Mari’s Bio:

Hi I'm Mari, a native Oregonian and proud auntie of 6. I live with 3 roommates who also attend SW. They are a lot of fun and living with them has been a very special time I will always value! I love spending time with my family in Hood River, making lots of good food and taking walks up the orchard. I also enjoy going on trips with my friends, writing music and occasionally arranging flowers for weddings.

I currently am a caretaker of two of my nieces and my 98 year old grandma which is a full circle experience to say the least. Watching them has taught me a lot. It is an honor to be able to serve my family especially when they have done so much for me. I also serve on the worship team and occasionally with the youth and 1824 ministries. 

I graduated from Portland State where I studied International Studies with a Russian minor. I have been blessed with the opportunities to serve overseas in the Philippines, China and more extensively in another Central Asian country which is what inspired me originally to study Russian.

I am looking forward to going back to Central Asia for many reasons, but I am most excited about partnering with the local team in furthering this very young ministry. God is so gracious to allow me this opportunity to go back to this region he put on my heart a decade ago. I am so excited to share this trip with my teammates as well as all of you who are supporting us. Thank you!

PRAY

• For safe travels to and from the country

• That the Lord would show us how to make this opportunity work well for future outreaches

• That the Holy Spirit would embolden each member of the team

• That the Lord would be pursuing many Muslims and opening their eyes to the truth of the gospel

• That each team member would learn quickly and engage others in the culture