An Empty Mosque
This beautiful, grand mosque was an empty tomb because the people who had once worshipped there were now made alive in Christ. This mosque was merely a skeleton of the religion they once followed. A week before my pre-field training was over, I thought I would be flying home for two weeks and then hopping on a plane to SE Asia. I was SOOOO excited to meet my host family, start language school, and explore the new culture. I was raring to go, but then the leader of our organization walked in and solemnly told us the visa laws had changed so we would no longer be able to leave as soon as… Read more >>
Warrior of Light
Throughout the interview process, fundraising, training, and even now as I am waiting on my visa, a question I often ask is, “What am I doing? Will my presence in SE Asia even make a difference?” My mind spins as I think about everyone who is invested in this work--my family and friends who I am leaving, the students I could currently be teaching in the states, my home church, generous supporters who are giving money to me each month. Is this really the right choice? Is what I am doing even going to make a difference? The Lord answered my question through a vision at a prayer… Read more >>
From the Journal of a Goer
I just spent the past month at pre-field training with my team. To be honest, there is no way I can fit what I’ve learned and experienced in a blog post. To give you a little glimpse into what it was like and what the Lord is doing in my heart, here are some excerpts from my journal: “I feel as though my world is shifting. I am preparing to leave my home for a new home. I will need to learn a new culture and their values. I will have to lay down what I have learned for 21 years And unlearn my way of life that has been influenced by my American heritage. Why would I do this? Why would I… Read more >>
Oak of Righteousness
This past week, I was home alone and heard a huge cracking noise. I looked out the window to see that one of my favorite oak trees had lost a branch. It is common for oaks to drop branches even if they are healthy (it’s so common that we warn guests not to park under them). As I sat there looking at the tree, I was reminded of John 15:1-2 where Jesus says, ““I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.” It hit me deeply that God… Read more >>