This past month while we were at Green Lake Conference Center, we were part of an incredible time of refreshment for the spirit, mind, and body! It was also the beginning of new life-long friendships and a deepening of precious friendships. We had many opportunities, daily, to hear about what our mighty God is doing around the world.  We deeply appreciate International Ministries and everyone who gave to the Judson Advance Fund to help cover the cost of these two weeks. Thank you!

                The All Staff Gathering (ASG) was a time to get to know our new extended missionary family. As one of the new members of this amazing family, we immediately felt welcomed as if we have always been part of it! During this week, International Ministries took a lot of time through various exercises to lay ground work for future visioning.  It was such a privilege to share and vision together for what the future might hold. Our concerns, ideas, and dreams were taken into consideration. This was just one of the many God moments we experienced at Green Lake. We can’t say enough praises about how our children immediately developed friendships with the other Missionary Kids (MK’s).  It truly was a blessing to gather together and share with each other.

                The World Mission Conference was an awe inspiring time of worship, learning, making new connections from around the world, celebrating 200 years of missions, and – my favorite part – hearing about the amazing things God is doing around the world through the missionaries and partners. Each evening a new area of the world was featured and we heard about people rising to the challenge and overcoming many difficult life situations. While listening to each of the stories my heart was moved to compassion for all of God’s beautiful children around the world. It made me wish we were at 100% of our monthly support goal and were already commissioned and starting language school this month. We are trusting that God will continue to provide and it is our prayer to be at 100% by December.  I was struggling with my own impatience of being at 36.5%. Then, God started to transform my thoughts and heart by saying that there is a purpose for the timing of when we will reach 100%. God is continuing to prepare us for ministry during this time of deputation. My prayer is that my heart will be open to hear and receive what God has for me during this time of preparation. No time or experience is worthless to God, He is always preparing us to be his instruments to advance His kingdom.

                God orchestrated the meeting of many new people while at the World Mission Conference. It was an extra special blessing to be able to meet people who are supporting us who we didn't know other than a name on the computer screen. I remember one night in particular, just as the evening worship time was about to start and Peter taps my shoulder and says “You need to meet these people!” To my surprise it was a couple who has been supporting us since our endorsement. After service we took some time and got to hear their story and learn more about what God is doing in their life. What a blessing it was to meet and get to know everyone that we did!

One more story, Peter and I attended Madeline Flores’ workshop and heard her stories of how short-term missionary teams are rising to the challenge of missions in the Dominican Republic. During her workshop I was on the edge of my seat, my heart was breaking for the lost and broken hearted in the Dominican Republic. I was moved to tears by the many stories she told. Some were of her friends that we met while on our vision trip and others were of people I hope to be able to meet soon. What a day of rejoicing that will be! Peter even got roped into helping by carrying a bucket of water on his head, just like the women and children do daily in the Dominican Republic.

Rising to the Challenge was the theme of the WMC. It was a blessing and exciting to hear about how God answered prayers and poured out blessings when people rise to the challenge and trust God with the rest. How are you rising to the challenge of missions and as a follower of Christ?