Dear FBC Family & Friends,

What a joy it was to gather together this past Sunday to worship our King and dig into the Word of God. If you were with us, we hope this reCAPS serves as a helpful reminder. If you missed it, we pray this summary blesses you and draws you deeper into the truth of who Jesus is.

Summary: 
The sermon continued our series in the book of John, titled "Believe," picking up in John 11:45 through John 12:19, covering the events leading up to and including the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

The central truth we explored was this: everyone who encounters Jesus must decide how they will respond to him. Through the responses of the religious leaders, Mary of Bethany, Judas Iscariot, and the crowd, we were challenged to examine our own response to Jesus, not just as a one-time decision, but as a daily act of surrender and obedience to him as King and Lord.

Takeaways:
* Some are hindered by the life of Jesus. The leading priests and Pharisees witnessed the undeniable miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead, yet their response was to plot against Jesus because his work threatened their power, position, and comfort. It is a sobering reminder that it is possible to be deeply religious and still miss what God is doing. We must ask ourselves honestly whether we are allowing Jesus to radically change every area of our lives or whether we are holding him at arm's length to protect our own agendas.

* Some honor Jesus as Lord. Mary of Bethany poured out an entire jar of perfume worth a year's wages onto the feet of Jesus, an act of profound humility, sacrifice, and worship. Her response challenges us to consider what it truly means to confess Jesus as Lord, not in word only, but in the full surrender of our time, our finances, our service, and our daily lives. He is worthy of everything we have to offer.

* Some hypocritically use Jesus for leverage. Judas expressed outward concern for the poor while secretly stealing from the disciples' funds. The crowd shouted praises one day and would cry for his crucifixion just days later. These responses warn us against treating the name of Jesus as a tool for our own benefit or convenience, and call us instead to authentic, obedient relationship with him.

As you go into this week, we encourage you to open God's Word each morning and ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life that still need to be surrendered to him. If you have never confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, we would love to walk with you through that step. If you are ready to go deeper in your faith through community, growth, or service, please reach out. We are here for you.

Love y'all!
Pastor Clint

Dear FBC Family & Friends,

What a joy it was to gather together this past Sunday to worship and study God's Word. If you were with us, we hope this reCAPS encourages you to keep reflecting on what was shared. If you missed it, we pray this summary blesses you and stirs your heart toward the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Summary: 
The sermon explored John chapter 11 and the resurrection of Lazarus, using this powerful account to remind us that only Jesus has the power to give life after death. We examined two deaths every person must deal with, the death of the body and the death of the spirit, and what the resurrection of Lazarus reveals about who Jesus is and what he offers to all who believe. Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave by name, he calls each of us out of spiritual death and into resurrection life. This truth has profound implications for how we live, how we grieve, and how we carry hope into a world that desperately needs it.

Takeaways:

* The death of the body is not the end. Lazarus had been in the grave four days when Jesus arrived, and yet death had no final say. Whether or not we know Jesus, the death of the body is not the conclusion of our existence. There is still eternity to be reckoned with, and that reality should shape how we live every single day.

* The death of the spirit is eternal without Jesus. Jesus declared in John 11:25-26 that he is the resurrection and the life, and that everyone who believes in him will never, ever die. The grave clothes of our old life, the shame, the regret, the darkness, do not have to define us. When Jesus rolls away the stone and calls us by name, he also commands those around us to unwrap us and set us free.

* Belief in Jesus is the only thing that will give us true life. Jesus followers are called to live in resurrection joy. Having been brought out of the grave, we are not meant to keep wearing grave clothes. The world around us should see something different in us — a hope, a joy, a peace that makes them want what we have. If we know the resurrection is real and eternity with Christ is secure, that truth should overflow into every part of how we live, serve, and love those around us.

As you go into this week, we encourage you to ask yourself the question Jesus asked Martha: "Do you believe this?" May your answer be a resounding yes, and may that belief show itself in the joy and hope you carry into every room you enter. If you have a next step you would like to take,  whether that is trusting Jesus for the first time, connecting with our church family, or finding a place to serve, we would love to walk alongside you. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Love ya'll!
Pastor Clint

Dear FBC Family & Friends,

What a joy it was to gather together in worship this past Sunday. We are grateful for each of you who joined us, whether you have been with us for years or were walking through our doors for the very first time.

Summary: The sermon explored John chapter 10, where Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. Drawing on the Old Testament backdrop of failed shepherds in Jeremiah 23 and the imagery of Psalm 23, we walked through what it means to follow a shepherd who knows us personally, provides for us plentifully, and saves us eternally. In contrast to the hired hands and false shepherds who abandon the flock when danger comes, Jesus willingly lays down his life for his sheep. The central idea of the message was this:

Jesus leads all who will follow to live abundantly.

Takeaways:

* Jesus knows his followers personally. In a world of billions of people, it can feel easy to get lost in the crowd. But the Good Shepherd calls his sheep by name. He knows your needs, your struggles, and your wandering. You are never out of his sight or beyond his care.

* Jesus provides for his followers plentifully. Just as a shepherd leads his flock to still waters and green pastures, Jesus meets the needs of those who trust him. This does not mean life will be without difficulty, but it does mean that the Good Shepherd is always leading you somewhere better, even when the journey feels long.

* Jesus saves his followers eternally. In John 10, Jesus declares that no one can snatch his sheep from his hand. Salvation in Christ is not temporary or fragile. When you sincerely know him and follow him, you are held securely in the Father's hand.

As you head into this week, we encourage you to reflect on whether you are spending daily time listening for the shepherd's voice through his Word and in prayer. It is in that consistent closeness that we learn to recognize his voice above all the noise of the world around us.

We also want to remind you of the Starting Points class beginning next Sunday for anyone looking to connect more deeply with our church family.

Thank you for being part of this flock. We look forward to worshiping alongside you again soon.

Love ya'll!
Pastor Clint

Dear FBC Family & Friends

What a morning it was at FBC Tecumseh. From the celebration of baptism to the powerful time we shared around the Lord's Table, God was clearly at work among us. If you were with us, we hope this reCAPS stirs your heart again. If you missed it, we pray this summary draws you into the passage and encourages you in your walk with Christ.

Summary
The sermon explored John chapter 9, the account of Jesus healing a man who had been blind from birth. As Jesus was simply walking along, he saw an opportunity for ministry and took it, modeling for us what it means to make disciples as we go about our daily lives. The passage challenged us to reconsider how we view difficult circumstances, how we share our faith, and whether we truly recognize our own spiritual blindness. Ultimately, the sermon pointed us to the central truth that only Jesus saves sinners, and that his healing of this man was not merely a physical miracle but a declaration of his identity as the long-awaited Messiah.

Takeaways:
* Jesus works through tough circumstances to open blind eyes. The man's blindness was not a mistake or a punishment. God allowed it so that his power could be put on display. Whatever difficult or exceptional circumstance you or someone you love may be walking through, God has not made an error. He is at work, and his power is most visible where human ability runs out.

* You do not need a theology degree to share your faith. When the formerly blind man was questioned by the Pharisees, he did not offer a lecture on doctrine. He simply said what had happened to him. In the same way, our most effective witness is often just our story. When someone notices something different about you, tell them what Jesus has done. That is what it means to be a witness.

* Jesus opens the eyes of those who know they are blind. The Pharisees believed they could see clearly because of their religious knowledge and activity. But their refusal to recognize Jesus as the Messiah revealed their true blindness. A relationship with Jesus Christ is not built on what we know or what we do. It begins the moment we acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Savior that only he can be.

As you move through this week, we encourage you to walk with your eyes open to the ministry opportunities around you. Your neighbors, coworkers, and classmates are not accidents placed in your path. They are people in need of the same Jesus who opened the eyes of a man born blind. Do not be afraid to share what you have seen and heard.

If you have questions about salvation, baptism, or what it means to follow Jesus, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be honored to walk alongside you.

Love ya'll,
Pastor Clint

Dear FBC Family & Friends,

What a meaningful morning we shared together in worship. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, returning college students, and first-time guests filling our pews. We are grateful for each one of you.

Summary
The sermon explored the truth of sex and gender as defined by our Creator, grounding the discussion in Genesis 1 and 2, Romans 1 and 8, and 2 Samuel 11. We addressed the growing identity crisis in our culture and in our churches, calling us back to the foundation of Scripture rather than the shifting standards of the world. The message was delivered with both conviction and compassion, reminding us that the same God who designed us is the God who died to redeem us. Our brokenness is not beyond his reach, and his grace is greater than any sin or struggle we carry.

Takeaways

* Truth about sex and gender is only from the Creator. God intentionally and uniquely designed two genders, male and female, each with purpose and dignity. When we embrace the identity God has given us, rooted in Christ, we find our greatest joy and fullest sense of self.

* God created sex to be enjoyed by one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage. Satan has taken what God designed for beauty and connection and twisted it into countless forms of sexual immorality, including pornography, which affects far more people in our churches than we often acknowledge or admit.

* The Creator died to redeem his broken creation. Romans 8 reminds us there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Whatever chains you are carrying, whether pornography addiction, same-sex attraction, gender confusion, or marriage struggles, Jesus died to break every one of them. Freedom is possible, but it requires bringing what is hidden in the dark into the light, and allowing brothers and sisters in Christ to walk alongside you.

Please remember to love those who are still in chains to those sins! There is no room for hate in the sharing of the Gospel except to hate the lies Satan has been whispering in the ears of those who will listen. As we move through this week, we encourage you to reflect honestly on the areas of your life where you may be wandering from God's design.

If you are struggling and have no one to talk to, please reach out to me directly!
You are not alone, and there is no condemnation waiting for you here, only grace, truth, and a community ready to carry the burden with you. Email me, call me, text me!

Announcements
Grief Share begins this Thursday at 6 PM in the youth room, and Back to Church Sunday is coming up next week. Grab one of the mission bags in the back and be a good neighbor to those around you.

I love you and I'm praying for you.
Pastor Clint

Dear FBC Church Family & Friends,

What a meaningful morning of worship we shared together. If you were unable to join us in person, we hope this recap blesses you and gives you something to reflect on throughout the week.

Summary: The sermon opened a new series called Taboo, addressing topics the church often avoids. This first installment focused on stewardship, drawing primarily from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The message challenged us to reconsider what stewardship truly means, moving beyond money to encompass our time, talents, spiritual gifts, and even our care for God's creation. Using the framework of the master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of silver, the sermon called us to examine what we are doing with all that God has graciously given us, and to respond not out of obligation or fear, but out of genuine love and reverence for the One who gave it all.

Takeaways:

* Good stewards invest in kingdom work. Rather than asking why others seem to have been given more, we are called to ask how we can best use what God has entrusted to us, whether that is our time, our money, our talents, or our resources. Investing in the local church, supporting missionaries, caring for the poor and the vulnerable, these are all expressions of putting God's gifts to work for his purposes.


* Good stewards protect God's resources. This includes not only our finances but also the earth itself, which Psalm 24:1 reminds us belongs entirely to the Lord. We have been given stewardship, not unchecked dominion, over creation. Protecting what God has given us means entrusting it back to him rather than concealing it out of fear or self-interest.

* Good stewards are blessed. Malachi 3:8-12 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 both remind us that when we give generously and faithfully, God responds with generosity. This blessing may not always look the way we expect, but God is always faithful to provide when we are faithful to give. Giving is not an act of obligation but a joyful response to the One whom our worship declared is worthy above all else.

As you go into this week, we encourage you to take an honest inventory of what God has placed in your hands. Are you investing it, protecting it, and trusting him with it? If the Holy Spirit revealed areas where you have been holding back, know that it is never too late to begin. As Malachi reminds us, the invitation to return and give faithfully is always open, and God promises to meet that faithfulness with abundance.

We love you and are grateful to do life and faith alongside you.

We also look forward to Pastor Steve Chambers and his wife, Toni joining us this Sunday from Neighborhood Church UWS in NYC. Pastor Steve will be preaching from 1 Peter 3. Be sure you are reading 1 Peter 3 this week in preparation for that.

Love y'all,
Pastor Clint

Dear FBC Church Family,

What a morning it was together. From celebrating what God did at Falls Creek this week to opening up God's Word together, we were reminded again of just how good it is to belong to this family. We hope this reCAPS blesses you as you carry the message into your week.

Summary: The sermon explored John chapter 8, where Jesus makes bold and defining claims about who he is, the light of the world, the great I AM, the one who existed before Abraham. Drawing on the backdrop of the Festival of Shelters and the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2, we walked through what it truly means to follow Jesus and how that decision does not simply affect where we spend eternity, but radically transforms how we live right now, with integrity, in freedom, in obedience, and with eternal hope.

Takeaways:

* Jesus is the light, so we live with integrity. In John 8:12, Jesus declares himself the light of the world. Light always conquers darkness, and when we follow Jesus, he shines into the hidden places of our lives, not to condemn us, but to invite us to surrender those areas to him. Living with integrity means being the same person in private as we are in public, with nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

* Jesus is our Savior, so we live free. In John 8:34-36, Jesus teaches that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, but the Son has the power to set us truly free. Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven , it is freedom from the power and shame of sin right now. As Paul affirms in Romans 6, we have died to sin and are called to live new lives, no longer as instruments of evil but as people fully surrendered to God.

* Jesus is eternal, so we live with eternal purpose. Before Abraham was even born, Jesus declared "I am," the same holy name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Because Jesus is the eternal God who conquered death, those who follow him are promised eternal life. This truth gives us a hope that no circumstance can take away and a purpose that extends far beyond our years on this earth.

We want to encourage you to continue praying for the students and sponsors who returned from Falls Creek this week. Salvations took place, and those young lives need your prayers now more than ever as they step back into everyday life. We are also looking forward to baptisms in the coming weeks, do not miss it.

As you go into this week, we challenge you to reflect honestly: Is there something you are still gripping tightly that Jesus is asking you to open your hands and release to him? True freedom is available. It starts with surrender.

We love you and are so grateful to do life with you.

This week we start a new series entitled Taboo. Reading this week is Malachi 6:8-12, 2 Corinthians 8-9.

Love y'all!
Pastor Clint

The last of VBS ended great with 44 attending. The total enrollment was 56 with the weekly average of 47. All of the VBS workers enjoyed a delicious lunch at the church which included some red salmon.  We left for Anchorage at 1:15 and arrived there at 7:00 pm. The scenery was as beautiful the second time as it was the first. We saw one moose & a calf! Upon arrival in Anchorage we immediately went to eat then to our AIRB&B to get a little sleep since we were needing to get up at 3:00 am to get to the airport at 4:00 am.

Today Started with another drizzly day but still great. Having time to visit together before we head out is an encouraging time.

What a blessing each team member is.

We Have continued to increase in attendance each day with a total of
47 today. They don't let a little rain and cool stop them up here.

In my (Carolyns) Kindergarten class their are several challenged students that can be extremely Challenging but God sent a much needed Miracle. Two brothers just moved here this week. One with Autism and the other some social issues. Yesterday was extremely trying, exhausting and emotional. Having worked with Special Needs and having an autistic Granddaughter my heart was breaking for the boys and their parents. Plus physically tired from trying to engage and corral them. As I'm trying to get one of the boys to cooperate but not having much success his mother walked in to pick him up and was so embarrassed he was in the middle of his difficult actions. She kept apologizing over and over. We reassured her not to be sorry that this is what we are here for.  By the end my emotions just needed a time to cry and pray.

Cheryl, Phil and I were asked to eat lunch with a couple of church members. While we were sitting there, in came the boys and their family. When seeing me they were over filled with excitement and hugs. Like they had never been  upset or difficult. Nothing remaining of their frustration. All smiles and excitement. Oh, how my heart and Spirit needed that. How amazing it is to serve a God who knows your heart and your needs then orchestras the exact thing to encourage you. The parents were over filled with appreciation. It totally made not only my day but my whole trip.  God sent us a break through. Today we had a special bond and the day went amazing. When telling their Mother how great they did today her words rang out in tears..."You don't know how happy it makes my heart to hear this ...Thank you so much." I certainly forever will keep these boys and their family in my prayers. We came to be a Blessing but I received the blessing.

We have continued to raise money  for the Alaska Disaster Relifef. Each 100 dollars raised fills a bucket of items to help those in disaster areas. We have raised enough for 6 buckets so far.

Phil has used his time here to help do many repairs on the church. Spotting issues that need to be addressed with the building.

Trouble shooting and repairing the heating system in 2 classrooms. A couple of smaller issues. Helping to repair a snow damaged fence of one of their widows. They have picked his brain on many things they needed help repairing in the future. He is certainly in his element doing this.

The people here have certainly treated us all so lovingly. It makes you feel like you've been here forever.

After VBS we came back to cook Breakfast for lunch and spend some time together before Family night tonight. We can't wait to see all the kiddos singing their songs and reciting their memory verses.

Afterwards we plan to take a drive to hopefully locate some of the local bears. The beauty of this land is breathtaking.

To wrap it up I can say we have all worked extremely hard to make this a VBS they will never forget. We know we won't.

Thank you for all your Prayers and support.
See you soon.
 

Wednesday has come and so has the rain! We had to trade out our shorts and t-shirts for rain jackets and boots! Despite the gloomy weather, we were still going strong with 43 students at VBS!

Afterwards, Pastor David treated a group of us to tours of 2 more museums, showing us the rich history of this little town. How events such as the 1964 earthquake and the Exxon Oil Spill both devastated Valdez, while also making it stronger.

We braved the weather to join the church family in a bonfire on the beach! While we were waiting, we took advantage of the scenery and went walking on one of the many trails this town offers. We even saw a bald eagle on the way!

As we are on the downhill slide of our mission, some of our team have fallen ill. Whether it’s from the weather change, or just exhaustion, please pray for us as we push through our final days and plant more seeds in the lives of the kids and families.

Now, it’s past our bedtime ~ Kaylee and Taryn (the young girls)

(Haha jokes on us, Vicki and Tony took us bear hunting! The proof is in the pictures!)

We began our second day of VBS with prayer time at 8:30 a.m. VBS attendance increased by thirteen students compared to the first day. The team was excited to meet the needs of students and support First Baptist Valdez VBS workers. First Baptist Church Valdez has made our group feel quite welcome and supported, allowing for a cohesive partnership between the two sister Churches. Students and workers gave an offering of more than $300.00 to support Alaska Disaster Relief, of which Pastor David and Cindy Bradley are members.

Following VBS, the team had lunch at the Bradley’s where they were served a scrumptious meal featuring native Red Salmon and Pacific Cod. Members of the team were then given a tour of the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum, located at Prince William Sound College in Valdez, which featured collections of Native artifacts, Valdez history, and native taxidermy specimens. Cindy gave some members a tour of local sites while explaining their historical significance. Groups were able to explore the scenic areas and enjoy the unseasonably warm and dry weather which is forecasted to change to possible rain and snow tomorrow. The team met for their evening devotional dealing with team unity, then each member described their Grow, Connect, Serve mission trip experiences up to this point, resulting in increased unity.

It has been a great first full day in Valdez. We participated in a free community boat ride before church where they had a service on board. The magnitude of Gods creation here is evident here. It’s hard to understand how anyone who sees it wouldn’t believe in a Creator.

The people seem to be independent much like Oklahomans but few are churchgoers - around 3%.

We are getting ready for VBS and doing some projects around the church, parsonage and a pregnancy center in town today.

Please pray for the children who attend VBS starting tomorrow and for opportunities to share with their parents and community.

Some pics follow.

The Alaska Team made it to Valdez today and met with the Bradley’s and the VBS coordinator at the Church. Also ate some homemade Moose stew.

Tomorrow we will participate on a church on a boat and attend their church services. After church we will set up for the VBS.

Thank you for praying for the children attending and the parents we interact with.

After a long day and over 3,700 miles starting at 4:15 am the Alaska Mission Team landed in Anchorage at 6:30 pm. We will spend the night here and make the 7 hour drive to Valdez tomorrow. They appreciate your prayers for safe travel and the mission ahead.

As we draw near to the end of our trip, I've been reminded of the vast amount of work done by long term workers over the course of decades. I've always heard and said myself that we may never get to see the fruit of the work we do on short term trips, but I've come to understand that statement in a new light these last eight days. Today we with a local that has heard the message and been meeting on and off with our friends here for five years but hasn't responded yet. After the meeting, one of our team members living here said that, on average, it takes seven years for a person born and raised Muslim to respond to the message. And we get to be here for ten days. With that perspective in mind, I've been humbled but grateful to serve and encourage the workers here. They are truly workers of the field - casting out seed, spending years praying for just one to take root, and cultivating each one to go and do likewise. They are but a few lights among millions wandering in darkness, but God is shining His faithfulness through their obedience.

-Cameron

Hey! This is Ariel!

Today was the hottest day of our trip! We got out and prayer walked the city. We prayed that God would do amazing things and bring His Kingdom here. We connected with some people who took us women to get henna! It was fun trying to speak with them although the language barrier was big! They were very sweet and kind.

Our dinner was a special time of meeting with some M’s who have served here for many years. We got to ask questions and learn about their time here. We had poppyseed chicken over peas and rice, it reminded me of home! The M’s were delightful and encouraging. Please lift up their ministry.

After dinner we went out to meet up with a friend from last week. We met at a fancy café. More than any other interaction we got to share not only the Bible in her language, but also the Gospel. It was awesome to watch God use us and our specific personalities to share. We even had her read John 8- the story of the woman caught in adultery. To be honest, we were so tired, I didn’t really want to meet with her. But we showed up and God used our small act of faithfulness to share His story!!!!! Praise God!

Prayer requests:
- for the M’s to not grow weary doing God’s work
- for those who have heard the message of the Gospel to come and follow Jesus!
- for our Tecumseh team to endure to the end of the trip!

Love you guys and miss you so much. Can’t wait to see you Sunday!!!

)Hello,

This has been a whirlwind of a trip, and Sunday was a wonderful day of rest to abide in the Lord.

We had planned to meet with some girls who are studying English here for dinner, but when we checked with them in the morning, they said they would need to study instead, so we found ourselves with an unexpectedly free schedule.

We got to meet with the M’s in the beauty of God’s creation, singing our praises to him and studying his word as the birds were chirping in the clear air above the smog of the city.  

We fellowshipped over lunch, and afterwards got in a much-needed nap to catch up on sleep.  Afterwards, I got to pray for our friends who were studying, asking God to bring them focus and wisdom to know what to study.

Over dinner, us three girls had a heart-to-heart conversation about the worries that had been weighing us down during the trip, and throughout our lives.

It may not have been how we expected our day to go, but it was certainly the day that God knew we needed.  Being rested and closer to my team members, I feel ready to face the challenges of today.

May everything be to God’s glory
Mary

Hi, this is Matt.
Today was a full day which included: meeting up with a local for several hours (We were able to share coffee and a meal together - eating it in the traditional way instead of using a fork and spoon.), but even better was getting to share about our faith with him. Then, in the evening, going out to busy areas to try to get into meaningful conversations with people. This has been hard because of trying to find people that speak enough English to be able to share with. Please continue to pray for us as we go around and try to find people willing to listen, and that the Lord would soften the hearts of those around us (those that we haven't met yet and those that we have gotten to know already) that they might make the decision to follow Jesus.

(Numbers 6:24-26)

Juliana’s blog 5/24
Hello! It’s Juliana signing on for the blog! Today was a full day! Ariel, Mary, and I ate breakfast and then headed to the store to get a gift for a wonderful friend who had invited us over to learn how to make traditional food!  We decided to walk there, it took us about 30 minutes.  We arrived right on time!  Our friend welcomed us into her house, and we got to work on lunch! We chopped vegetables for the salad and the traditional dish while talking, which gave us the great opportunity to talk about our lives with each other. While we ate and drank tea, the TV played in the background and some of the things on the TV sparked conversations about religion.  We got to discuss a little about what practicing religion looks like to her and a little about what following Jesus is like for us.  Afterwards, we got to meet with the team to discuss God’s heart and a little of what the plan looks like short-term and long- term.  Then, we headed out to the market, where we got to prayer walk and try to start some conversations with English speakers.  I ended up getting to do more prayer walking because there weren’t many English speakers around.  While we were there a couple of us got to try snails!  We’re worn out from today, but we’re all gonna get some sleep, and pray for the energy to keep going tomorrow!
Juliana out.

Our first couple days have been both encouraging and humbling. I'm reminded that the work we're doing here isn't always flashy or exciting. Much of our time is spent walking in the heat, praying to ourselves, and sitting in cafés looking for just one meeting. But I'm also reminded that God has been working since long before we got here to prepare those few intentional encounters He has set up for us.

Not a full day into the trip I unexpectedly came across a local I met three years ago, and saw through our conversation how God has been working in his heart that whole time to make him more receptive to the message. Pray that we would continue to have these types of encounters. We hope to meet as many people as possible, but we know that it is the Spirit alone that works to make people receptive to the message. Pray that we also would be receptive to His guidance and obedient to those specific meetings that He has ordained.

Good Morning from North Africa!

We made it safely through our travels. Last night we met with our friends and ate dinner with them! Today we are meeting the rest of our friends, doing some orientation, and hopefully going out to meet people! Lift up our team; we didn’t sleep very much during our travels, and with the time difference, tiredness can often breed impatience. We miss you guys and our friends say hello!