Meet Elizabeth Cannings - Our new Missionary Staff Team Member

1.) What do you do at Tyndale?

I am a missionary serving in a staff position as the Executive Assistant to the President of Tyndale Theological Seminary.

2.) What did you do before Tyndale?

Many things! I served as a supervisor for the Urban Alternative as well as the personal and ministry assistant to Dr. Tony Evans; as the Children's Ministry Director at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas; as an independent consultant in children's ministry/childhood education for Emagine Ministry; and as an online instructor for Liberty University. I also hold a Ph.D. in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

More importantly, my passion is discipleship. I mentored back home in Dallas, mainly those who served with me in our church Children’s Ministry. Plus, of course, my own family; my nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

3.) What do you do besides serving at Tyndale?

I continue to mentor back home in Dallas, discipling the adults who I served with in our church and my family members. I have begun volunteering at the Nursing home here in Badhoevedorp, NL and hope to join a D-Bible Study Group (D-Group), if there’s one in the Netherlands. Currently I live in the dormitory with the students and have enjoyed settling in and acquainting myself with Tyndale and with The Netherlands.

4.) Why did you want to come and serve at Tyndale?

It all began on a work (with Dr. Tony Evans) taping trip to Amsterdam in 2023, where something as simple as bicycles caught my attention. They reminded me of my birthplace, Guyana in South America, where cycling was also a part of everyday life. That became the first hook God used to start reeling me in. I found myself fascinated not only by the bikes, but by the people, the way families connected as they rode their children to school, and the lifestyle that felt warm and inviting.

Around the same time, my brother, who lives in Germany, mentioned that 98% of people in the Netherlands speak English. Little by little, I became enthralled with Amsterdam. Back in Dallas, I found myself continually researching, and even decided that when I turned 70, I would move there as a new chapter in life…. a place to live, travel from, and explore Europe. Of course, my family felt, eh, this would go away because why would auntie (that’s what they call me) would leave us.

But God had other plans. He kept stirring this desire, growing it, starting with a connection I made years earlier with Jan Barendse (a Dutch pastor and student at Tyndale) on that first trip. In 2024 when I returned to scout Amsterdam more seriously, Jan spoke regularly the whole weekend about Tyndale. And, then on the Monday he introduced me to President Gunnar Mägi. Neither Gunnar nor I knew exactly why we were meeting. However, during our brief conversation he shared his vision (something for me to consider) and then asked me to then share a bit about myself. Within 20 minutes he said, “There’s a position here for you as my Executive Assistant.”

We stayed in touch, and by January 2025 I said “yes.” I realized I needed a community, especially as a single person with only a handful of acquaintances in the Netherlands. What began as a potential support role grew into becoming missionary staff, which eventually meant applying for a DAFT visa. Looking back, I can see how God was orchestrating every step, moving me beyond my own plans and into His higher calling: serving as a missionary through Tyndale. So, here I am Lord, “send me.” 

5.) What have you enjoyed most during your time serving at Tyndale?

The community of students and staff persons, riding a bike, visiting churches. Additionally, riding with students around and to church (they are very kind, they don’t mind this old lady running around with them), walking & discovering places (without continually getting lost).

I’m in the company of great people: students, staff and their families. Looking back, I see so clearly: I said yes to one thing, but in reality, I was saying yes to everything God had already planned for me; even before I was conceived in my mother’s womb. 

I feel blessed that, in this season of my life, the Lord has called me to the highest level of service as a Christian and that being a missionary. To God be the glory! My prayer is that, here at Tyndale, I may fulfill every expectation of this invitation, serving both people and nations as He leads. 

6.) What are your future plans?

Short trips around Europe, visiting family in Europe, learning Dutch as well as the culture, purchasing and riding an electric bike. And of course, learning and growing with assisting the President’s office.

And to think, it first started when God planted the simple seed of the bicycle riding, reminding me of my childhood homeland. But a story for another time!

Perhaps you have a calling to serve as a missionary?

Prayerfully consider if the strategic mission of Tyndale Theological Seminary meets the desires of your heart and contact us at [email protected] to find out more.

The Lord can use your skills for gospel work. At Tyndale you can have a ministry impact that reaches Europe and beyond with the good news of Jesus Christ through our students. What are you waiting for?