Sarah and Josh Chastain
Bio
- Served: Chicago, IL 2006-2007
- Did Mission Year: After College
- Where They Are Now: Weeling, WV
What made you decide to do Mission Year Married – what was the draw for you?
A year of service with my husband with a faith based organization…what more is there to think about! It was the most life changing year! So perfect for married couples to do together!
What types of service and outreach were you involved with during your Mission Year?
Personal assistant to a married couple involved in many ministries, after school programs, and general neighborhood outreach.
How are you different from having lived for a year in the city?
I enjoy the smaller town feel much more now, but I’ve been changed in that I see people of color in a much different way. I don’t know everyone – everyone has their own walk, journey, and experiences but many of my hidden or unknown thoughts about people different from myself were brought to the surface and i’m still sorting through daily in an effort to reconcile myself to those who are daily left behind or unnoticed for who they truly are.
How has your Mission Year experience affected your future plans & goals?
Turned them upside down! We will never be the typical American family unaware of the issues the rest of the world is dealing with. Our focus is no longer on making money but simplicity and service, community and growth, spiritual matters along with social justice.
How did Mission Year Married enrich your marriage?
It took us through the darkest of valleys. God strengthened us in ways we never expected needed strengthened. More than anything it set us on a future path that we can walk together side by side, passionate about the same things.
What did you learn about God during your year?
He is in everything. EVERYTHING! He is TRUE, He came before we showed up, He has a plan, and He desires so much more of us than weekly attendance at church. He desires all of us, every little piece to be used to love one another.
Can you give some words of wisdom to potential team members?
PRAY ABOUT IT, listen, LISTEN SOME MORE, and then JUST DO IT!
