Getting to know Me

Lauren Bouas, semester missionary

March 13, 2008

Lauren is a semester missionary working with the Xtreme Patagonia Team. XPT has asked Lauren to share part of her story.

ME

I grew up in St. Louis, the middle of three children. My mom, Mary Ann, currently teaches at Missouri Baptist University and my dad, Ken, is the facilities director at our church, First Baptist Church of Ferguson. With a parent on staff at the church, one can imagine, my sister, Becky and my brother, Alex and I did a lot of growing up with in the walls of our church. I am so thankful to God for our church family that played such an active role in my life and has really worked as the Potter’s hands in my life.

I graduated from McCluer High School in 2005 and am now in my third year of school at the University of Richmond as a History and Political Science double major. In these last three years God has taught so much about His justice and His vision for His church. I think the most powerful lesson that God has taught me at Richmond is that God’s purpose for His people is to be a tool of justice throughout His creation.

God has also given me a piqued passion for students of all ages, primarily inner-city and under-served students. So many sins in our society begin with a deep wound inflicted upon people as children and it is my heart to avoid those injuries and injustices at young ages. It is my heart to see children grow up to know that they are loved by a powerful God and they have great worth as His children.

I came to Chile as many different areas of interest converged. Global issues, Spanish, education and simple timing played a role and as I find myself here at the end of the Earth, I am beginning to realize that God has been shaping this experience for years. Jackie and her family in the States have been faithful and dear friends of my family for years. Her nephew, Philip and I grew up together. After high school, Dad suggested I consider spending a “gap” year in Chile, but I was excited to get started at university. At Richmond, I continued studying Spanish, and with God’s timing wound up with enough credits to graduated a semester early. What God really put on my heart, however was the desire to use the Spanish God had given me in a way that would glorify Him. So I decided that I would take this semester off from school and come down to Punta Arenas where I could come alongside Jackie, the Racey’s and our Lord in their work here.

For me, that work is multifaceted. Working down here will include English classes, puppetry, working with children and with older students, a women’s bible study and who knows what else! I am excited to be here not only because I want to serve but, as God has already shown me, I have a lot to learn from the people of Punta Arenas!

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