 IT'S A LONG WAY FROM WILLIAMSPORT, PA TO SAIPAN, an island near Guam, but when Steve and Sheila Myers recognized God’s call on their lives, they were ready to go where He led.
FEBC needed them to oversee maintenance of the transmitting site on Saipan, where many of our shortwave broadcasts to China, Russia, Mongolia, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia originate.
While many might consider Saipan a paradise location, living there is not without its challenges: - Typhoons often rip through this part of the Pacific Ocean from July to December, wreaking havoc on broadcast studios, homes, and antennas.
- Humidity hovers between 70 to 100%, so when the Myers leave for an extended period of time, they must store things in an air-conditioned room or risk mold-infested possessions.
- Sheila travels to 14 different grocery stores, because most food is imported. She calls it “grocery hunting” rather than grocery shopping.
- The majority of Saipan's population come from Asia to work in the tourist trade or garment industry. Once they’ve earned a set amount of money, they leave, often within 1-2 years. As a result, the locals are hesitant to establish new friendships, which makes it difficult for Steve, Sheila, and their 3 sons to develop lasting relationships.
In spite of these challenges, Steve and Sheila
plan to remain on Saipan until God points them in another direction. "We’re learning to be more open," Sheila commented, "to wherever God wants us. It’s not our wisdom, knowledge, or abilities He wants, just our willingness to serve Him."
Reaching Out to People in Need
The Myers befriend those who are often discriminated against. Many come from the Philippines, China, Bangladesh, and India, to serve as waiters, busboys, cooks, seamstresses, and maids. "We are all the same in God’s eyes. When we have the opportunity to reach out to such people they are usually stunned and grateful for our kindness. We’ve made friends with individuals who would literally die for us, because we’ve treated them with love and respect."
A New World View
Steve and Sheila’s children have also changed in remarkable ways. They’ve made friends with people they would never have met in the States, had incredible travel opportunities, and experienced various cultures, customs, and foods. "Unlike Steve and I who spent our lives in the U.S. until 5 years ago, our boys are accustomed to meeting people from a variety of different races," Sheila explained. "They don’t notice skin color the way we do, and I’m grateful for that.
"It’s also liberating to live in a society that’s neither time-oriented nor materialistic. In Saipan, nothing is as important as relationships. "Most importantly," Sheila added, "our work is incredibly rewarding. Listener letters from around the world remind us we’re doing exactly what God wants…making it possible for millions to hear the Good News on a daily basis. When we became Christians we decided we wanted to serve God in a tangible way, and we finally feel we’re accomplishing the task of being His ‘good and faithful servants.’" Get Involved
Learn more about the Myers and their kids.
Contact them using our online e-mail form.
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