From the Nations to Clarkston, Georgia

Our Sent One

I had the privilege and honor of talking to Kinslee Medlin, a missionary we have sent out from Rocky Creek, who is currently serving two years with the North American Mission Board in Clarkston, Georgia. In Clarkston, Kinslee works with refugees. She explains that a refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home country due to persecution, whether from war, religious oppression, or other dangers. Because it is unsafe to remain in their home country, they legally seek refuge elsewhere, whether in the United States or another country, after a lengthy application and interview process.

Part of Kinslee’s job is to serve refugees in need of language learning. In doing so, she works with families teaching ESL, English as a Second Language, and tutors kids after school in an apartment building where many of them live. With this, she is able to help refugees bridge the gap between their culture and ours, all while being the light of Christ through her actions and her verbal proclamation of the gospel. Another part of her job is to work alongside churches who come on trips to Clarkston, where she helps equip and mobilize them to do ministry in their hometown.

Story from the Field

When asked to give a unique story from the field, she says, “I have earned the respect of the Afghan men as a single female, something that goes against their cultural norms. The Lord is working in this way.” These Afghan men are open to discussion about the gospel. They have come to church with her and have expressed interest in Christianity. These men consistently have conversations with Kinslee and sincerely want a friend, something taken from them, as they had to flee everything they’ve ever known. Kinslee is that friend who cares deeply for them, recognizing that they are real people with real stories. She shares that one Afghan man comes to ESL, though his English is already fluent. The reason he comes is for friendship, to see a consistent face amid constant change. With this, she is now able to have meals with him and his daughters as she goes into their home. All of this, she says, is “breaking down barriers through the gospel.”

Prayer Points

Here are some general ways Kinslee asks us to pray for her:

• Pray for boldness, as it is easy to feel confined. There is freedom to discuss the gospel in the United States without the reality of severe persecution. Pray that she would not be hesitant to share the gospel.
• Pray for the next eight weeks as church teams are coming to Clarkston. Pray that she would take advantage of this opportunity to train them and live as an example for those who would see her ministry.

Consider Going

Though Clarkston is a small town, it is home to many refugees. Clarkston has become known as “the most diverse square mile in America.” When asked why someone should go on a mission trip to Clarkston, Kinslee states, “Clarkston is one of the most unique places to go to and is so easily accessible. It is the closest thing you can get to an international trip. You interact with people from different cultures, you get to experience the nations, you get to experience the corners of the world. It is easy for us to hear the term “refugees” and brush it off because we may not know one personally, but Clarkston puts a face with a story. When you go back home, your perspective of a refugee is changed as it is someone you have met who is made in the image of God. Even if you don’t have a passport, you can reach the nations here, with over one hundred countries and one hundred twenty languages represented. You cannot deny that the Lord is doing a work here.”

Clarkston, Georgia, is one of our mission trip locations scheduled for this year. Just a few hours away, an opportunity awaits. Would you consider going to “the most diverse square mile in America” to share the good news of Christ to the nations without leaving your own?