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On March 18th of this year, I had an extensive surgery on my right ankle. At the time, I was told that it would take a year of recovery and even then, there was no guarantee that I would be able to hike again…a deep love of mine! Through many prayers, physical therapy, and a large dose of patience, I am again walking although hiking is still not on my calendar! It’s been just over four months since the surgery and I am walking with only a slight limp. Recovery has gone very well and barring any new injury, I should be released from my surgeon’s care in August. This doesn’t mean the physical therapy is over or that I can race around the world again. I am learning that taking things slowly is best for my ankle and I need to listen to my body. So, although I will be speaking in some churches and participating in some conferences, I will still have to care for my foot and mitigate the swelling and pain. Hopefully, each month will bring me more movement and less pain, but for now, things are slow. I am also planning on moving back to Columbia, Missouri in August and am excited to be closer to family although I’ll miss my friends in Georgia and access to the Atlanta airport for my travels! Please keep the move and transition in your prayers.
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So many people have supported and continue to support our partners working in Ukraine. Thank you for your generosity and for remembering these folks in your prayers. It was very difficult for me to leave in January as I felt I was leaving my family. Often, the people I worked with were surprised to learn that people all over the US continue to pray for them and know about them. They were overwhelmed with gratitude and I know your support has continued to give them hope. Just a few weeks ago, one of my colleagues in Ukraine, Tanya, reached out to me to ask for some financial support…not for herself (in spite of her needs) but for the IDP women and children who participate in the psychosocial support groups. Tanya wanted to be able to take them to a park of lavender fields with live music. It would be a moment away from the war and the trauma and remind them of the good things in life. But, she didn’t have enough money to pay for fuel for the vehicle they needed. Immediately, I sent the funds and everyone was so excited! The mothers loved being able to take their children and the office workers were even allowed to join. The above picture is from that adventure. I will continue to provide this type of support with the help of your gifts.
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2025 marks 25 years of service
with International Ministries!
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It is hard to believe that just over 25 years ago, I went to the Dominican Republic as a commissioned missionary with International Ministries. I say that, and then I think about all that has happened since that time and I wonder how I fit it all in! 2025 is a good year for me to look back at how my life continues to move through order, disorder, and reorder as I continue to answer the call on my life to serve.
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Ministry in the Dominican Republic and beyond
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When I was working in the Dominican Republic from 2000 to 2012, I never imagined that I would serve anywhere else. It just felt like a perfect fit for my gifts and the needs around me. Then, in an instant it seems, I was given the opportunity to think more broadly about where I could serve and so, the Global Consultant for Health position was started. During those first few years, it was (and still is on some days!) overwhelming to see the great need in our world and wonder how I could make a difference. I’ve been honored to help with several global crises, including hurricanes, Ebola, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine. What I’ve learned over the years is that there is a lot of wisdom and innovation in these places if we are willing to listen and work together. It is not about me going as the “expert” but rather being asked to serve alongside those who understand their community much better than I could ever do as an outsider. Working with mutual respect will bring us closer to resolving health crises, if we are willing to set aside our pride and any preconceived ideas that might get in the way. It is how I try to serve today; wherever I am called and open to the movement of the Spirit to guide both my words and my actions. Sometimes, this means that I don’t “do” anything! I am simply present with my brothers and sisters who are suffering, carrying some of the load if I can, and reminding them that they are not alone. Seeing each other as equals, while both similar and different in many ways, allows us to honor our unique journeys and to acknowledge our God-given gifts for service.
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Where I will be traveling next
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It will be several months before I can begin traveling internationally, but that doesn’t stop the requests to come and serve alongside our global partners. In 2026, I expect to be visiting colleagues and ministries in Bolivia, India, Ukraine, and for the first time, Jordan. Many of the places that I visit and serve have enormous health disparities that only seem to be getting worse each year. Yet, in the midst of these communities, there are those who are serving faithfully with the little that they have. It is inspiring to come alongside these ministries to encourage them and brainstorm ways to serve together. There will also be more opportunities for medical personnel to come with me and work in mobile medical clinics. If this is a passion of yours, please reach out to me and let me know of your interest and ability. Not every place is for everyone, so we can discern, together, where best you might be able to serve, and our Short-term Mission team is eager to help!
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