Running the Race Together
Thank you for continuing to pray for and support our family as we serve in Latin America. Each month we are reminded how much your partnership matters, not only in the big ministry moments, but also in the everyday experiences of learning language, building relationships, and discovering how God is opening doors in unexpected ways. This past month brought several encouraging opportunities for ministry, growth for our family, and moments that reminded us why God called us to this work.
The Girls Are Thriving in Spanish
One of the biggest encouragements for us lately has been watching the girls grow in their Spanish. They are currently studying the language for two hours every day, and we are starting to see real breakthroughs in their understanding and confidence.
Recently Olivia told us she realized she was thinking in Spanish but did not know when the shift happened, which is a huge milestone in language learning. Naomi had her own moment when she was counting in Spanish all the way to fifteen before suddenly realizing, “Wait… I can do this now!” These moments remind us that this calling is not just Kayla’s and mine. God has called our entire family to this mission. It is so encouraging to see the girls embracing it.
The girls on a recent field trip.
Reaching the Chinese Community in San José
This month we had a unique opportunity to minister to the Chinese business community in San José. We partnered with another missionary who has been building relationships with several Chinese business owners in the city. Because it was the season of Chinese New Year, we visited a number of businesses and brought traditional fruit baskets as gifts to celebrate the holiday with them. Kayla was able to pray with several business owners and personally invite them to the Chinese church in town.
Kayla and the group ministering to the Chinese community in San Jose
Preaching from Hebrews 12 in Spanish Chapel
Last month I had the opportunity to preach from Hebrews 12:1–2 in our school’s Spanish chapel, while Kayla simultaneously translated the message into English. This passage reminds us that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses.” It was a special moment for us. Although we have done this before, this time it felt like a small glimpse of the future God is preparing us for. Standing there together reminded us of the weight of what we are stepping into and how important it is to communicate the Gospel clearly across cultures. God is using this season to shape our partnership and our language ability so that the message of Christ can be clearly heard by those we are called to serve.
Preaching from Hebrews 12:1–2
Learning to Become the Right “Cup” for Living Water
This month we also participated in a week-long missiology training with missionaries DeLonn and Valerie Rance. One concept that deeply impacted us was the idea of becoming the right “cup” to carry God’s living water. The goal is not for people to notice the cup, but for them to experience the living water, Jesus.
We didn't need to become divine to understand God, because God became flesh and dwelt among us. In the same way, missionaries seek to enter culture with humility and understanding so the Gospel can be clearly heard. We are not trying to become anthropologists who simply study culture, but our hope is to partner with the Holy Spirit to discern how to communicate the Gospel in ways people can truly understand. The focus should not be on the messenger, but on the Savior.
Missiology training with DeLonn Rance
Prayer Requests
We are so grateful to have you standing with us. If you would, please join us in praying for the following:
Continued language growth for our family, especially for the girls as they study Spanish and continue adapting to life and culture.
Wisdom and sensitivity in cross-cultural ministry, that we would communicate the Gospel clearly and faithfully.
Strength and perseverance as we continue running the race God has placed before us.
Thank you for praying, encouraging us, and faithfully partnering with us in this ministry. We truly could not do this without you.