Monday, April 25, 2016

Missionary Spotlight | The Kirklins

Meet Justin and Julie Kirklin, their son Eli, and their daughter Emily. Justin has faithfully filled many roles at Casas por Cristo since he came on staff in 2009. He currently serves as the Field Director of our newest location, the Dominican Republic.
INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN
1. Tell a little bit about yourself and where you're from.
  • We are the Kirklins. We are from Michigan and have been privileged to serve with Casas por Cristo these last 8 years. Julie and I met in college and fell in love through missions trips with the college ministry that we attended. Julie used to lead half of the build process herself before the little ones arrived. Our son Eli loves to build like his daddy. Emily is already trying to speak Spanish. We love the Dominican Republic and all of the new friends and family we have made here.
2. What made you choose to serve at Casas por Cristo?
  • Our desire to bring hope to families in need and to kindle a fire for missions in others drew us to Casas. After participating in several trips to serve with Casas, and after I completed two summer internships, the Lord opened an opportunity for us to serve full time. It has been a wonderful ministry to be a part of, and we feel so blessed that God has given us such a gift in life.
3. How have you seen God through your ministry at Casas por Cristo?
  • First and most important, we have seen so many individuals and families come to faith in Jesus Christ through the opportunities our partnering pastors have had through building. More recently, we are part of a Dominican church that is in partnership with Casas and have been able to see the effect Casas has on a church participating in the program. Our church has doubled in size over the last year through the opportunities to share the love of God through the building of homes in our community. It's been amazing!
4. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
  • Adjusting to a new country and culture has been the biggest challenge. We learned quickly that the comforts, ease of life, and amenities we had in the US were a privilege, not a right. Things don't come as easy or comfortable as they used to, and there was an adjustment period for us. We are still learning and adjusting, but we are enjoying our Dominican life!
5. What are some things people can pray for on your behalf?
  • Pray for growth. There is a never ending amount of need here. The only thing standing in the way of meeting the need is the amount of groups we can get to come to meet those needs. Pray for more churches and groups to discover the opportunity to serve with Casas por Cristo and to find a home serving with us in the Dominican Republic.


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