When Plans Change: A Missionary Family’s Journey From West Africa to Quebec
Rolen and Sarah’s missionary journey began with a SIM USA short-term assignment in West Africa. After this experience, they felt called to return to that same West African nation long term. The family attended French language school in Quebec, preparing to move to the francophone African country. They were prepared, ready, and eager to serve God long-term in West Africa.
But three months into living in Africa, they hit a roadblock. Their son got sick, and the area where they lived was unable to support his recovery. Discouraged, they returned to the United States.
Unsure of what the future held, they found rest on the SIM USA campus. They lived in the on-campus housing for five months as their son recovered.
“That was a great time of reprieve and restoration, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Our son got better,” Rolen said. “It was a time of just listening to God’s Word.”
When their son recovered, Rolen and Sarah began exploring options to return to global missions with SIM USA. Although they had originally envisioned themselves serving God in West Africa, He began putting Canada on their hearts—the province of Quebec, where they had attended French language school.
“It was just a really amazing process of being assigned there. God, very separately, laid it upon our hearts, upon the French language school director’s heart, and on the hearts of the SIM USA personnel team. We all separately had the same thought, and God clearly opened the door for us to go there,” Sarah said.
Rolen and Sarah’s family planned to return to Quebec for a one term assignment while they re-adjusted to life as global missionaries. After this, they would return to Africa.
However, God’s plans often look very different than ours.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Sharing the Gospel Through Snow and Summer Camps in Quebec
As they lived in Quebec and enrolled in French language school again, Rolen and Sarah also began helping with a camp ministry.
“That first summer, I realized that the camp didn’t really have anything planned, so I kind of just jumped in,” Rolen said. “After that first summer camp, I kind of just realized that I loved it.”
Rolen and Sarah have snow camps and summer camps. Theirs is one of the only snow camps in Quebec and is very popular with youth. These snow camps include activities like snow tubing, hockey tournaments, cardboard sled races, ice skating, and a “Polar Plunge.” These fun activities open doors to share the gospel with Quebec’s youth.
“We use these ministries, like snow camp and summer camp, to break down walls and to present the gospel to these Quebecois people,” Rolen said. “I love fun, and the gospel is fun! So I get to bring all of these crazy fun things for the kids to come onto our property, and then we bring them a gospel message, or a discipleship message, or a rededication message. It’s for them to really see what it’s like to be a Christian and to dedicate their lives to the Lord.”
Although snow camps are very popular with youth in Quebec, summer camps have traditionally struggled with attendance. Nonetheless, Rolen and Sarah remain passionate about bringing the gospel to children through these camps.
“We know that bringing the gospel to children is extremely important,” Sarah said. “So Rolen has started not just kid camps, but also day camps. Our ministry is located in a rather large city, so there are many, many children in the area.”
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 19:14
A Summer Camp Transformation: Danielle’s Story of Faith
When *Danielle’s father proposed the idea of her attending Rolen and Sarah’s summer camp, Danielle was not thrilled. She resisted the idea, telling her father she did not want to go. She didn’t feel excited or enthusiastic about the summer camp experience.
Despite her hesitation, Danielle ultimately agreed to attend the camp. And, praise the Lord, her life was transformed! Throughout the week, she did not appear to enjoy any of the activities and her face was always serious. Rolen was sure that we would not see her at camps ever again. That is, until Rolen visited her church months later and spoke to her father.
“She loved camp, and she rededicated her life to the Lord that week. Then she talked to her sister, who also rededicated her life to the Lord. They’re both living their lives for Him now! And their father says he sees a huge change in their lives. They’re more obedient, spending time in the Word and encouraging their other siblings to do the same,” Rolen said. “That’s why we do this.”
Danielle’s testimony is a reminder of the incredible ways God works. It also speaks to why Rolen and Sarah are so passionate about ministering to children through snow camps and summer camps. The opportunities to present the love of Jesus to local youth at their camps are worth every bit of hard work and planning. Danielle’s transformation taught them to keep sharing the Word, even if they don’t get to see the results firsthand, God’s Word does not return void.
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Psalm 78:4
Trusting God’s Direction: Rolen and Sarah’s Long-Term Christian Ministry in Canada
What started as a temporary mission assignment became a long-term ministry for Rolen and Sarah. They initially expected to spend a few years in Canada before returning to West Africa, but God re-directed their steps. They are now considering applying for permanent residency (Green Cards) in Canada.
Please pray for Rolen and Sarah as they navigate the permanent residency process, which includes a French language exam. Pray they would continue to learn and improve their French, so they can pass this exam.
Are you interested in cross-cultural ministry opportunities? Whether in West Africa or North America, there is an opportunity for you. Connect with a SIM USA mission coach here to learn how you can serve.
*Name has been changed for the privacy and safety of those we serve.