THE BEGINNING

Hi, We’d like to introduce ourselves, Rodger and Dixie Shewmaker, to you and tell you how we began as missionaries..

Prior to becoming missionaries we were members of First Christian Church, we had been involved in many activities of the church as Sunday School teachers, Youth Sponsors, Bible study leaders, Cradle Roll, Pre School Worship, Toddler Room, Choir, Elder, Mission Chairman, Forwarding Agent, … well, you get the picture. We were young, energetic and loved FCC and serving God.

Following a couple of short term mission trips God called us to serve as missionaries in the Philippines. At that time we had two daughters, (Andrea 9 and Beth 6.) We shared our decision to serve as missionaries in December of 1986. In December 1987—we boarded the plane in Decatur to begin the adventure of our lifetime.

Our mission name: Mathetes. We wanted to select a name for our mission that would reflect our goals and ideals. Let us share with you why we chose this name: The following is taken from Vine’s Expositor Dictionary of New Testament Words
DISCIPLE Mathetes:, "a learner" (from manthano, "to learn,"…indicating thought accompanied by endeavor). It is used of the "disciples" of Jesus ...especially of the twelve apostles … and… of all who manifest that they are His "disciples" by abiding in His Word, In the book of Acts, it is used of those who believed upon Him and confessed Him.

This is our passion, to make disciples of Christ. The verses that give us direction, strength and encouragement during our time on the mission field are: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:19-20

God has been with us as our stronghold through everything we’ve experienced. We thank God for His faithfulness towards us for 21 years.

We went to the Philippines to work alongside veteran missionaries, Dr. Charles and Mickey Richards. “Chuck” and Mickey were involved in Bible translation and seeking another couple to work with them among the Itawes people in Northern Luzon (300 miles north of Manila.)

Rodger immediately became involved with the four Itawes preachers assisting them to accomplish their dreams and goals for the churches. Our family “vehicle” was a 70cc motorcycle and Rodger traveled far and wide along with his Filipino co-workers on this conveyance.

During this time we assisted in developing leadership among the members of the Itawes churches, developing Sunday School for children by training teachers and starting a new church in the city of Tuguegarao. Today that church is thriving and has an average attendance of 200, Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools continue to be offered for the children.