Student called to Armenia after summer mission trip

Photo by Curtis Dixon

There was just something about Jessica*.

“As soon as we saw her working with people here, we knew she had something special,” said Beth Taylor*, who works with the Armenian mission team.

Jessica and fellow students from Northeastern Oklahoma State University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry traveled to Armenia for two weeks last summer.

Jessica graduated last spring with a major in social work planning to use her degree in ministry. She had no idea it would take her overseas. “I had hoped to work perhaps with a children’s home, helping people with practical needs,” she said. “My plans actually were to get my master’s degree and maybe attend seminary.” For now those plans are on hold as she will travel halfway around the world after basic training. She will spend two years investing in the lives of the Armenian people-and she is looking forward to it. “Armenians go out of their way to welcome you. They have a real hunger for God’s Word and are tuned into spiritual things.”

Bobby Lipscomb, NEOSU BCM co director, along with his wife, Debbie, said he has watched Jessica at work on the Tulakogee camp grounds. “She is adaptable, fluid, has patience and understanding and a genuine heart to serve, and I’ve even seen her empty trash cans. These are the things you need on the mission field, yet she is still respectful of her inabilities.”

Jessica, who will leave for Armenia in October, said she doesn’t see herself working overseas the rest of her life “But for now, I want to pour my life into them and serve them in any way possible.”

*names changed for security reasons