Where the Team Stands

For those of you who have not yet heard, the community we were supposed to go to, Qochumi, kicked our boys out after two years of working with them. We were all devastated and confused as to what happened after two years of building relationships and working hard alongside them. It all happened so fast - they asked our guys to leave and said they didn't want to hear anymore. We all know who is behind this, but we are not surprised, just broken-hearted for the people of Qochumi. We did our best to understand and try to work out any issues, but it was clear we were not welcome there anymore.

Please continue to pray for them and the other villages that have not yet heard. The enemy is hard at work using many of their superstitions and fears to keep them from allowing us to come in. After language school, Misty and I were to work in Qochumi discipling the few believers there, but due to this abrupt change we were left searching for other communities to work in. Thankfully, word got out that there were missionaries looking for places to share bible stories, and we received an overwhelming response. There have been many villages that have few or many believers that are begging to be discipled.

We are truly blessed and are so humbled to be used by the Lord in this way. We by no means feel qualified for this but we are continually reminded that it is His work and not ours. We can barely carry a simple conversation; cooking with the women results in a lot of laughs, strange looks, and burnt food; the kids soon become our best friends and teachers helping us understand the culture and how to fit in. If there is one thing I have learned so far, it is that God does not need me - He just wants my heart in obedience.

Please pray for Misty and I as we leave this Saturday to go to our next community, Falsuri. We have heard that there are a handful of believers here that have been asking to have someone come and share more Bible stories with them. We are very excited and nervous. Trips are always amazing times of growth and precious times with Jesus but, like always, there are many trials and rough times ahead. Please pray for wisdom, clarity to speak and understand the people, God's moving in the hearts of the believers and unbelievers of this community, and protection from the attacks from the enemy. We will be gone for a month and really depend on your faithful prayers. Thank you so much, I love you!