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Questing for ABWE

By Kellie Mills 7/4/03

Every summer since 2001, a group of ten college-age Missionary Kids has descended on the ABWE Home Office to offer their services, skills, and infectious enthusiasm during June 13—July 22, ABWE's busiest five weeks of the year. They are members of QUEST, one of ABWE's newest programs which gives MKs the chance not only to provide some badly-needed help to Home Office staff, but to develop a broader view of just what goes on at the base of their parents' mission board.

Call them intensive interns or curious college students—the QUEST team provide invaluable help, taking on a whole spectrum of jobs— everything from cleaning, babysitting, and preparing food, to writing articles, filming commercials, and editing short video clips. QUESTERS are unmistakable in the hallways as they stride along in their coordinated polo shirts—this year, the shirts are a cool khaki. Without volunteers like the QUESTERS, Candidate Seminar and ME Conference would scarcely run as smoothly, and certainly wouldn't be as much fun.

A Packed Schedule

The team's daily schedule begins early. Each QUESTER attends morning devotionals in the Worship Chapel at 8:30 AM and starts work at 9:00. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the group meets in the MK room for share and prayer time together before the day starts. While they are all given a schedule, it is hard to follow a set plan. One thing every team member learns is flexibility. Each day brings new opportunities and the QUESTERS learn to adjust to different spontaneous jobs.

While the Home Office staff certainly keep the team busy, QUESTERS also have many opportunities to have fun. They get to know each other while they work together during office hours and hang out with each other in their free time. Team members grab lunches at Pizza Hut and Subway or the kitchen, and enjoy hospitality and dinner in the homes of friendly staff at ABWE.

During their stay, QUESTERS are paired up in sets and live with host families. This year the team made a day trip to New York City to watch a Disney Broadway musical. We all enjoyed the lively, two hour production of Aida, even if it was viewed from the nosebleed section in the balcony—hey, the ticket prices were unbeatable.

Lessons Learned

In the end, after each QUESTER leaves, they take home a significant understanding of how ABWE works. They've gained valuable experience, whether in media, writing, or organization. They also carry with them a new appreciation for those who spend their time volunteering to work for missions, as well for everyone on staff who truly cares for the missionaries and takes the time to pray for God's hand on the many fields.

Meet Quest 2003

Just to give you a portrait of the QUEST team this year, I asked my fellow team members what they had enjoyed most about QUEST 2003. There are eleven of us in all, led by David Stucky, our team leader, and supervised by Dan Branda from the Mobilization department.

Dan Branda, QUEST Supervisor (MK from Brazil)

I've enjoyed being able to get to know fellow MKs around the world and watching how each one of them has the ability to make the best of every situation.

David Stucky, QUEST Leader (MK from the Philippines)

This is a great program! It has been a wonderful experience getting to know fellow MKs. It is awesome to know that people here at the office really do care about each individual family associated with this mission and that they have a special place in their hearts for their MKs.

Pam Carter (MK from Arizona)

I was very excited to be a part of the QUEST team here at ABWE this summer. I have learned so much about the home office in the short time I have been here; I have also enjoyed getting to know my teammates as well as the people who work here. They are so committed to missions and it is very encouraging to me to see the prayer support all the missionaries with ABWE have here.

Sarah Kelley (MK from a restricted country)

I've made so many great friends here. It's pretty cool how you can have so much fun just working with your fellow QUESTERS and the awesome people who work here in the Home Office.

Joe Hepworth (MK from South Asia)

I love working with such awesome and godly people. The work is good, hard, and fun. We have a great team in QUEST as well as at the ABWE headquarters.

Matt Horton (MK from Philippines)

It's been great getting to know other ABWE MKs from around the world. We've had a great time of fellowship and had a wonderful time helping everyone here at the office with their projects.

Isaac Mann (MK from England)

The thing I like about QUEST is working with this great team of people. They're a blast. I also really had a lot of fun filming and editing the video for ABWE Live.

Kellie Mills (MK from Togo)

I feel very privileged for the chance to be a part of the QUEST team during this summer. It has been a really good mix of being able to help the home office with their work and as well as many opportunities to get to know the other MKs here. I thank God for everyone's friendliness and the great, cheerful family atmosphere here.

Shawna Robison (MK from West Africa)

I have been looking forward to this all year all year; now it has finally come and I am definitely not disappointed. I am enjoying my time here to the fullest and I thank God for the awesome time I am having. It is so wonderful to see the love that ABWE has for their missionaries. It inspires me to follow the Lord's will in my life, to serve faithfully wherever you are at.

Christina Stone (MK from Peru)

I love the QUEST program! It's a privilege to help such awesome people and be involved in the world outreach. I love working with the rest of the QUEST team!

Sarah Thomas (MK from Portugal)

We have an awesome group of people in QUEST. We have a lot of fun working together and challenge each other in our walks with God.

Peter Yoder (MK from Brazil)

I was really excited about coming out here and working with other MKs. The fellowship has been great, and as usual for MKs, it didn't take us much time to get to know each other very well. It has been a blast.