“Missionary” Jennifer Hansen has arrived, YES!

By Grace Nakajje Dec 24, 2011

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Jennifer upon arrival at Entebbe Airport recently. She was received by Uganda Dean, Rev. Mwoho (L)& EAAC Mission Interpreter Rev. Bruce (C). Photo by Grace Nakajje.

Jennifer Hansen has started her missionary work in the East Africa Annual Conference, a job she will carry out for three years.

This young adult started her carrier early this months and she was centered in by the Resident Bishop, aniel Wandabula with the Assistant General Secretary at GBGM-UMC Caroline Njuki at the Episcopal Head Offices in Kampala Uganda recently.

She is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries assigned to the East Africa Annual Conference to assist with pastoral training and other forms of leadership development.

Jennifer, who is a candidate for deacon's orders in the North Georgia Annual Conference, is organizing a database on the ministries, resources, and needs of the church within the five countries. She is working with conference leadership to identify viable training venues, potential trainees, and mission partners.

Jennifer Hansen is a native of Georgia and a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama; and master of business administration and master of divinity degrees from Emory University, Atlanta. Before entering
seminary in 2007, she worked on the business side of telecommunications, including four years as  controller of Turner Network Sales.

"Growing up in the church gave me a sound foundation on which to build my Christian faith," Jennifer says. "However, as a young adult, I struggled in my spiritual journey to feel confident in faith. A series of personal challenges led me to reevaluate where I was in my life and my relationship with God." A period of discernment resulted in a confident conviction of God's call to mission. This awareness was underscored by participation in mission trips and social ministries.

Jennifer credits these experiences as leading her to seminary. She has a strong sense of calling to minister among the poorest of the poor in Africa; she believes God can use her gifts and talents "for the greater