A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Ps. 16:9
Thursday, May 1, 2025
"A man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
We’ve seen this truth unfold firsthand,yet again. We had planned, but God had a different route in mind. It wasn’t on our calendar or even in our prayers at first, but once the doors opened, we could see God's fingerprints all over it. The trip was filled with challenges, surprises, and overwhelming moments of grace, reminding us that His purposes are far greater than anything we could have scripted ourselves. The team made up of MissioSERVE staff and missionaries, left to right (Joel Hollins, Evan Drake,Debby, Bill and Peter Silseth)
We were invited to North Togo for several reasons. First, Debby had recently trained and become a certified debriefer, and she was given the opportunity to debrief a group of missionaries who live and serve there. A debrief is simply a safe place to tell your story and process an event, transition, or decision, which then helps one move forward in healthy ways. For missionaries, it is important to debrief regularly as they often live in hostile and harsh locations. North Togo is a desolate and dry place, especially at the end of the dry season, and the rains bring relief not only to the daily heat, but also to the dry gardens that eagerly await the water to bring it to life.
Secondly, MissioSERVE partners with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) to run a Radio station in North Togo. This is an especially needed ministry with which we are privileged to partner. Part of my role as Director of Operations is to meet the people who make the station work and to see how the funds sent over are being used for God’s glory. I was grateful to see firsthand this incredible ministry that has been the impetus for three church plants.
Thirdly, we were scouting to see if this place suits a young woman from our home church (SonRise Community Church) to serve. It is a difficult place to live and work, and much needs to be considered. Tory is currently in French-language school in Paris, and we were able to spend several days with her in Paris on our way back from Togo. We had a wonderful time with her and a classmate, Mallorie, who is also planning on serving in Togo.
So, even though we currently live stateside, you can see that God is directing our steps to foreign places. Bill provides needed and valuable administration and care of missionaries already on the field and those preparing to go. Debby provides needed member care not only to MissioSERVE’s missionaries but also to other missionaries who may need counseling or debriefing.
We want you to know that when you support us, you help not only us minister but also all those missionaries that we serve, enabling them to stay on the field, sharing the gospel in hard places. It’s the Lord’s economy of multiplication, not just addition.
Now, with hearts still full from what God did in Togo, we are preparing for another journey — this time to Peru with our church. We are making plans again: booking flights, organizing ministry opportunities, and praying over every detail. But we go with a fresh awareness that while we plan, it is God who ultimately directs. His plans are always better, and His timing is always perfect.
We move forward with open hands, ready to follow as He daily leads.
From June 16th to 24th, 2025, Debby and I will be traveling to Cusco, Peru, in partnership with Mission Equip, a ministry dedicated to teaching and training indigenous pastors who lack access to adequate Biblical education. Mission Equip has invited SonRise Community Church to join them in hosting a Bible Training Conference for local pastors, equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to lead their congregations effectively. Our team will also be privileged to serve orphans and widows by providing essential care, support, and encouragement. We are asking for your prayers and financial support as we embark on this journey of faith. The cost of the trip, which includes travel, lodging, and ministry expenses, is $2500 per person. We are trusting that God will provide through the generosity of friends and family like you who share our passion for spreading His love and truth. Would you prayerfully consider supporting us financially? Any amount you feel led to give would be a tremendous blessing and will directly contribute to making an eternal impact in the lives of those we serve. If you are able to support us, make contributions through our church at this link.
Thank you for considering partnering with us in this endeavor.
Prayers and Praises
Praise God for safe travels and provision to and from Togo.
Prayers for peace, sustaining grace, and strength. God knows the people Debby debriefed with.
Pray for the churches, pastors, and the family of God in Northern Togo.
Pray for the Hope Radio staff to find Jesus Christ sufficient in all ways.
Pray for Tory and Mallorie as they finish language school, 3 months left in Paris.
Praise God, He is building His Church. Pray HIS Kingdom come.
Pray that God will use us in mighty ways to further His kingdom in Peru.
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