10+ years ago, we both received the same calling to the same city in East Asia. About 2 years ago, we sensed the time had come to get ready to go. Through a series of open doors and the guidance of the Spirit, D received a job offer at an international school, where he will teach high school English.

From our interaction with the school—it’s a caring community of staff, spouses and children, students, and members of the greater community. We share many of the same values, and we look forward to being rooted there. Our Field Work begins in August!  

We’ve been connected to a special bible study group—the participants came from the land that we are heading to.

J was able to share how God had prepared us over the years and gave us His heart for their homeland.

After the sharing, the leader gathered everyone to pray over our family and commission our service on the field. In the midst of it, our daughter whispered, “Mama, why are they crying?” It struck us that these brothers and sisters in Christ, who came from the place we’re going to, had the same cry in their hearts…

Many of them didn’t know God back then; they came to Canada for a better life. And beautiful believers on this side of the world opened up doors for them, invited them to church, told them about Jesus, and their lives were changed, and they are truly living “the better life”.

But family and friends back home are still waiting for an encounter with Jesus.

The leader of the bible study group described us as Firefighters. While many in the midst of fire would desperately look for a way of escape—for fresh air. We are working to find our way in, knowing there’s danger in it. But the Gospel is worth the risk!

Through a couple of believers from this group, we developed new contacts in the city we are heading to. We left the bible study group that night feeling encouraged, excited, and extremely grateful that we get to partner with God in His big plan for the people of this land.

As we count down our remaining time in Canada, we decided to tackle our “let’s get together” list! In the past six weeks, we’ve made 37 meals and hosted 112 adults and children. Yes, it was a lot of cooking, but SO much fun! We are so grateful for heartfelt conversations with Friends around the table.

Please pray for us as we finish our lives here and begin setting up a new life in East Asia. Though there is much to do, our hearts are thinking of our three little girls. This is a huge transition for them—we pray that their hearts are prepared by our great God, that they experience His peace, and that He helps them feel secure and loved through all the change. 

Thank you so much for standing with us, praying for us, and believing with us for God’s provision, timing, and grace. 

D & J