The Smiths
The Smith family has been serving in Romania since September 2022. Ian and his son Nathan were part of a mission trip to Romania in April 2022 to help with construction at the camp as well as help with Ukrainian refugee relief work. It was after this trip and sharing their experience with Karen and Kendra that the Smith family felt a stirring in their heart for something more in Romania. After some time of prayer, conversations and discernment, the Smith family accepted the position of 'Interim Field Director' to fill in while Paul and Tanya Gericke were away on home assignment. The Smiths was quickly embraced by the NAB team, the camp team as well as the Szentkiraly village. They were thrown into the 'deep end' as they stepped into their new role Fall of 2022.
Ian: Since I was a young adult, I felt a strong call to give my life to ministry. I/we have been privileged to serve in numerous nations in short-term capacities, and God has grown my heart for global ministry through these experiences. I have been part of short-term ministries to Colombia, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, the Republic of Philippines (six times), and Romania.
Karen: There was a time in my life where, as a teenager, I was having to struggle to decide between following Jesus or following my friends. I did not see the logic in choosing both. One night, I woke in the middle of the night crying, and it was all clear to me. I must follow Jesus. From that moment on I have had a pretty determined focus to follow God in whatever ministry He would have me do. Originally my heart was solely focused on serving as a missionary after Bible school. I did a two-year associate of arts in Bible Missions. During that time, I spent significant time forming friendships with people from other cultures. In church context, I continue to enjoy this. My husband and I have gone on or led several short-term mission trips, including ministry to Columbia, Peru, the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
Pray that God would use this year to grow our hearts to love Hungarian-speaking Romanians.
Pray that He would sustain and bless the preaching ministry, youth ministry, and ministry of leadership within the Romania field.
Pray for our teens, that they would grow to love God’s global heart. Pray He would show them how He desires they would use their lives for His glory.
Pray for close partnerships with supporting churches and individuals.
Pray for Karen and I, that we would transition to the field well and that our marriage would grow for God’s glory.
