Address: 304-25 Ivybridge Gate, Winnipeg, MB, R3W 0L5 Canada
Email: sunger@gemission.com or shirley.unger@gemission.ca.
Website: https://gemission.org/
I became a Christian when I was a child. I grew up in a Christian home, learning about Christ at church and in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I was asked by a friend at a birthday party if I had a personal relationship with Christ. I went to my room, took out my little Bible that my parents had given me for Christmas and invited the Lord into my heart.
I had never considered going overseas to serve as a missionary in my earlier years. I went to Bible College and then got my teacher's degree at Brandon University. My goal was to teach elementary age children, but the thought of doing it outside of Manitoba didn't cross my mind.
After teaching on First Nations schools for four years, which was kind of a mission field of its own, a Greater Europe Mission (GEM) rep was at my parents' home for lunch and asked me to consider serving. That led to going to Spain on a summer mission trip. During the wrap-up time in Germany, opportunities to teach at Christian schools in Europe were mentioned. I applied, looking to serve for a year or two and the Lord expanded it to become a long term ministry, eventually with more than just teaching.
My Current Role at GEM
My current ministry is as an administrative assistant to both GEM Canada and to GEM Teams, where I served in person for over 16 years. My role with GEM Teams is to interact with teams and individuals who are wanting to serve on a short term team (1-3 weeks) and walk them through the GEM application process. I also read through their evaluations after a project and make our mobilization department aware of those who may want to return or consider longer term ministry. I meet with GEM Canada staff virtually once a week and with my supervisor also weekly. I meet with GEM Teams staff once a month and with that supervisor about once a month. I travel to Germany to be with the team in person once a year.
About GEM
Greater Europe Mission (GEM) began in 1952 because of a desire by Bob Evans to train leaders in the Bible. 22 Bible schools were established in the first 30 years, many that continue on. The ministry spread to include church planting. Today the mission has a wide variety of ministries, including Creative Arts, Business as a mission, sports, camps, children/youth education, justice, refugees, church planting, disciple making and so much more. GEM has over 700 missionaries from North America, Europe and beyond.
GEM's mission is to reach Europe by multiplying disciples and growing Christ's Church.