Kathleen Clark, Mission to China

The Episcopal Church website poses the questions: "Ready for an experience that will transform your life? Want to be a part of what God is doing in the world? Want to help, work, laugh, love, cry, and worship with God’s people?"

If your answers are "yes," they say you are ready to work with Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) in a one-year assignment. Kathleen Clark of St. Paul’s Church Murfreesboro was one who answered in the affirmative.

"I have been discerning a call to serve God and his Church for several years," Kathleen says. "I was able to answer that call by accepting a position with the YASC, a branch of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the U.S. Episcopal Church. God willing, I will depart in July for a year long position working with migrant women in Hong Kong."

She will be working in the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW), a migrant-serving institution established in Hong Kong in 1981. It is an ecumenical institution assisting migrant workers who are in distress and supporting efforts for the recognition and respect of the rights and well-being of migrant workers. To learn more about MFMW please visit www.migrants.net.

"First and foremost," she continues, "I ask for prayers and encouragement as God guides me according to His will. The next year will undoubtedly be challenging and overwhelming in many ways, and your prayers and support will help me through. Secondly, I am asking for financial support. The church cannot engage in mis- 6 May 2011 sionary work without resources, and as part of my preparation for this work, I need to raise $10,000 - approximately half of the total cost of supporting an overseas missionary."

Not everyone is called or is able to become a missionary, but through spiritual and financial support anyone can participate in the healing work to which God calls us. There are different levels of participation by donation: 1 Day = $28; 2 Days = $52; 1 Week = $192. If you are interested in donating, contact Kathleen via email, KathleenTN@gmail.com.

She invites you to walk this journey with her through her blog, http://servinghongkong.blogspot.com. She says, "I will update often on my experiences and spiritual journey and I hope you will join me."

For more information on YASC, contact Michelle Jobson at 212- 716-6124. You ay also want to visit the Episcopal Partnership for Global Mission.