RTDM: Courtney Krpicak
Courtney Krpicak
Overseas Missionary - Mozambique Country Director
Inhambane, Mozambique
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
I grew up in small town West Virginia with hopes of leaving quickly and teaching English overseas. I was active in sports and church life, and had a large family around me. I grew up having a very personal relationship with God and I knew He had a specific path paved for me in this life, but I would have never guessed I would be living full-time in Africa as "Overland Missions Missionary" as my job description! In my life, it was always one small step after another that led me to where I am today: steps of obedience, steps of painful endurance, and wild dreams hinged on faith. Now I am a wife, mother, and minister fully immersed in a culture and world setting where I have the privilege of sharing hope, truth, and physical aid to a people who are in need of it AND who were created for it.
How do you define success?
Success to me is fully stepping into the role that is yours and living it without reservation! It's confidence in whatever you do and with whatever you have, and its making room in your life to give greatly of your finances, time, and attention to others.
What did it take to make your dream happen and when did you know you had arrived?
It has taken commitment before anything; perseverance, faith beyond the five senses, and a sense of humor! I don't know if I have "arrived" yet, but I've never been more convinced of what I am doing - and joyful in doing it!
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
I'm proud my husband and I haven't given up and haven't traded in our original dreams/calling for something else. There would have been so many reasons to turn back and "go back home", but the fact we have faced opposition and have seen it through to breakthrough and fruitful labor is the most satisfying work! A lot of people will go, but who will stay? Not many. We want to be those who stay.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
My biggest fear in the past has been the idea of me not creating change with my life; or my work not mattering in the end. I've realized when you're working unto the Lord the weight of achievement falls upon Him, not us. Because I believe in the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ, I can trust the message I spread and the work I do in His name will be sustainable and will be recognized because He is in it. I scatter the seed and His promise is He will create the growth. Plus, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) So I now rest knowing I am doing my part and that is enough!
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
I would say, slow down and take advantage of the people, experiences, and quiet moments before you're launched into your dream. Read, read, read! Have grace for yourself and stop second guessing your intuition. You have full permission to be you!
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
I wash my mind with truth through prayer and reading God's Word. I also go back to the basics: why do I do what I do? I remind myself of the purpose of my work. I also find it helpful to intentionally sit down with my husband or close friend/family and spend extra time together. Isolation always brings me down, where surrounding myself with other positive voices in my life lifts me up!
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
At the end of my undergraduate studies I was faced with the strange reality that I may not LOVE the career path of Education that I had chosen my whole life. I thought I missed it, and had wasted my potential and energy on something I would never be fulfilled in. Through that time though, I was led to see the true desires of my heart and what the Lord had in store which didn't discount my years of study or my love for teaching, but instead paired it with overseas missions where all my passions aligned and worked together. I learned to never despise any season, it is all necessary for where you're headed and a part of you is cultivated every step of the way.
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
I like reading random blogs of others' lives, journeys and dreams. I probably have envisioned my own self doing a million jobs and chasing a million great ideas (like being an olympic athlete or inventing the most innovative rocket ship). So I guess I enjoy chasing all sorts of dreams through others' stories as well -- I have an adventure movie playing through my head constantly!
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
Relationships that stand the test of time and circumstance, and that speak truth always!
What’s MOST important to you right now?
My family and staying in a place of expectation/challenge for our work ahead.
Share 1-2 books you've given as gifts:
"Such a Great Salvation" by Mike Petzer and "Culture of Honor" by Danny Silk
What have you learned to say no to?
The things that make me busy, just for busyness sake!
What's something most people would never guess about you?
I don't always LOVE camping and roughing it around the world. Rarely do I wake up excited to go into the bush of Africa for days, but I NEVER return unfulfilled or with regret.
Follow Courtney:
Overland Missions- Courtney
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