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 Eight
Answer the Call
Free Methodist World Missions announces the approval of eight new career
missionaries, bringing the total to 16 new missionaries approved during
2004. David and Sarah Clemente (Lexington,
KY) have been appointed to Asia. Their ministries will include equipping
missionary leaders and teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in
Taiwan. They have one daughter, Carmen, and are expecting a second child
in early 2005. Scott and Paula Dunn (Columbus,
OH) have been appointed to Europe. Their ministries will include church
planting in Romania. They have two children, Stephen and Lydia. Marvin
and Lisa Klein, recent VISA Affiliates in France, have been approved
as extended-term missionaries. They will provide church plant support.
They have three children: Ian, a freshman at Seattle Pacific University,
Elyse and Amélie. Max and Kristin McGinnis
(Batavia, NY) have been appointed to church planting ministries in
Latin America. They have four children, Addison, Felicia, Isaac and Jacob.
 The
Clementes believe Taiwan is a bridge to missionary work in other Asian
countries. As career missionaries, David and Sarah hope to encourage believers
to witness to others, as well as help them pursue their call to God's
work. Both David and Sarah grew up in Christian homes. David's call to
mission came while he was attending seminary in Manila. He describes it
as a "gnawing" desire to help other non-Filipino leaders in
Southeast Asia that turned into an overwhelming conviction for God to
use him in shaping FM missions in Asia. Sarah always had an interest in
missions. After traveling to Argentina and Kenya during seminary, Sarah
realized God was calling her to be involved in missions as her ministry,
especially in the form of encouraging and supporting national leaders
in cross-cultural work. This calling was confirmed as the Lord led her
into a relationship with David.
 God
spoke to the Dunns about missionary service several times since
they answered the call to ministry over 16 years ago. Each time God called,
they responded with willingness after an initial time of wrestling. God
then "dropped" the subject until the next time. Scott and Paula
believe He was granting them further experience through pastoring and
church planting that will be needed down the road. Recently, God did not
drop the subject of missions; instead He opened doors of relationship
and opportunity for them to serve in Europe. "So," Scott says,
"we must go. Where many others are not able or willing to go, we
are, so God has taken us up on the offer. Our eyes were opened to the
possibility of serving in Europe through three previous VISA trips, helping
train leaders in the emerging church in Hungary."
 France,
the most visited country in the world, is less than 1 percent evangelical,
and although a Catholic culture, only about 5 percent of the people ever
attend mass. The Kleins desire to bring together people and resources
to promote church growth in this nation. Using a variety of events to
build relationships, including youth and family camps, social and sports
activities, concerts, etc., they believe more people will hear the gospel
and come to know Christ. While pursuing a career in business, Marvin felt
God saying "I will use you in France if you will go." They began
ministry at a Christian camp in 1998 with Greater Europe Mission. In 2003,
the Kleins became VISA affiliates, partnering with FMWM. Marvin led in
the affiliation of the Strasbourg FMC and helped in planning and support
of the FM church plant in Madrid, Spain.
 Max
and Kristin McGinnis have been appointed to ministry in Latin America.
Their first assignment will be in Santiago, Chile. Max's role will be
leadership development, which will include theological/pastoral training
and strategic planning. He will work alongside the existing and potential
pastors in the church-planting project that began five years ago in Santiago.
Kristin will assist the Latin America Area Director with office work and
communications.
Each of these new missionaries will complete a period of deputation,
raising prayer and financial support, before leaving for their respective
fields.
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