Ian and Jessica Friesen

Vision and Mission

In 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic, God provided VISAs in a miraculous way, and we made the move to Kazakhstan to start teaching at a school for the children of Missionaries. (On public forums we keep this name private). Jess (formerly “Strydhorst”) grew up on the mission field (Jos, Nigeria) and has a special place in her heart for children who share a similar background to hers. We are both certified teachers and share a vision for teaching a generation of Jesus loving, truth seeking, and critical thinking students who are passionate about utilizing their God-given gifts and abilities to extend the Kingdom of God through their vocation and life.

We are so grateful for the support we have received from family, friends, and churches, and are blessed to be used by God in the way he has directed us.

Mission Work

We are in our 5th year of teaching here and much has changed in our lives and our school since 2020. Since our arrival, we have had 2 children, William (May 2022) and Cassandra (June 2024), both born here in Kazakhstan. We have learned much about teaching and parenting and living away from family. Ian is currently serving as the High School Principal in addition to teaching a few classes, and for the moment, Jess’ main focus is the care of their children, William and Cassandra with one day a week at school teaching.  

Primarily and practically, as teachers, our main “mission field” here is our students (and our children!). We are so excited to have the opportunity to mentor, disciple, discover truths through academic work, study scripture, and pray with them on a daily basis. Our heart for these missionary kids is growing each year. They face many challenges, some of which include being raised in a culture different from the culture of their parents, learning a language they didn't know, and living far from their extended family. The kids often feel that they are 'along for the ride' on the call God has placed on their parents' hearts to be in Kazakhstan doing ministry. As their teachers and principal, we pray that they would be able to help them grow in their personal relationship with God and guide them as they struggle through the various crises and every-day moments they face on their journey. 

Secondly, we join in on the mercy ministries the school conducts in the local community. The school has a strong vision for vibrant Christian faith lived out by the student body. Thirdly, by teaching here, we hope to enable missionaries to stay and continue long-term sustainable ministry by providing quality education for their kids. Without a school (and teachers to staff the school), the sad reality is that missionaries often return to their home country after a brief stay, or don’t come at all. This is one of the main reasons we have continued to feel called to teach at this school. Leveraging our gifts to God’s glory we seek to help the school as it purposes to provide transformational, quality, international, English-medium education.