Deputation from a Wife’s Perspective
by Heidi Huff

When we began our deputation two years ago, we felt bread and water would be a meal consumed at our home quite often. We were stepping out by faith, trusting in the Lord to take care of us and somewhat uncertain about the road which lay ahead. Our concern of scanty meals proved to be no concern at all, as we ate like kings and queens while on deputation—and even obtained several great recipes along the way. We have been amazed at how the Lord has blessed and provided for our family as we traveled to over 175 churches, presenting God’s call upon our lives.

His blessings have been abundant! At one of our very first mission conferences, the church helped us purchase a Honda Odyssey minivan. This specific van was “a dream” we felt would remain that way, and we never thought our family would drive off the church parking lot in the van of our dreams. We are so grateful to have had such reliable and comfortable transportation as we have traveled over 100 thousand miles. Early on in deputation another church voted in the service to pay the shipping costs of our container to Togo, and before we left the conference they handed us a check to cover those expenses.

Numerous people have also showered our family with items for the field, including a generator, swamp cooler, water purifier, electronics, transformers, and many ministry materials. Deputation has been a continual encouragement, and we are excited to know we will be more effective in ministry because of the generosity of God’s people. The blessings we have experienced—whether tangible or intangible—are innumerable, and we are indebted to so many.

Having the opportunity to be in many great churches was a highlight of our deputation. It was amazing to see God’s hand at work and to meet countless servants of our Lord! We felt excitement about missions and witnessed the increase in faith promise commitments in many churches. We are grateful for the countless opportunities we had to serve and see the Lord stir others for reaching a lost world with the Gospel. It is a privilege to partner with so many missions–hearted churches in taking the Gospel to the Togolese people.

To walk into a church unknown and to be greeted like family meant so much to us. Throughout deputation, hundreds have committed to pray for our family. This commitment of prayer means more to us than anything else. We desire the prayers of God’s people, knowing prayer can accomplish far more for the kingdom of God than any of our human efforts.

By staying in the homes of church families, the Lord knit our hearts with so many around the country. We enjoy keeping in contact through e–mail with many we have met over the past two years and look forward to sharing with them how the Lord is working in Togo, West Africa.

At times on deputation it may seem that the road we are traveling to reach the mission field will never end. A great statement was once made in regards to missionaries on deputation, “Never feel you are not being used by the Lord in the way He planned, just because you are not yet on the field to which He has called you.” We know that God desires to use us each step of the way.

We have not only been greatly blessed on deputation, but we have additionally learned many lessons. Often we have been reminded of the faithfulness of God. When we took the step of faith, we did not take that step alone. Time and time again we have sensed His presence. He has always been there for us, at every turn of the road.

We have also experienced first–hand that He will provide. Early on in our deputation, He provided us with a mission house. What a tremendous blessing this was for our family, and to have a place to return to after a long road trip. When we were concerned about our daughter Abby’s feet, it was just like the Lord to place us in the home of a pediatrician. Because we had no insurance at the time, we definitely recognized the Lord’s hand.

Being on deputation has reminded us of the great honor it is to serve our God. Why He would call us to share the Gospel with the people in Togo, West Africa, is beyond our imagination, yet we are thankful for this opportunity. There is nothing that compares to being in God’s will. We never cease to be amazed at His plans for our lives, and we are looking forward to the day when we arrive in Togo.

While on deputation, we also understood that it is not only the responsibility of the church to pray for their missionaries but also the joy of the missionary to pray for their supporting churches. We are a testimony to the fact the Lord is good, and He has allowed us to partner with some of the greatest churches in the world. We realize that we are a team—we need each other if we are going to see the Great Commission fulfilled. We stand in awe of the fact that we have not yet planted a church in Togo, nor have we had the privilege of leading a Togolese to the Lord, yet so many churches believe in what God has called us to do and have joined with us in prayer and financial support.

Being on deputation was not in any way drudgery. We have reminded ourselves often of God’s goodness. The wonderful Christians He has placed in our path have been and continue to be a blessing to us. We praise the Lord for our deputation journey, for His calling on our lives, and for the opportunity to walk by faith and see His hand in action along the way.

*Jon, Heidi, and their young daughter, Abigail, just arrived in Quebec City, Quebec, for French language training in preparation for their mission work in Togo, West Africa.