by Lisa Montgomery, WEGO Volunteer and Former Staff
“…my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
-1 Corinthians 15:58
Honestly, I don’t consider these words in my workplace day in and day out. Yes, as a Christ-follower, I “should” consider my job my calling and I’m sure He has called me to this job for this season, but since I now work in the secular world, there are days I put in the hours at my air-conditioned desk, sit in meetings, meet deadlines, do my job, and leave it there until the next day. Some days, the only people I interact with are my co-workers, all of whom are Christ-followers, so my “mission field” can be limited.
For Marlene in Nicaragua and Doljin and Aaya in Mongolia, nothing could be further from the truth. They aren’t working in the secular world and they definitely aren’t sitting in air-conditioned offices. In many ways their job never ends because of their calling to be local missionaries in their communities where “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”. All three have worked in drastically harsh living and working conditions, yet they do it with the joy that can only come from doing it for the Lord. In Nicaragua, where it’s hot and humid, Marlene spends her days in the kitchen planning, preparing, cooking (she really IS the BEST), and cleaning up after meal upon meal. Meanwhile in Mongolia, Doljin works tirelessly loading and carrying firewood from the bitter cold outdoors to keep the home fire burning as Aaya manages the staff, files government paperwork, and nurtures the children. None of these jobs are glamorous but without Marlene, Doljin, and Aaya, immediate needs wouldn’t be met. They are very “behind the scenes” laborers, yet they know the importance of doing what they’ve been called to do each day. They show us the strength of a woman who is steadfast, immovable, and abounding in the work of the Lord. That’s exactly what they do with Holy Spirit-filled joy and their labor has not been in vain.
After over a decade of serving with WEGO, Marlene, Doljin, and Aaya are retiring and, while we are sad for them to leave the WEGO family, we are also rejoicing that we have known and served with them, and we are trusting God has chosen the persons who will fill their shoes and continue the work these three local missionaries have done for many years. With this in mind, take a moment to hear from each of them and pray. Ask God to continually fill them with His love and fulfillment in retirement and that they would know the difference they have made in the Kingdom of God.
Aaya Daanjav
“I joined the work of WEGO in 2005. I cared for children in the orphanage for 18 years! I started in a caregiver role before becoming the director of the home. Although I am now retired, I still have a good heart for children and stay connected with the ministry. I am a mother of five children and grandmother of five grandchildren. Before WEGO, I worked as a pediatric nurse for 22 years. I also graduated from Bible school in 2002. My main hobby has always been cooking.”
HOW YOU CAN PRAY:
Pray I continue to grow in faith and know more about God. Please also pray for my health and the wellbeing and protection of my family and the children of New Hope. Thank you!
Marlene Esteban
“I am 53 years old and I have been serving with WEGO for 12 years now. I just can’t explain how I feel. I have so many memories and friends I will miss. This place was a home to me for so many years and a place to find good people with good hearts. I thank each one of those from the USA and Nicaragua who gave me their love and patience. I will never forget them.
I prayed and it is time for me to leave. I feel tired now. I don’t have the same energy I used to. I am not leaving because I feel sad here, but because it is time. I will miss this place so much. Thank you WEGO for making me feel special in so many ways. I love each one of you. My home is your home. Do not forget about me as I won’t forget you. I will keep you in my heart, mind, and prayers. I will not forget my last birthday here! I have no words to express how important I felt when my boss and three of his friends took me to a beautiful place I have never been before. Every year on my birthday I will not forget that.”
HOW YOU CAN PRAY:
Please pray for me to have good health in the days and years ahead. Pray that I will stay safe, too. Do not forget about me.
Doljin Choijinsurend
“I am 61 years old and my husband died many years ago. I am the mother of three children and grandmother of eight grandchildren. I love to sing! I have worked for WEGO since 2007 as a firewoman, herder, and admin worker. Recently, I had surgery on my nose and decided to resign from my work with WEGO due to my health problems.”
HOW YOU CAN PRAY:
Will you please pray for my health and the health of my children and grandchildren? My oldest son was injured while working as a truck driver for a coal company so pray for his quick recovery as I take care of him. Please also pray for my youngest son to marry soon and start a peaceful life.