Missionaries frequently wear many “hats”. They have their job description “hats” and some “hats” develop out of necessity. Take RMI’s missionaries, Andrew and Dawn Tlucek, for example. Andrew is RMI’s Director of Adult Education.
He is developing a school for young adults that would focus on developing their walk with the Lord as well as equipping them with marketable skills such as English, accounting, and computer. Besides raising the funds, developing the curriculum, and recruiting professors, he is also working on setting up and equipping the physical location. Another “hat” he wears is doing an efficacy study of Hope for Kidz’s Hot Lunch Program. This is an in-depth academic study that several organizations hope to use. Andrew is also a missionary host for RMI’s teams. This means that he goes out with teams from time to time.
He’s a very willing and capable “gopher”...where he sees a need, he’s willing to fill it. Community living on the mission center has given him responsibilities, too. But the most important “hat” he is taking on this month is that of being a new, first-time father. Layton Lee Tlucek is due June 20!
Dawn also wears many “hats”. One “hat” is as the Director of Hospitality: taking care of and feeding teams, updating and overseeing the renovations of the Zanglais Ministry Center, and helping update the RMI Haiti office. She works with every team to plan their trips. She is a missionary host for RMI’s teams, going out with teams from time to time. Once the adult school is up and running, she’ll be working (disciplining, teaching, etc.) in the women’s ministry there. Community living on the mission center has given her responsibilities as well. And, this month will give her the most important “hat” as she becomes a first-time mom to Layton Lee Tlucek.
Andrew and Dawn went to Haiti knowing some of the hats - or jobs - that they’d have. Some of the other jobs have come about because they have a gift or training in those areas. And, yes, some jobs have come about because “somebody has to do it”. It’s a part of being a missionary...being available to be used by God in any way that He needs. Andrew and Dawn are happy to wear these hats. It keeps them busy, yes, but they know that being a missionary is a lifestyle, not a 9 - 5 job.
Not every missionary’s experience is like the Tlucek’s. But, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2).” RMI acutely feels “the workers are few” part of that verse. We need new missionaries! While the need is immediate, we know that applying, preparing, and raising funds to go to the mission field takes time. If you feel called, don’t delay in exploring where God wants to use you. Email RMI President, Dan Shoemaker, at dan.shoemaker@rmibridge.org or contact one of our missionaries to get the conversation started.
