Since meeting at Concordia University Nebraska, Ethan and Amanda have developed a passion for ministry, missions, and culture. They have had a variety of experiences that the Lord has used to prepare them for the mission field.
After graduating from CUNE with a B.S. in Biology, Ethan managed a restaurant in Seward, NE and also worked at a Mexican restaurant while Amanda finished her student teaching experience. At semester, she was able to secure a job as a high school Spanish teacher and dance team coach in Schuyler, NE, a town with a large percentage of immigrants. Two years later, Ethan joined Amanda at the high school teaching biology and coaching soccer. Not only did this time help them develop useful skills, but it also led them to realize their mutual passions of sharing a workplace and interacting with teenagers.
Ethan and Amanda also share a passion for Spanish-speaking cultures. Amanda’s passion started when she studied abroad in Spain and continued when she worked at a Mexican restaurant. For Ethan, it was a biology study tour to Costa Rica that sparked his interest. In the summer of 2015, the couple spent a week in Mexico at a ranch visiting friends followed by three weeks in Costa Rica in a Spanish immersion program. It was there that they fell in love with the country.
A year later, a friend contacted Ethan and Amanda about Seeds of Hope, a mission in Costa Rica that works with high-risk youth to prevent sex trafficking. From there, the Lord opened doors quickly. They visited the mission and found it to be a perfect combination of all of their passions and gifts. The Lord’s calling had never been so strong and clear.
Please continue to keep Ethan, Amanda, and their daughter Aubree in your prayers as they work in clubhouses to proclaim the Gospel in Costa Rica.
Bible Verse: For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20