Enroute to Toronto - The Siauw Family

Here’s another story from David and Sharon Guanawan. They are parents to Theophilus aged 12 months and they just had their second child in December.

1. What motivated/inspired you to join the pioneering work in Toronto?

We are willing to go to any developed country as we think that our giftings together are able to serve the needs of the people. Since Toronto is a country that is open for exploration under Hope Singapore, we signed on! David has a burden to reach out to people through apologetics. Sharon loves the arts and meeting people from all walks of life.

2. What is your greatest challenge in relocating to North America?

Relocating to anywhere requires change of mindset, adaptation to the culture, norms and even unknowns. Although at this point, we are unable to pinpoint specific challenges. However, some of what we think might require adjustments are financial planning as well as management of family with young kids without a helper. Of course, being away from family members would also require some getting used to as well.

3. How are you preparing yourself for missions?

There are many facets to missions that we need to learn about, particularly about the country, culture, people group and needs area. Both David & I are avid learners and we believe in continuously upgrading ourselves wherever we are. As our heart is willing, the Lord leads. Sharon is looking forward to complete her keyboard training in worship while David is currently into his final years of Master of Ministerial Study.

We are still looking out for opportunities where we can learn cross-cultural mission, team dynamics and other aspects of doing missions.

Learning never stops, serving God is a mission. We look for opportunities to serve where we are, be it now or in the future; making a difference as a Stay-at-home-mom (SAHM), in the marketplace, helping out in our neighbourhood, or to fill a need in the church. We are willing for God to mould us and strengthen our faith.

4. What do you look forward most in going for missions?

It will be a place of unfamiliarity where even the most mundane things in life will be different. It will be a humbling experience to start. Yet, our hearts are pounding for the adventure that God is opening up for us. We have waited several years for this. Finally, getting connected with the people we are reaching out to and seeing people grow and church mature will be the high point.