About

Building bridges to the people of the world, one story at a time.

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I’m a farm girl with a background in newspapers, magazines, college newspaper advising, freelance writing and higher education. I’m also a distance runner.

Sometimes, I do any or all of the above in East Africa.

So, sheep farming?

That’s right. I grew up on a sheep farm, and now, I’ve come full-circle as co-owner and manager of Blue Heron Farms in Lisbon, Ohio.

Is it where I thought I would be as a thirty-something? No, but I believe it’s a privilege to work the land: fewer than 2 percent of Americans do so.

Also, I love Africa.

I am a storyteller. I am broken, flawed and desperately in need of the grace-filled gospel story. I am a work in progress.

Over the past few years, I have served as a journalist/media coordinator for SIM and other agencies in East Africa. Those assignments instilled a love for the continent — the people, the laughter, the sights, the sounds, the colors, the textures. It also instilled a love for the bigger Story playing out among many Africans — that of the gospel transforming lives.

I love finding out what makes people’s stories unique and finding ways to put those stories into words or images — wherever I am in the world. The languages and customs may be different, but everyone still has their own narrative.

A few years ago, I didn’t know Africa would be a part of that passion — but God did.

The next chapter? Who knows.

Sheep farming. Storytelling in Africa. It’s not a combination I could have dreamed up, but, man, it’s been one heck of a ride so far.

 

9 responses to “About”

  1. Hi Rebecca:
    I just returned from PA visiting my children and grandchildren. Your prayer update – Journey to Kenya is awesome. You are so gifted for God’s calling you to minister through media. Yeah! I see that you will be finishing your “work” at Grove City this month. Praying for you and love being with you on your journey to Kenya! In Jesus, Amy

      • Hi Rebecca:
        I did leave a voice message on your phone but I understand that life gets busy and hectic. Did you happen to go on the Westminster Presbyterian Church website and here some of the music and messages from our pastors? http://www.wpcgo.com if you are interested and have time to listen.

        Excitement is building but I’m sure after July 29th you will feel the “rush”.

        Love in Jesus,
        Amy

  2. Rebecca,

    It was good to hear your testimony this morning in Back Creek Presbyterian Church – Over the years, God has guided me through similar experiences and corrections resulting in my present situation in life being much better than I could ever have imagined – My ministry is primarily directed to the poor and destitute of this world (all of them God’s children), especially the children – I have put a link to your site on one of my pages

    http://ejks.org/caritasinaction.html – Check it out when you have time 🙂

    I wish you God’s blessings and assistance wherever you go!

    John

    • John, great to hear from you. Thanks for your kind words. It’s been a humbling journey so far, and I’m sure it will be even more so the further along I get. All in God’s timing!

      And thanks for posting the link. I’ll be sure to check it out.

      All the best in your ministry efforts. God bless!

    • Hi El, thanks for stopping by – I checked out your site. Great stuff! Sounds like you’ve had a lot of adventures. I’ll definitely be stopping by again. 🙂 I am so ready to get to Kenya – it’s tough to wait right now, but I know patience will pay off eventually. Cheers, Rebecca

  4. Hi Rebecca. I’m touched by your joyful approach to service, thanks for all you do. I look forward to reading more. Africa’s taken up residence in my heart since I worked in South Africa and Rwanda and I can’t wait to touch my soles to her red earth again in November when I return to visit friends. Six years away has been too long.

    • Thanks for your kind words; I really do appreciate them. (c: Wow, you lived in SA and Rwanda. I would love to be able to get to both places. Maybe not this time, but sometime, Lord willing. I’m so glad to hear you’re able to get back to Africa – I’ve heard once the dirt gets under your fingernails, Africa takes hold of you. (Although, I’m not sure how the dirt doesn’t get under your nails, but that’s a chat for another time … Haha.) All the best!

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