Missionary Interview: David Gentalio

1. What is your ministry called?
- East West Ministries International. Their whole ministry is based around Isaiah 45 and he and his family work in Bejing.
2. Tell me about the goals of your ministry.
- The goal of the ministry is strategically planted churches in restricted access areas of Northern Bejing. They also focus on having nationally-led churches and not western-led churches. East West Missions International also focuses on creating Women's ministry counseling and providing staff to small churches.
3. Did you always want to be a missionary?
-No. His father always dreamed of being a missionary in Russia. Then, his daughter died from a horrible illness and the medical bills became too much. David found his father's drive and passion humbling and convicting, so he remained open to the idea of being a missionary. God opened some doors and he ended up joining the mission field with his wife.
4. What is one lesson God has taught you through your work?
- The "Jesus answer" is right. Christ must be the center and the focus of your ministry in a healthy way. The ministry should focus on what God says, not what God says through a charismatic christian speaker.
5. What if God called you to relocate your ministry to another country? Would you do it?
-Yes.
6.  What is the biggest challenge you face as a missionary?
-Finding a balance with family. He and his wife work as partners and they have learned that they and their two young children must stick together no matter what if they want to be happy and function well.
7. How is life different in Bejing?
-Food and Language are the main differences. The pollution in Bejing is awful, and his wife has asthma. The living there is commercialized, and there are stores and all sorts of industry on every other street block. The city is dense and one must do immense amounts of walking to get around there.
8. I heard a missionary say that 1/2 of missionaries go through a mental breakdown. Why do you think that is?
-New missionaries often don't find support and accountability from their friends, family and church family. Culture shock. People who don't prepare for the difference in culture and lifestyle simply don't know what to expect. The stress in adapting can get the best of people.
9. What is one piece of advice you could give to someone looking to go into missions?
-David's Advice: spend time alone analysing personal struggles and doubts, and then spend time talking with someone you trust to fix those areas of struggle.
10. Has being a missionary strengthened your faith?
-Yes. Putting love and sacrifice into serving God attaches you to the cause and creates a deeper connection between you and God.