God's Call to Missions - Jack and Ella's Story
Called to a New Career
The Sailors were enjoying their jobs in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jack was working as a police detective and Ella as a legal assistant. Then things began to change.
During the summer of 1971, the Sailors enjoyed ministry for a month in Alaska. It was during this time Ella became convinced that God was calling them into full-time ministry. Jack, however was not of the same mind. They returned to their work in Regina, but God’s calling was not lost on Ella. She tried to talk to her husband about serving God full-time but Jack was not open to even discussing it.
Realizing that it was all in God’s hands, Ella left it with the Lord.
In the fall of 1971, the Sailors attended revival meetings. It was during one of these meetings that Jack yielded to God and what He was calling him to.
Jack had just committed himself to full-time ministry, when the Chief of Police offered him the position of Detective Sergeant. When Jack informed the Chief that he would not accept the position, rather he was going to resign to enter the ministry, the Chief was stunned;
he could not believe what he was hearing. Ella’s employer likewise expressed utter disbelief.
However, by this time, the Sailors were sure of their calling and would not be deterred.
Embarking on Studies
They sold their home, and in the fall of 1973 the Sailors enrolled at Briercrest Bible Institute. What encouraged Jack and Ella was that their children did not oppose the move; they could see what God was doing in their parents' lives. God had prepared their hearts as well!
With the proceeds from the sale of their house and individuals generously sending money to the Sailors (not knowing their need) Jack and Ella had just enough to see them through to graduation.
During the summers between school years, the Sailors were involved in camp ministry in the Yukon. The believers in Dawson City heard of them and invited Jack and Ella to do church work upon graduation. The Sailors joined SEND International, and in the Christmas of 1976 made the move up north.
A New Life Begins
Jack (right) visiting with goldminers.
There were ministry adjustments during their initial months in Dawson City. However, one of the biggest challenges for Ella was seeing their children gradually leave home to begin their life as young adults.
This was a “heartbreak” she had to work through.
Bible studies were held in various homes; what a great joy to see people yield their lives to Jesus. During the Sailors' 11 years in Dawson City, over 80 people came to know Christ as their Saviour.
One of these people was Randy* whose wife, Lorraine, was already a believer. Randy, an RCMP officer, met the Sailors when they were involved in an accident. The following month Randy and Lorraine were invited to attend a New Year’s celebration. Randy thoroughly enjoyed the event and was touched by the love of the people. He began to attend a Bible study and came to know Christ as his Saviour. They are still enjoying their walk with God.
God does not call all of His followers to leave their jobs and enter full-time ministry; however the Sailors knew that this was His will for their lives.
Jack went to be with the Lord in 2014. He is with the One he loved so much and was so faithful to. Ella is back in Regina and enjoying her family as they come to visit. She continues to be in contact with her former employer, who, at the time, thought it totally ridiculous for the Sailors to enter the ministry. Yet, only God knows the total impact they have had on people’s lives for eternity.
*This is a true story, but some names have been changed for security purposes
Merla Gogel serves as a mobilizer for SEND Canada. She served in Japan for 12.5 years as a church planter and now serves in the Canadian office
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Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
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