Michael P. Farris, Esq.
Chairman &
General Counsel

Teen Trip Opened Door for Service: Interview with Ken Shipe

Volume 51, Program 12 3/16/2004

Have you ever wondered whether short-term missions make a significant impact? Then join Michael Farris as he talks with one young man about his experience today on Home School Heartbeat.

Mike:
My guest today is Ken Shipe. He's a homeschool graduate who's now employed as a very high-level machinist. He's a member of my church. Ken, welcome to the program.

Ken Shipe:
Thanks, Mike. It's a pleasure to be here.

Mike:
Ken, you've participated in several short-term missionary projects, but why don't you tell our listeners about your very first trip?

Ken:
My first trip was when I was 14. My dad encouraged me to go with him on a work trip to Haiti, and we were building desks and things for a school down there. And I was kind of reluctant to go, but my dad encouraged me, and it ended up being a wonderful experience and kind of got me excited about doing it in the future.

Mike:
Well, Ken, since that time when you were homeschooled, and now you're grown, you've worked in Mexico and Romania. What stands out most to you about those experiences?

Ken:
Well, I would say the way God uses people who are willing, and he uses their specific gifts—particularly the Mexico trip where we were doing a lot of construction-type things, and I've really felt like God used me well there and it was just a real blessing. And it was just neat seeing how God could use my gifts—and he can use other people's gifts as well.

Mike:
Ken, thanks so much for being an example as a homeschooled young person and now as an adult in serving God around the world. I'm Mike Farris.