We are an ordinary
American family -Michael & Jillian Wills and our kids Noah, Madison, and Tyler.
Michael and I met and fell in love at Gordon College. We shared a passion for Jesus, camp ministry, and soccer.
Michael's aunt and uncle have been serving as missionaries at Rift Valley Academy (RVA) for decades, and Michael had the amazing opportunity to visit them and check out the overseas missions scene at the age of 16.
He didn't necessarily feel a strong call to missions at that point, but Africa did leave a permanent imprint on his heart.
About the time we got engaged, Michael's aunt and uncle started "recruiting us." In fact several people in his family were encouraging us to consider applying to serve at Rift Valley Academy. They assured us that the gifts and passions God had given us made us a perfect fit with RVA.
We weren't certain that we were called to be missionaries, but we were open to the idea. And that's how we proceeded for the next several years. We filled out the interest form with the prayer, "Lord, we're not sure if this is what you want, but we're willing if it is. We'll start taking steps and we're trusting you to alter our course, if this is not what You have for us."
Michael's aunt and uncle have been serving as missionaries at Rift Valley Academy (RVA) for decades, and Michael had the amazing opportunity to visit them and check out the overseas missions scene at the age of 16.
He didn't necessarily feel a strong call to missions at that point, but Africa did leave a permanent imprint on his heart.
About the time we got engaged, Michael's aunt and uncle started "recruiting us." In fact several people in his family were encouraging us to consider applying to serve at Rift Valley Academy. They assured us that the gifts and passions God had given us made us a perfect fit with RVA.
We weren't certain that we were called to be missionaries, but we were open to the idea. And that's how we proceeded for the next several years. We filled out the interest form with the prayer, "Lord, we're not sure if this is what you want, but we're willing if it is. We'll start taking steps and we're trusting you to alter our course, if this is not what You have for us."
RVA
remained on our hearts and in the back of our minds as we started our
family, earned a masters degree, and worked to pay off our student loans. It wasn't until eight years into our marriage that God finally confirmed the call in both of our hearts. The next 16 months were some of the most intense, stressful ones we have yet to endure. But God's grace pulled us through and we moved out to Kijabe, Kenya in October 2012.
We were prepared for the worst after all the warnings about how difficult the transition can be. To our surprise, God has graciously allowed our family a pretty seamless transition so far. Each of us has quickly embraced our new home and life at RVA and we are experiencing great joy and contentment in our ministry here. Now we know why Satan tried so hard to discourage us in the months leading up to our move. He knew this was exactly where God wanted us!
We were prepared for the worst after all the warnings about how difficult the transition can be. To our surprise, God has graciously allowed our family a pretty seamless transition so far. Each of us has quickly embraced our new home and life at RVA and we are experiencing great joy and contentment in our ministry here. Now we know why Satan tried so hard to discourage us in the months leading up to our move. He knew this was exactly where God wanted us!
We are privileged to support the missionary work represented by the hundreds of RVA
families carrying the gospel message and establishing churches among all
African peoples. The desire God has put on our hearts is to pour our lives into the next generation of Christ-followers through intentional relationships and community... starting with our own children.
We love serving at RVA and we hope He allows us to invest here for many years! But if there's one thing we have learned it's that, above all, we want to be exactly where God wants us and nowhere else.
We love serving at RVA and we hope He allows us to invest here for many years! But if there's one thing we have learned it's that, above all, we want to be exactly where God wants us and nowhere else.
