Linda Neely Debriefing

In mid-2003, Linda Neely completed a year of short-term missionary service in Macau. Global Ministries Director Gary Dilley asked her some questions about how she ended up in Macau and about her experience there.

What initially led you to becoming a volunteer missionary in Macau?

I had participated in some trips overseas with Huntington College and had developed an interest in and love for other cultures. After graduation, I wanted to go somewhere for a year to serve cross-culturally, and became aware of the need in Macau.

Once you knew what God wanted you to do, what was the process that you went through to actually become a volunteer missionary?

A lot of prayer was involved! I talked with Gary Dilley, Donna Hollopeter, and other people who had been to Macau. Then I began raising support for prayer and finances by sending out letters. I also went to Wheaton College's Institute for Cross-Cultural Training to prepare for teaching English and intercultural communication.

What did you do while you were on the field?

While in Macau, I taught conversational English (mostly to adults, but also some children's classes). Once a week I went to Ricci High School where we taught an English handicrafts class. I helped lead some English Bible studies for our adult English students, and also helped with some children's ministry. I spent time with students, building relationships and sharing God's love with them.

As you were in Macau, what did God teach you about yourself and/or your ministry?

God taught me some things about myself, but really more about Himself (and for that I'm glad!). He showed me His faithfulness in all circumstances, and His immeasurable love for all people. I also grew to appreciate a new part of His creation. I learned that I have both strengths and weaknesses I didn't know about before. There are many things I'm not very good at, but it doesn't matter--God is not limited by my limitations! I learned that I enjoy evangelism and that it's not as scary as it sounds. It's great to be able to share what I know about Jesus with friends who haven't heard.

What were some of the highlights of your time on the mission field?

I'm still on the mission field! Highlights of my time in Macau included developing close friendships with a few of my students, meeting people from all over the world, and times when I got to answer someone's questions about the Bible or God

What advice would you give someone who might be thinking about becoming a volunteer missionary?

Pray, pray, pray. If God is leading you to go, GO! It's a wonderful experience, and God will provide all that you need.

What are your plans for the future?

That's a good question. Right now, I'm looking for a job. I think I'd like to help refugees/immigrants get settled in the U.S. As for long-term plans--overseas missions is definitely a possibility, but we shall see where God leads!

Posted November 2003