This idea has changed through classes and personal reflection - first and foremost, the Father wants me to draw near to Him, and to continue to learn about who He is and who He wants to be to me.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." John 15:4

The transition has been exciting and challenging in so many ways. The first week, we spent some time as tourists, getting acclimated to the time change, while also seeing some of the beauty here in South Asia. After the first week, we got settled in basetown, which I have begun to call home.

It wasn't until part of our team took a trip and we stayed with a Muslim family during Ramadan did I feel the weight of a new culture.

It has been really great having the ability to step out of a frantic season to just sit in stillness with God. We have had space and time to abide in the Father and learn more about Him, which has been wonderful.

Ultimately, I want to remind us all that even though this is a strange and unprecedented time, that God is still so much better than we can ever know, and we truly can “take courage, be strong, and remember where our help comes from.”

God is the author of my story...if only it were easy becoming a blank page.

I'm not someone who frequently questions or doubts God, but I was overwhelmed with so many 'why?' questions. Why is there so much gender inequality? Why is there so much poverty? Why has my life been so easy compared to the people here?

I was deeply challenged by that, and I realized that I want the same for myself and everyone else who follows the Father. We should all be able to look back at our own lives in twenty years and say, despite what fruit or lack of it may be present, that we were faithful through and through. It's that mindset that God has been drilling into me since the day I got here, and it has been redefining what I strive for in my future, my relationships, and my prayers.

At times it seems hopeless-- the task is so large. But I continue to be drawn to the feet of Jesus. I'm reminded that our reality is Zion-- we are sons and daughters of the living Father. I'm reminded that Jesus bridged the gap for us. Because of His loving kindness, we do not have to build ourselves up to Him.

The Lord is gracious, patient, ever faithful, omniscient, and love. He has shown this to me in so many ways, and all he wants of me right now is to trust in who he says he is. And that is the desire of my heart; the hard things are necessary, pruning is necessary, for my good and his glory.

It was so sweet to be able to see what a people group looks like after the Good News has taken root and how the Holy Spirit can work. As we hiked through the mountains our host would often stop and ask us to lift with her for the surrounding villages that have yet to come to the Father. I have been so encouraged by her faith and that of her people.

It was in the desert that I truly began to understand the importance of rain and God’s protection and provision over us.

n a country where so much hope is lost and so many people are lost, I was reminded constantly of the Father's plan for redemption. I am just in awe of what He is doing in this place... For the movement of the Father's Spirit in this village and in these people. It was so uplifting getting to see the heart of our guides and the people throughout the village. A memory that will be stamped in my mind and heart forever.

I then looked out and begged God to lift the fog. To lift the fog around those peoples hearts and minds. Because there is the most beautiful sight, the most high God, just on the other side. And I asked God to lift the fog in my life, to take away all that obstructs my view of him. I know that God is lifting that fog.

We put together a list of books and podcasts we think are worth your time. Whether you are looking to stretch your mind, deepen your faith, or just disconnect for a little while, we think these resources will enrich your 2020.

It was like God was telling her “See R, I’ve been in love with you this whole time. Since the beginning of time—this has been my plan from the beginning, to redeem and rescue you.” R told us a couple days later that she’s been having thoughts about God like crazy.

Eventually, my husband’s new friendship with Chuck, a passion for the unreached, and a similar love for college students led John to join Cafe 1040's mission! He now serves as a mobilizer and is using his strengths and desires to help students find their way to the mission field. For us, it all started by investing in a ministry that we believed in."

We all have a role to play.

"I was walking through one of the most remote, unreached villages in the world and there it was - a wheelbarrow full of Cokes. I didn’t think much about it at first but then it made me stop and think. If you want something bad enough, you do whatever it takes to get it.”

 "Learner" has continued to be the number one role I have played during my time here.

Fortunately, that's been a pretty easy role to fill, because believe it or not, there's a TON to learn about the Father, His plan for the world, and how I can be a part of it.