1- Tell a little bit about yourself. Name, age, childhood.
Hey I’m 26 and was a student at CLMC. My name is J-D Lovell. I am from Northern Ireland but born in Peru. I have lived half my life in both countries. My childhood was controlled by God’s hand in every moment, bringing a missionary lady from France and a missionary man from Wales, UK to Peru. They both served with Irish Baptist missions and God’s miraculous guiding lead them to adopt three children. I was one of them. My life was very much surrounded by mission and evangelism. We now live in Northern Ireland as my parents have retired from the mission. They are now serving as voluntary reps with Gospel for Asia (GFA).
2- How did you hear about CEF?
I have always understood about my childhood, and since my teens have had a desire to see and look at the situation I came from. I did Peru mission teams and then after getting a burden for children in children’s homes and at risk, I went in 2009 for 6 months to see the situation, visiting homes and volunteering. I came to understand that my gifts and desire and purpose was to help other kids that are like my bothers and sisters, to get to know God and to be loved and cared for like I was in my Christian family. I decide that I would study all that would be relevant for this. I found myself studying lots of youth and children’s ministry courses. I heard from a girl that was in Peru and also loved kids in Peru who had decided to study in CEF. I did not know much about CEF but I knew that it was for me also. So I applied.
3- Why did you follow the CMLC?
I found that CMLC had a variety of deep courses that looked at how we as leaders should be prepare to serve and reach children - How to be resourced and biblically based. I loved that there were practical aspects and focused ministry to reach kids for God. I loved that there was a lot of growth times where I went forward in my relationships and understanding with God, affirming what I believe in and what I should be doing. (picture from http://cefeurope.com/en/kilchzimmer-e)
4- How and where do you hope to use what you learned?
My life has always been shaped by God and has taken me to places within me and in the world where I have not expected. I understood what love God has for the children. But also in my heart and in my life how in a practical way He showed me his love. I wish to practically go back to Arequipa, the city I was adopted from. I want to reach boys and girls that are from a difficult situation where they need to see love in a practical and transforming way in their hearts and lives. I would like first to work alongside a Christian home then after to set up my own home to reach more children. God went to great lengths to save me from a miserable and abandoned life or death situation. I know this Love is for all and hope that all also accept Him. God looked for the lost sheep, and took it out of its hopeless situation. But He also accepted the sheep back in to his arms to carry it to Himself.
5- Can you share 1 eye opener or great experience from the CMLC?
An eye opener was to see how much God was using CEF and other missions and student hearts to reach children for God all over the world! He does not want any to be lost! I know his heart and see the need and I wish to go equipped and prepared spiritually and educationally as much as I can to serve children at risk and in children’s homes. And maybe if God wants, allow me to set up a home where He can choose more children out of pain to a loving and caring home and able to hear the gospel and one day take also Jesus as their Saviour.
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