After my very first mission trip, I returned with a desire to serve God overseas. I attended Dallas Theological Seminary to be trained, and it was during that time I realized God was leading me to work with children and the unloved of society. My initial desire was to serve survivors of human trafficking, and although I was able to serve in some ways while living in Dallas, Texas, the doors to global opportunities to serve were closed. While applying to WorldVenture a few years later, the refugee crisis in Europe came to the forefront of American media. As I learned more about the refugees’ experiences, I knew God was leading me to serve refugees in some way. After exploring different options, God led me to serve refugee children and their families at a community center in Austria. While there I was able to utilize my training and experience with children and trauma healing to help the children know and feel that they were unconditionally loved.
After serving with that ministry for 5 years, God led me in a different ministry direction, and now I use other gifts he has given me to equip others for ministry in various ways. First, I serve at Herzwerk, a Christian organization that supports women leaving commercial sexual exploitation, by co-coordinating the companionship program that matches a survivor with another woman or couple who will walk alongside the survivor as she pursues healing and stability. I am able to see how Christ is moving among people and drawing them out of the darkness into the light. Second, I am pursuing my PhD in practical theology at the University of Aberdeen researching how traumatized children understand God. I hope that what I learn can be used by others to facilitate the spiritual growth of children. Even though I have not graduated yet, I have already had opportunities to teach others ministering to children some of what I have learned.
You can be involved in the work God is doing in Austria by praying for the following:
• All people involved in commercial sexual exploitation throughout the world would find true freedom and healing in Christ.
• Those who work with people leaving commercial sexual exploitation would be strengthened and encouraged.
• The people of Austria to come to Christ and shine his light among the nations.
• Opportunities for me to continue to serve children and show them the love of Jesus.
Ways to Connect With Beth
– Adventurous Life Blog
– Beth’s Youtube
– Beth’s Facebook Group
Articles and Blogs on WorldVenture:
– WorldVenture::In Review 2025
– Going On Mission, Into Exile, And Back
– Expecting Emmanuel
– Orientation
Publications by WorldVenture:
* The Practice of Lamenting, Day 10
* Winter Stillness, Day 9
