Doctor. Teacher. Global Worker. Pastor.

These are a few of the titles people have called me during my twenty-plus years of living overseas. Sometimes they make me laugh: Doctor? Really? I don’t like looking at X-Rays, let alone dealing with gaping wounds! I certainly don’t consider my input as translator for a medical team enough to elevate me to doctoral status. And most of our partnering churches from the U.S. would cringe at the thought of ordaining a woman pastor, but Peruvians often choose that title for their female leaders.

The only two “correct” titles on that list are teacher and global worker. Teacher because it was my original vocation and continues to be part of my current job; and global worker because I’m on a mission to share the Good News with the people I meet. 

Cook. Housecleaner. Babysitter. Expert fruit and vegetable disinfector...

These are words that I’ve never heard anyone use for me, especially when I’m being introduced at the beginning of an “important event,” probably because they don’t seem like “important titles.” But they are the words that describe Gladis, a faithful friend who holds down the fort in our home when I have the opportunity to use my teaching skills in a context outside of our homeschool classroom. During the many years that Gladis has worked behind the scenes, her job has been no less important than mine in our ministry. Through her cooking and cleaning and childcare, she has served not only our family, but also our expat and local colleagues and several teams each year. 

As she has grown in faith and knowledge of God’s Word, I’ve traded roles with Gladis. What a joy to watch her take on the titles of teacher, global worker, and pastor, using her native language to reach Quechua women from market streets to the local prison. And I’ve learned to serve by stirring huge pots of soup in outdoor kitchens while watching Gladis teach ladies at church conventions.

Working with Gladis has taught me that the title is not what matters, but that we use our gifts to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.