Get to Know Anika Anderson

Ministry Description

I am the Administrative assistant to the Ministry Coordinator of Word of Life Portugal. That includes, but is not limited to, coordinating any missions groups that come to Portugal, local church involvement (I help with the youth program, praise team, and woman's events), watching children for our staff families (we have a lot of children, and it is my favorite :D ), help Matthew with emails, interns, staff meetings, and anything in between. There is never a dull moment!

Learn more about the ministry in Portugal.

About Anika

I was born into a Christian home - my dad is a pastor/farmer and my mom stays at home. I was saved after my family went to a Billy Graham crusade. I talked to my mom a few days after and she explained the gospel to me again, it was at that point in my life that I accepted Jesus as my savior. I was 6 years old.
Growing up my family was always in church, I was the "good little girl" at church but at home I was not so good. I was rebellious and had hard at heart.
It was not until my high school years that the Lord started to work on my heart, He using a lot of things to get ahold of me. When I finally started to pay attention to what He was saying, I realized that I needed to make the faith of my parents my own and not just something that I did every Sunday and Wednesday. The Lord led me to WOL and I have grown so much! I had a discipler who was not afraid to ask the hard questions, to call me out on the anger and bitterness I had been carrying for so many years. My first year at Word of Life was such a growing experience! I went on to second year, after second year I moved to the Dominican Republic as a Cross Cultural Intern with Word of Life for two years. The Lord used that time to show me how selfish and prideful I am. I learned that anytime you work with people it is messy, there is beauty in brokenness, everyone has a story, and everyone needs the love of Jesus. It was during my time in the DR and after, when I moved home, that my desire is to meet people where they are at and to love them. I want to be a part of change. I want to be a part of watching people fall in love with Jesus. I want to come alongside and be an encouragement. I want to disciple. As I have spent time in prayer and in God’s word I know that moving to Portugal is the next step for me. I will be able to us the gifts that I have for the office and also hands on working in the local church, with the missionaries and being involved in camp. I am so excited about what God has in store and am really excited to share this journey with you!

Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

Contact Information

aranderson@wol.org
Skype: anikacj
Palavra da Vida
Anika Anderson
Estrada Moita Longa
Lagoa
2640-064 MFR