Do you really believe the word of God is powerful? Well, crisis is the perfect time to find out. Two months ago, I was throwing up my guts from a random virus. I was in the South Island of New Zealand, supposed to be flying back north to Tauranga that week. I'd already been sick longer than I expected, and I was freaking out I wouldn't make my flight. So I did what all wise twenty-something singles do: I texted my mom.…
You've heard hundreds of sermons on the “do not fear” verses, and you know you shouldn’t be afraid. Even when you’re facing a global crisis. But really, how do you get things from your head to your heart? “Well, what’s between your head and your heart?” my dad often asks, and points to his mouth. What you say out loud has the power to change your mindset and situation, and it’s the first step in fighting fear. But what does it look like in today's chaos?…
It was a normal Thursday in Papua New Guinea. We woke up sweating and didn’t stop until the sun was below the horizon. There were island-wide power cuts from 6am to 6pm, which meant no refrigeration, no fresh foods, and no fans (a.k.a. no relief from the heat). Regardless, our Discipleship Training School (DTS) team was in high spirits as we prepared to go on the streets to share the love of Jesus.…
In the middle of my gap year, I travelled to New Zealand to do a Discipleship Training School (DTS) for five months. I wanted to take the time to grow deeper in my relationship with God, before I started university back home in England. I had always loved school, and I was so excited to start my degree in geography. I had big plans. I was going to become a research professor, teach, and earn lots and lots of money. But on Week 5 of my Discipleship Training School, everything changed.…
This story starts before we even arrived in Papua New Guinea. During preparation for our Discipleship Training School (DTS) outreach, our team prayed together in New Zealand. Different people received words about prison ministry, working with criminals, and speaking in front of prisoners in Papua New Guinea. My husband Thomas envisioned a big river flowing through a prison, not fully knowing what it meant.…
Have you ever been challenged to have faith for the impossible? You know, that moment when you’re standing on the edge of cliff—and you’re facing that decision? Have you ever been clueless at what will happen if you leap? This is the story of our moment.…
Travel. We love your Instagram shots when you arrive, but it's easy to brush over what you went through to get to that perfect picture. Sometimes travelling is so crazy, tiring, or just plain boring—so by the time you've got to your destination, you've just about lost your sanity. From places like Hawaii to the Himalayas, I've experienced some insane travel as well. So with help from my team and a few of my own mishaps across 15 countries, here's eight tips on how to keep your sanity when you travel often. …
The Prayer Room was a waste of my time. As a missionary training community, we gathered there 6+ hours a week, worshiping Jesus and praying for the nations. Where I expected to have more meetings, class, or practical ministry—we spent that time pursuing God’s presence together. However, every time I prayed, it felt like it wasn’t actually doing anything.…
Don’t get me wrong—having “normal” job is great, but what if that’s not the life that God has called you to? Personally, I had my whole life planned out when God called me to the missionary life. University degree, master’s, PhD, then to be a professor and earn lots of money. Now I’m living in New Zealand, an expensive place to live, relying on the generosity of others to pay the bills. And do you know what, I wouldn’t have it any other way.…
We reached our destination around noon. The snow started to fall and was covering the whole Himalayan village. We dropped our trekking bags, ate a steaming meal and had some hot tea. We huddled up to pray and ask God what He had in store for that afternoon of ministry.…
