​Our first mission trip to the developing nations of the Philippines and Hong Kong planted a seed for full-time ministry.  We didn't know when that would happen, but we were not ready or mentally prepared to do it at the time.  Each year was a persistent nudge in our hearts to go.  Our desire was to help make a difference in people's lives of developing nations through spiritual and physical needs.  Every year, we would go with our home church on 2 week trips to the Philippines.  When we would return home, a small voice would always nudge at our hearts to serve full-time. The "full-time" part was an overwhelming thought that we kept ignoring while continuing to pray about it for several years.​ Until, one year as we returned, things began to take root. 

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We were returning from another trip from the Philippines one year. Upon landing at the San Francisco International Airport, that feeling came on us again, to serve full-time in missions.  This time, it was different.  Our hearts changed.  Home no longer felt like home anymore.  Nothing could inspire us more than to just turn back around and continue to share the gospel with people who have never heard of Jesus and seeing their faces light up with excitement and joy.  Suddenly, they were revived with life!  There was always a joy in our hearts when we reflected on the times God moved in people's hearts changing their view of who he really is.  We loved introducing them to a Father they never knew.  We would remember the times the people in the Philippines would ask us, "When are you coming back?"

 

The annual 2 week trip was not satisfying anymore.  We knew then, it was time. It was time to flip to the next chapter of our lives.  We responded to the stirring this time by saying, "yes", yes to God to serve full-time in missions.  When we gave our "yes", we suddenly felt a sense of excitement and peace upon us.

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Nobody forced us into full-time missions.  We were just led by the Lord in what he placed in our hearts to do.

 

It led us to sell the “American Dream”, our house, along with every household item we owned.  We chose to let our home go, the home we built from scratch. We've lived in this house for 15 years, where many joyous family gatherings occurred, where friends hung out, ministries birthed, disciples made through marriage, young adult, and youth small groups, where many other memories were made that are numerous to count.  In this house, two grandkids were being raised along with two young children of our own. Our two older children have been raised in this home and now grown and gone to experience the world on their own. 

 

However, sacrifices must be made and things must change to experience a journey that wouldn't be possible if we did not respond. In the process, we felt to leave our careers of 15+ years and become dependent on our faith and trust in God allowing Him to provide in ways we can’t imagine.  As missionaries, we do not collect a paycheck.  We only serve where we're needed.  So how are we living without income?  We are supported monthly by a network of family, friends, and our home church who believe in what we do.  When we fall short of our monthly needs, we seek the Lord's open doors and follow where His favor is.

 

So in this season, and the seasons to come where the Lord takes us, we ask you to continually keep us in your prayers.  We ask you to keep praying that our hearts remain obedient to where he leads us, and where He leads that there'll be provision.

 

We are excited in this journey following God in what He's doing in us and through us in the nations.  Our life is no longer stagnant, but full of life and purpose.

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