Summer in Maine & A New Season

Dear Friends,

As I look back on two full weeks of ministry in Maine this July, I am overwhelmed by the goodness and faithfulness of God. Time and time again, I found myself stepping back in observation, simply in awe of what happens when the Body of Christ says "yes" to Him. Scripture tells us that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, and this summer I was reminded just how beautiful it is when God's people answer His call.

In just two weeks, we saw two tiny homes be built and painted, over 30 cords of wood stacked and prepped for winter, more than 35 gallons of paint transform homes and community spaces, countless yard work and cleanup projects completed for over 20 homeowners, a three-day Vacation Bible School filled with laughter and truth for more than 50 local kiddos, a community worship night, a ladies' gathering, and a community barbecue that welcomed more than 300 people. 

Recap Video

The greatest work wasn't what our hands accomplished, it was what Christ was doing in hearts.

Every conversation, every prayer, every shared meal, every act of service became another opportunity to remind people that they are seen, loved, and pursued by Jesus. We watched strangers become friends, churches unite around a common mission, and a community experience renewed hope. It was a beautiful picture of the Church being the Church.

As I reflected on those two weeks, I felt the Lord gently remind me of His promises. He is always faithful. One day years ago God planted a seed in my soul, that missions could reach this place too, not by anything I could do but by His goodness and grace. Now, I watched in awe as He fulfilled that promise to me. 

When we choose to trust Him, step into the unknown, and simply say "yes," He accomplishes immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. So often He chooses to work through ordinary people doing ordinary things, and somehow those simple acts of obedience become eternal investments in His Kingdom. I left Maine with a heart full of gratitude, reminded once again that no act of faithfulness is ever wasted in the hands of God.

That reminder came at the perfect time because the Lord has also been writing a new chapter in our own story.

Over the past several months, Nick and I have been praying for wisdom as we sought the Lord about what He had for our family in this new season as a family of three. One of the pieces of the puzzle we have been navigating is the financial longevity of support-raising ministry. We have continued bringing it before the Lord, asking Him to make our path clear and trusting that He would open the right door in His perfect timing.

Last month, in the midst of all the ministry, He did.

In a way only God could orchestrate, He opened the door of my mind to consider going back to a public school classroom as a full-time teacher. As we discussed this option in real time, it just made sense, a consistent schedule, holidays and weekends off, good benefits, the opportunity to use my education and to become even more rooted in this community. Just as importantly, He transformed my own heart. What began as an unexpected opportunity quickly became something I recognized as His invitation. Just last week, I accepted a full-time 5th grade Social Studies and Science teaching position at a local middle school. The Lord has given me a renewed excitement for teaching and reminded me that the classroom is also a mission field. 

While my job title is changing, my calling has not.

Although I will no longer be serving with Adventures in Missions in the same capacity starting this September, I plan to remain actively involved as an affiliate missionary. I deeply believe in the mission of AIM, to help shape the leaders the world needs while serving on mission, and in what God is doing through this ministry. 

As always, I would like to thank everyone who has been following my journey, praying, giving and going. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity have advanced God's Kingdom. Every prayer you've prayed, every dollar you've given, and every word of encouragement has made ministry possible, and I am deeply grateful for your faithful partnership over the years. 

As we enter this new season, I would simply ask that you take time to seek the Lord and ask how He is leading you. If He is calling you to continue partnering financially with my ministry, know that every gift will go directly toward ministry opportunities—encouraging and visiting ministry partners, funding outreach projects, meeting practical needs, and blessing others as He provides. If, instead, you sense that the Lord is leading you to transition your giving elsewhere, I want you to know that I celebrate that as well. My deepest desire has always been for each of us to be faithful stewards, following wherever Christ leads. Thank you for believing in what God has done through our family, and for being an important part of the story He has been writing.