Ryne ('17) and Heidi ('16 & '18) Roper
Teachers, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Ryne and Heidi Roper view their calling to teaching and coaching as a mission field that extends to students across the world.
Ryne attended Union for his last two years of undergraduate study, graduating in 2017. Heidi received her undergraduate degree from Union in 2016 and completed a Master of Arts in Education in 2018. The two met in the summer of 2016 while working a camp at Union.
Ryne was originally drawn to teaching because both his parents are teachers and because the schedule allows for time with family. Studying at Union solidified his desire to teach.
鈥淥nce I got to Union, I really felt that calling because of the professors that I had and that they instilled in us that we could be on the mission field in our classroom each and every day,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey were passionate about preparing us to be Christlike teachers and to be the hands and feet of Christ in the classroom.鈥�
Heidi also emphasized the relational aspect of her calling.
鈥淚 really fell in love with being a present person in developing individuals,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 just felt God calling me to teaching through that 鈥� being a loving influence of Christ鈥檚 love every day in their life.鈥�
The Ropers spent three years serving at South Gibson County School in Medina, Tennessee, where they taught elementary and middle school students and coached high school sports teams. Currently, they are working through the details of moving to South Korea with their 16-month-old daughter to serve at Yongsan International School of Seoul. They plan to spend at least two years there.
Because the student body at YISS comprises students from many countries and religious backgrounds, the Ropers will be able to minister to the nations in the classroom.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to be able to freely share our faith at that school, working with different kids,鈥� Ryne said. 鈥淣ot every student there is going to be a Christian, so that gives us opportunities to witness to those kids and love them and be a good example to them.鈥�
Because Heidi lived in South Korea for 13 years while her parents served as missionaries, this journey is 鈥渓ike going back home,鈥� and she looks forward to the opportunity to reach students from around the world.
鈥淗aving that diversity in the classroom 鈥� makes it a lot richer,鈥� Heidi said. 鈥淪tudying history and literature with students who come from such different backgrounds and have different beliefs, you have great conversations.鈥�
While the Ropers do not know how long this chapter of their life will last, they are confident that God will make his path for them evident.
鈥淭hroughout the entire process, we鈥檝e seen God reveal to us that this is the direction that he wants us to go,鈥� Ryne said. 鈥淲e know that God has led us thus far with this opportunity, and we have the utmost faith that he鈥檒l continue to lead us no matter what the world is going through.鈥�
By Naomi Mengel