Interview a Missionary

Jennifer Coshow

United World Mission

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 12 p.m., Grand Lobby DeMoss, Liberty University

1. How long have you been a missionary?

She has worked with United World Mission for 15 years. Her title is Associate Director of Mobilization and her job consists of recruiting and training possible missionaries.

2. How did you decide what you wanted to be?

“God just led me to it. I came to faith because of hearing a missionary speak at my church and we hosted many missionaries at my home… I love being a part of others’ process.” Coshow minored in intercultural studies and discovered an opportunity to work on staff in missions and found herself applying.

3. What locations has your job taken you to?

“Slovenia, France, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Czech Republic, Russia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Mexico, and the Caribbean.”

4. What is the most rewarding experience you have had?

Part of her role consists of walking people through the process, she loves to see their passion and hear about what God is doing in their lives. “I can’t believe God lets me be a part of this.”

5. What is the hardest situation you’ve had to encounter?

“Communicating well. I work with all I work with all missionaries and try to communicate to them what opportunities there are and inform people what the field looks like over Skype and email. The hardest part is making sure they’re good for us and for the situation.”

6. What is some advice you would give to someone who wants to become a missionary?

“Serve now. Don’t wait to be somewhere, be involved where you are in your life right now. Seek the Lord because if he’s not working in your life now, you won’t be able to work in other people’s lives.”

7. How has God used you in situations where you may feel inadequate?

“He does all the time. I hate public speaking but I’ve had to share in front of college classes, which is not my strength. He is strong in my weakness.”

8. What’t the greatest thing you’ve learned from your experience?

“It’s encouraging to me to see that God is still at work in this dark world and in places you might not think he is.” She’s seen first hand how the church around the world is growing and how people are willingly leaving everything they know for the cause.

9. Are there any locations that you would like to go that you have not yet?

“I want to go somewhere in Africa. It doesn’t really matter where.”

10. What first steps would you instruct someone to take who decides they want to become involved in missions?

“Be in prayer and have others be in prayer for you. Start serving now, if you like to work with kids, work with kids, if you want to be involved with discipleship, get involved in discipleship… Know your spiritual gifts and who God has created you to be. Also, we like to recommend a class that some churches provide on Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.”

11. What does a day in the life of your job look like?

Coshow’s job is different than those of overseas missionaries. Her work involves high relational skills and she spends the day communicating through email and Skype or visiting churches and colleges.