Monique Lieuwen (Class of 2006)

Monique Lieuwen, the oldest of 4 girls, attend and graduated from Immanuel Christian High School in 2006.  After graduation, Monique headed south to attended Dordt University.  Leaning on her gifts in science and math, Monique entered the engineering program.  “I’m a really practical person, so I wanted to study something useful, something in which I could get a degree in four years and get a good job that I enjoyed,” Monique commented.

As part of her studies at Dordt, Monique participated in a number of short-term mission opportunities which laid the groundwork for her future career in humanitarian work.  Upon graduating from Dordt University, Monique began working in the environmental engineering department for the City of Abbotsford in British Columbia where she obtained her Professional Engineering License.

While working for the City of Abbotsford, Monique was introduced to the work of GAiN (Global Aid Network), a Christian humanitarian organization that coordinates projects such as microfinancing, water well projects and working with refugees.  “I had always wanted to do something humanitarian with my engineering degree,” Monique said.  “But I didn’t know what it would look like.  I did know that I wanted to work for a Christian company.  What’s the point of doing it unless you’re doing it to share the love of God?”

In 2016, Monique joined the team at GAiN as a project manager, overseeing projects across the world.  She is using many of the skills she learned in her time working for the City of Abbotsford, including managing projects, working with contractors and making budgets, with all of these projects happening alongside ministry programs and partnering with churches, demonstrating the love of God in word and deed.

You can learn more about the work of GAiN on their website, as well as supporting the work of Monique here on her giving page.