This past term, Alyssa taught fifth grade at Hillcrest International School. Starting in the fall of 2006, she will be the principal for the elementary/middle school. It is the only school for missionary children in Papua and she is part of a team that aims to provide a quality Christian education to the children. “I find great joy in using my teaching skills in this way. I have not only the opportunity to help missionary children in learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, but more importantly, I guide them in their walk with the Lord.”

Flint, Michigan, was Alyssa's place of birth. She grew up in a Christian home in the small town of Fenton, Michigan, and accepted Christ around age eight. Alyssa attended the University of Michigan at Flint where she earned a B.S. and a Michigan teaching certificate. During her freshman year, she learned of the need for teachers on the mission field through a conversation with a missionary friend. She says, "Although I had grown up around missions and understood the need for missions, this was the first time I'd heard that teachers were needed. From that point on, I continued my education with the focus of some day being a teacher for missionaries' kids.”

1 John 3:1a is an important verse for Alyssa. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!” She shares that this term God has been teaching her what a mighty, powerful, great God He is and at the same time how much He loves her. “Through the struggles and through the victories, my God remains the same and His love for me remains unchanged. It is a simple truth, yet one that is transforming my life as I see more and more of God’s deep care for me, His child.”

To fund the worldwide ministry of MAF, God is faithful in providing loyal, generous ministry support from His most caring people. He has called the men and women of MAF to serve Him in a unique way. He is also calling people like you around the world to play a special role in the ministry of MAF.

You are invited to become a ministry partner with Alyssa in this strategic ministry. Please prayerfully consider involvement with her through prayer and/or financial support.

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