Trisagion Films recently interviewed Leslie
Hansard about her experience serving as a missionary for the Orthodox Christian
Mission Center. We hope that her story
will serve as inspiration to others who may be considering this calling. Leslie has shared several articles about
mission work with us already and we look forward to sharing more in the
future. We thank Leslie for offering her
time and graciously answering our questions.
Briefly describe your background.
Describe for us your sense of call into this
ministry.
I went on
my first mission trip when I was 18 to Jamaica to build houses for hurricane
victims. My second mission trip was to Peru for evangelism and this was where I
felt the call to become involved in missions on a permanent basis. Whether
short-term teams or possible long-term service, or simply telling more people
about missions, I plan to stay involved in the mission field. I love serving
others and expanding my church family
How many missions have you been on and to
where?
This past
summer was my 8th- Since 2004, I have been to Jamaica, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala
(2x) and Moldova (3x)
What was the mission in Moldova?
The
mission was to assist Moldovan and Romanian young adults to put on the 3rd
annual Orthodox youth camp
How did the youth respond to the
missionaries?
As
Americans, we still a sense of novelty to us, and some of the campers came
simply to hang out with us. Overall, everyone was positive towards us and happy
to have us there.
Favorite moment(s) on the Moldova mission
trips?
Sharing
in the Liturgy together and making a Romanian/Moldovan/American choir. Co-leading the music workshop with my dear
friend, Claudiu. Co-leading a small
group with my dear friends Claudiu and Veaceslav and learning about the
Brancoveni family of saints. Visiting
many monasteries. Sharing s’mores with
the campers at the big camp bonfire our last night at camp.
From reading about your trips to Moldova, it
appears that the mission trips have made an impact on the lives of many
children. Can you comment further?
Seeing
tears in children’s when they are leaving camp tells me that they are enjoying
the time together and feel like they are in a safe environment. Many of them do
not receive the love at home that they deserve, and this camp is a positive
place to come and feel love. Some of them are not hugged at home, and I was
able to show affection to teenagers who needed it to feel that they are
important and special.
Their
interest in discussions about liturgical and spiritual aspects of the church
tells me that they are interested in learning about how to live their life as
an Orthodox Christian and need that foundation to carry them through. It is
simply a matter of building a safe place to come and express themselves while
also absorbing new information.
It’s
amazing to be in the atmosphere of an Orthodox country. It’s hard to explain,
but there is such a sense of peace to be in a place where you don’t have to
explain or defend your faith to people. There is a sense of comfort to be around
people who are like you.
Can you compare the difference between your
experience as a Protestant missionary and as an Orthodox missionary? Interest and response from the
community? What can we as Orthodox do to
improve upon this ministry?
ocmcBeing
an Orthodox missionary is more satisfying simply because I feel more full in my
faith and it is wonderful to be around others who share the same beliefs and
traditions. As a Protestant missionary, it is easier to many times to get
funding and other support simply because the missionary movement is stronger
than in the Orthodox Church. That is an area we can definitely improve on. In
the GOA, many think that Philoptochos ladies are the only ones that need to be
doing philanthropic work when it is everyone’s responsibility to share the
blessings that we have received and spread the word of Christ. I have found
though that once they become aware, most Orthodox people are extremely generous
and excited to support missions. It is simply that initial awareness and push
towards the cause that needs to happen.
Any advice for someone considering joining a
short-term mission trip?
Mission
work is one of the most rewarding and challenging things you can do. My best
advice would be to keep an open mind in everything you do and be prepared to be
flexible and do whatever is necessary to get the job done well.
Future mission plans?
I will
continue to participate in short-term missions as often as possible. If someday
Christopher were called to long-term service, that is definitely an avenue I
would prayerfully consider following. I will never stop telling people about
Moldova or the many other opportunities out there for people who want to serve
the Church in an international capacity.
Source: http://trisagionfilms.com/2014/09/20/interview-orthodox-missionary/
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