andrew. "I had talked about my first trip a lot and showed him pictures and shared stories. By coming with me, he got to meet people who were important to me. He needs to have a heart for mission because that's where my heart is. It was challenging at times – everything was a new experience for him – but it was a blessing to share that with him."
Both Gord and Sharon are extremely proud of their daughters. Gord says they are honoured to have children that not only love and serve the Lord but who share their vision to help the poor. "As a father I am honoured to have my children follow me and my wife in mission – they have helped in the Welcome Home program when I was directing and now both of my girls have been to Sudan. My heart really explodes with joy to know God is leading our family in mission."
To support their family's vision of bringing clean water and education to the vulnerable people of South Sudan, visit www.iteams.ca/impactsouthernsudan.php and click Give.
