During the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention’s Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY, as missionary, Brenda Crim, shared what God was doing in Alaska and expressed the need for Christian volunteers to assist Alaskan churches in reaching people for Christ. Danny’s heart burned and his passion to be involved in mission mobilization was rekindled. His first thought was, “Karen would never move to Alaska. She hates cold weather.” Though his heart’s desire was to go, Danny ignored Brenda’s invitation, but he committed to share Alaska mission opportunities with his church and others in South Carolina and pray for Brenda and the need in Alaska.
In November, Brenda came to share about Alaska Missions with the Hester’s church while she was in SC. During a discussion with Danny and Karen, Brenda described the personal qualifications, training, experience, and passion the Chugach Baptist Association needed to help them in their God-sized vision. During that discussion, Danny committed to pray for God to make His will known to those He chose to use. After Brenda left the room, Karen said to Danny, “She was describing you.”
One evening, a few weeks later, Karen said, “We really need to pray about Alaska. I think God may want us to go there.” Danny was amazed that she would even consider moving north again, and thought, “It must be God.” They did pray, and in January Brenda called to tell the Hesters about her discussion with her Associational Director of Missions (ADOM), David George. She told Danny they had discussed the need for an Associate DOM/Mission Strategist to assist the ADOM and help their churches develop missions strategies and mobilize volunteers to reach lost people in Alaska. She requested that they send their resumes.
David George sent information to Danny about the association and his vision and strategy to reach people in Alaska for Christ. He clarified that the Association did not have the budget or resources to pay an associate, and the person would need to raise financial support. After a period of communicating with Rev. George and praying for God’s clear direction, they decided to make a personal visit to Anchorage.
In March, Karen and Danny flew to Anchorage to visit the association and seek confirmation of what they sensed God was saying. They had a good visit with association and church leaders, experienced the Iditarod Ceremonial Start, and a two-day blizzard. They saw beautiful mountains, glaciers, and people who need Jesus. They returned home with the excitement of a possible change and the overwhelming anticipation of all that that change would involve and require. Over the weeks following their return to SC, God confirmed His call to serve, so they began the process.
Danny and Karen applied in April and were appointed in June to serve as Mission Service Corps (MSC) Missionaries through the North American Mission Board. Danny is currently serving the SC Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) as a WMU Associate with responsibilities for Coed Organizations and Mission Action in the state. Karen is teaching math in a local community college. She plans to use her gifts and experience to serve the Chugach Association and local churches. Brenda Crim has promised to keep her busy.
Danny and Karen want to share about this God-sized ministry partnership opportunity and are available to share their call and mission opportunity with whoever will listen. They know God as Provider and trust Him to use those He chooses to meet their financial and ministry needs. Their goal is to be on the field by the Spring of 2011.
Danny and Karen’s older sons are on their own in other states. Marc (26), his wife, Sheena, and their baby son, Locke, live in Aurora, IL. Alex (23) is currently living in Texas.
Their youngest son, Nathan (15) is also excited about serving God in Alaska. He hopes to use his gifts and musical skills with instruments to help with outreach and worship.