Bio

Lonita was blessed to be raised in a Christian home in rural Alaska. When she was 15 years old, she put her faith in Christ. Thinking the Lord was leading her to a career in scientific research, she graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2005 with a BS in chemistry and a minor in mathematics. This was God’s hand at work in her life.

In 2009, she felt the Lord calling her to the mission field. Shortly afterward, He allowed her to go to Africa for two short mission trips, but she did not feel that He wanted her to serve there on a long-term basis.

In 2013, the Lord gave her the opportunity to teach with Matthew and Rebekah Crain at South Simbu Christian Academy in Aibai, Papua New Guinea (PNG). During her four-years there, the Lord called her to become a career missionary to PNG.

In April of 2019, Lonita returned to Aibai as a career missionary to continue her work under the guidance of Michael and Janice Berbin. She has greatly enjoyed reconnecting with her past students and the women in the area and is blessed to be leading a Bible study for teen girls. She also continues to disciple the students through her teaching at South Simbu Christian Academy, where the goal is to give nationals an education they can use in their church ministries.

From August to October of 2019, she was able to teach a literacy class for adults in Amia, a village farther into the bush of PNG, and she hopes to have that opportunity again in the future. 

To view Lonita's photo gallery, click the picture below.