An Unplanned Path to Global Ministry with SIM USA
When Steve and Olivia visited their friends in Liberia, they simply saw it as a fun trip. They had no desire to become global workers—the thought had not even crossed their minds.
“I had no intention of becoming a missionary. I don’t like to go to other places and do new things,” Steve said. “So we went, and it was not a fantastic trip.”
Between the intense heat, power outages, and a few difficult experiences, nothing about the visit made Steve and Olivia eager to return. And yet, God was quietly at work, preparing a path they never expected.
When the couple returned home, Steve noticed an “unsettled feeling” he couldn’t quite shake. He shared this with Olivia, who suggested it might be reverse culture shock. But it never went away. Steve couldn’t deny what God seemed to be stirring in his heart.
“I think God might be calling me to Africa,” he told Olivia.
He shared this conviction with friends who had previously served as global workers. They encouraged him to cover the possibility in prayer. Steve and Olivia also began exploring potential sending agencies.
None of the sending agencies they researched seemed like the right fit. Then, they remembered their trip to Liberia. During the trip, they stayed in a ministry compound. Steve called their friends in Liberia. He learned that the compound where they had stayed was Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA), a ministry of SIM. ELWA includes radio, healthcare, and education ministries.
Steve then researched SIM USA and submitted a contact form. He explained that he was a physical therapist and worked in healthcare administration. In response, SIM directed him toward ELWA in Liberia. This was the same ministry compound he had unknowingly stepped onto months earlier. What once seemed like a short visit now began to look like a place of calling.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Following God’s Direction One Step at a Time with SIM USA
From the beginning of their communication with SIM, Steve and Olivia were honest about their fears, hesitations, and doubts. They had been planning to retire in the near future. But now they found themselves considering stepping into an entirely different path.
“We had no logical reason to leave the wonderful life that we were living. We had successful careers … We had the American dream … and God just really upended that,” Steve said. “We were open with SIM from the beginning, saying ‘This is completely unexpected,’ and ‘We’re not even sure.’ And SIM was very, very open with us, and willing to have us,” Steve said.
From there, they began taking one step at a time.
“We said we would take the right next step—so as God leads, we’re going to take that step,” Steve explained. “So, we came to Connect, and we were like, ‘Yep, it seems like we’re supposed to take the next step.’”
That pattern continued through onboarding, training, and support raising. Each stage confirmed the direction God was leading them. Eventually, their next step was to board a plane to Liberia.
“SIM has just been so faithful in recognizing that God calls people at all kinds of different times in their lives, and they helped us really recognize that yes, this was God’s calling on our life,” Steve reflected.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Steve and Olivia now serve in Liberia with ELWA ministries. Steve initially served as Personnel Coordinator. Eventually, he moved into leadership at the ELWA hospital. Olivia used her background in finance to work as the hospital’s pediatrics (peds) ward administrator.
At first, Steve worked on policies and procedures for the hospital. Now his role involves patient care education for staff and hospital leadership. He often handles hospital logistics, inventory, and management.
Olivia’s work includes donor relationships, ELWA support raising, and allocating funds. She also ministers to families and children in the peds ward. She spends time with children and their mothers in the ward, prays over them, listens to their stories, and shares the hope of Jesus with them.
Alongside their roles at ELWA, Steve and Olivia also invest in everyday relationships with their neighbors.
From Soccer Games to Bible Studies in Liberia
Steve and Olivia’s work often happens outside hospital walls as they build relationships with their community.
When they first moved to Liberia, Steve and Olivia began remodeling their home. As they worked, a group of young men often played soccer in their backyard. Steve noticed they were using two sticks in the grass as a makeshift goal. He wanted to help them create a proper place to play.
Steve and the men worked together to cut bamboo and build a more stable soccer goal. Later, a visiting friend from the United States brought a soccer net for them to use.
As Steve’s relationships with these players developed, he demonstrated Jesus’ love in his interactions with them. The men learned to treat one another in a Christ-like way, whether they won or lost their soccer games.
As the men grew in trust and friendship, their time together began to include discussions about faith. Steve soon began leading a weekly Bible study with these new friends.
“I’m doing a Bible study once a week with this group of young men, just talking to them about how to be a man from a Christian perspective and in their culture,” Steve said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to sit down with them, for them to ask me questions, for me to ask them questions, and together we figure out how to be Christian men in that environment.”
The seeds that were planted through soccer games have grown beyond what anyone could have imagined. These weekly Bible studies are a ministry Steve never expected to have. But it has become a significant part of his life in Liberia.
“We’ve been able to have some good opportunities for ministry. That soccer field has served us well,” Steve said.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Serving with SIM USA: Find Your Place in Global Ministry
There are many ways to serve with SIM USA. Whether you have a passion for medical care, building relationships with your community, or anything else, there is a place for you here.
If you are curious about cross-cultural ministry, we invite you to connect with a mission coach and attend a Connect event. These first steps are a great way to discern how God may be leading you.
Along the way, you do not need to have every detail figured out. Many people who serve with SIM USA begin with simple questions and open hearts, following God one step at a time. We look forward to walking alongside you as you discern God’s leading.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15
Names have been changed for the privacy and safety of our workers, ministry partners, and those we serve.
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Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.