Every Tribe, Every Tongue
Raised in a Christian home, Ruthie Tucker came to faith at a young age. Her parents were commended workers, who exposed her to different cultures. She is currently serving the Lord in Zambia at the Sakeji Mission School where she teaches first grade. Her desire is that all her students come to know Jesus as their personal Saviour. We asked her some questions to find out what made her swap Florida for Zambia — and what lessons we can learn from the life of a young missionary woman in southern Africa.
How did the Lord call you to work in Zambia?
That is a long story! After two years of working in the public school system in Tampa, Florida, I knew I wanted to resign. I took that summer off to travel across the US, all the while asking God: “Where do you want me?” I also began reading an Elisabeth Elliot book titled ‘God’s Guidance’ and invited people to pray with me.
As I visited friends that summer, Sakeji Mission School came up in a conversation and later, another friend gave me an outdated article about the school. Thinking they wouldn’t still need help, I pushed that possibility aside and looked into other areas. I even thought about changing careers completely and joining culinary school! But then, one of the elders at my chapel brought up the same school. I decided to look it up — and found that they were still in need of teachers; specifically, a first-grade teacher matching my teaching credentials! As the days passed, it seemed the Lord was opening doors for me to go there, at least for a visit.
I took that summer off to travel, all the while asking God: “Where do you want me?” I even thought about changing careers completely and joining culinary school!
One day, the same chapel elder emailed me to say that, as he prayed for me that morning, the Lord brought him to Matthew 19:29: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” For me, this email was a direct response to my prayer asking, “Lord, should I go?” — and it was then I knew I was going to Zambia. I didn’t know how long the Lord would have me there, but I was confident He was telling me to go.
And so, with the Elisabeth Elliot quote “do the next thing” reverberating in my mind, I went. And it’s been three years since!
What encouragement can you offer someone who is struggling to understand God’s will?
If you want to know God’s will, you need to keep studying His Word. Be patient, knowing that God’s timing is always best, and remind yourself of His promises. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 reminds us that when the Lord calls us, He is faithful. He tells us what He wants for us through His Word, so do what He says and He will correct and guide you as you act in faith. I’d encourage you to continue in His Word and talk to the Lord as you do so. He will reveal the way.
What are some cultural adjustments in Zambia that you have had to overcome?
There were so many! For one, the concept of ‘waiting in an orderly fashion’ is not as widely accepted here as it is in North America, where I come from. And when queues are mandatory, such as while waiting to be served in a store or in official buildings, the idea of personal space is not abided by. Apart from that, Sakeji Mission School is located in a very remote and rural part of the country. Thus, it is customary for the women to wear skirts or dresses all the time. Wearing a skirt/dress for everything has been an adjustment for me. Then, there’s their concept of time. The local people are very relationship-centred. Time spent with each other is far more important than sticking to a schedule. Time here is relative, so if someone says they will meet you at 10am, that could be anytime within that hour or even later! Though this is my third year here, I am still adjusting to this fluidity of time.
Watching your parents develop relationships within the community they lived in, in order to share the Gospel, helped put overseas missions on your mind. What are some practical ways parents can impress God’s global vision for the lost upon their children’s hearts?
I know that watching my parents pray together with us for the salvation of those around them was very influential. They read to us daily from His Word — and then lived what they taught. I watched them help others and regularly welcome people into our home. Hospitality was such a huge part of how my parents built relationships. As John 13:35 says, they will know you by your love. Teaching about Christ’s love and living it out in tangible ways are examples God can use to impress upon your kids His desire to see none lost.
Teaching about Christ’s love and living it out in tangible ways are examples God can use to impress upon your kids His desire to see none lost
How can we pray for you?
Watch this ministry update video by CMML for more on Ruthie and her work in Zambia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XQ0ax_-s6w
Elizabeth Abraham — or Elsa, as she is usually known — has lived in the Lone Star State of Texas for most of her life, where she works as a physician assistant. From teaching preschoolers at Sunday school and mentoring younger sisters in Christ to conversing with co-workers and caring for elderly nursing home patients, her desire is to know the Lord and make Him known.
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