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The Call

Katarina Garrecht

Early in life, I felt the call to be a full-time missionary. The desire to be someone who influences others for the cause of Christ was born at Bible school in 1989 as I listened to the testimony of an older missionary couple, particularly the wife. Her deep satisfaction in committing her life in this way inspired me.

I pursued various avenues to train and educate myself toward this future, being certain to have hands-on experience. I had to face many disappointments and closed doors in those years. All this time, I asked God: Why aren’t you calling me to a specific locale? Am I not worthy? Have I missed something? Speak to me. Then I met and married my husband. He didn’t seem to share my desire.

Then, finally, it happened. So quickly, yet with much struggle. I nearly missed it. We were called to witness to a very small tribe.

We found the tribe with no clothing, no food and a language that was very guttural. They seemed completely helpless, without motivation, often wailing and lamenting. Though we always spoke to them in our English language, it seemed that various hand gestures were our most meaningful form of communication.


We spared little expense in clothing and feeding the tribe. Sanitation and health care were a big concern. We received much support from family, friends and the church. We also asked for special prayer for each member of the tribe.

At present, we are seeing some of our efforts rewarded. But I must mention that we have been very exhausted and frustrated at times. Sometimes I have felt that we aren’t worthy of this position. Yet my husband reminded me that this is where we have been called. We’ve had several short furloughs, but look forward to an extended one.

We ask ourselves: What has been accomplished now, into our sixth year of service? The tribe is able to communicate in our language, but we add to the vocabulary daily. God has given us health, and we receive funds on a regular basis. The tribe is open to the gospel, but communication is basic. Music and song are very key. Hand gestures are still very necessary, though the wailing has tapered off. We are presently teaching the members of the tribe independence in daily tasks, making sure that they are aware that all good things come from God. We teach them that Jesus loves them so much that He died on the cross for their sins and then had victory over death. Their willingness to forgive comes fairly easily, but the concept of sharing is foreign to them. We believe they are now strong enough to build ties with other tribes. However, we try to limit this to avoid unnecessary confusion.

We have just finished the construction of a multi-purpose facility for eating, sleeping and teaching. We trust it will be used for many years. It is a symbol of our commitment to our tribe. We hope and pray that the atmosphere in this facility will be one of love, fun and stability. We wait for the day when the tribe will grow and not rely on our service, but be able and ready to serve others. I thank the Lord for my mission field, for my little tribe – my family, Pavel, Peter and Jonathan.

I share my experience with you mothers who are reading this. Perhaps it will help you to gain a new perspective on your mission field. May we rest in the call with joy, knowing our mission to our family is as important as any other. We are exactly where God wants us to be. Let’s “love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind” (Matthew 22:37).

Those of you who are not mothers, I encourage you to support missionary moms with prayer for their physical, mental and spiritual health. Mothers whose tribes have grown, thank you for your example of faithfulness.

Katarina Garrecht is a member of Fourth Ave. Bible Church in Niverville, Man.

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Last modified June 5, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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