Serving Christ by sharing His news
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” — Luke 1:1-4 (NIV)
Just as in Luke’s time, people need to receive “an orderly account” of what God is doing in other places. Everyone has stories of what God is doing in his or her life, and it both glorifies Him and encourages the body when we share those stories with others.
That’s why I (Brian) serve Christ as communications manager for SIM South Africa. I gather and publish stories about South African people, their hopes and needs, and the projects and missionaries seeking to help them, as well as stories about South Africans serving as missionaries to other peoples. Sometimes, I interview people and write their stories, and other times, I help missionaries tell their own stories by editing their submissions to SIM publications. I also document ministries, events and our teams through photography and videography, both for posterity and for publication now through our team’s website and semi-annual print and online magazine, SIMnow. I also compile our team’s monthly prayer newsletter, Pray Today, as well as participating in the management committee meetings and decisions.
Most of my work is done remotely from an office in our home—even when we lived in Cape Town, most of my work was remote from those I wrote about, as few worked in the office there—but I travel to visit ministries and workers serving in South Africa as my funding and schedule allows. I also continue to study such subjects as Bible, missions, professional skills, history, culture, and language, and I help SIM International
As stateside missionaries, we also meet with people and churches to encourage them to participate in missionary work, whether directly or by supporting others through prayer, financial contributions, practical help, and encouragement.
Tracy’s role
When we returned to the United States, Tracy resumed her work as a physician assistant, which she had missed while we lived in Cape Town. She now works full-time for an oncology and hematology practice and occasionally in a local urgent care center. She enjoys her work and views it as another way to show God’s love to others and help them through difficult times. Many times, people she’s helped have told me how much her skills, knowledge, and caring blessed them or a loved one.
And without her and our children’s support, encouragement and help, I wouldn’t be able to continue serving in missions. It is truly a family ministry.
The Heffron Family 