the return

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for your patience as I adjust to my new beginning here in France and find my rhythm. These past two weeks have been a blessing, allowing me to reconnect with friends and my team. I am currently staying in a beautiful apartment in the heart of the city while the family that usually lives here is home fundraising. I am incredibly thankful to have a place to call home for a few months as soon as I arrived.

The weather in Grenoble has been hot, but I am grateful for the cool morning breeze and the stunning mountains that encircle the city. It has been a joy to speak French again and embrace the daily challenges that push me out of my comfort zone. I enjoy cooking, visiting my favorite restaurants, and navigating the city using public transportation. The slower pace of life in Europe, especially during July and August, has been a welcome change. In August, as most locals leave the city for vacation and shops close, I feel fortunate to have arrived at a time when I can focus on finding a French tutor and pray about God's plans for me in the upcoming year starting in September. I am also thankful for the time to sit and process the depths of my grief and pain from this past year.

This past year, I have reflected deeply on what “calling” and “purpose” mean. It is a complex question for anyone, whether inside or outside the church. Experiencing something tragic, like losing a father or a close friend, makes it difficult to see beyond the mountain of uncertainty. I feel as though I have wandered through the long valley described in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Yet now, at the end of the valley, I face a mountain. I must decide whether to turn back or move forward on the path that God has called me to. I have known since childhood that being a missionary was my calling, and I believe wholeheartedly in dedicating my life to sharing the Gospel. Despite the tragedies in my life, I trust that God will transform them into something that draws people into His eternal Kingdom. Deep within my soul, I know that God is real, and everyone needs to experience His love. People need to know how much Jesus loves them and that their lives have purpose. They need to understand that God loves them so much that He laid down His life for them, but this is only possible if someone tells them. Romans 10:14-15 says, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” This emphasizes the critical need for mission work.

Nothing fulfills me more than being part of what God is doing in Europe, and I believe in the mission here. I want to be a witness to the secular French and introduce them to the love and hope that can only be found in Christ. Acts 1:8 reminds us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This underscores the importance of spreading the Gospel far and wide. Additionally, Mark 16:15 tells us, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation," which is a clear call to mission work.

I am deeply grateful to all who have supported me financially; your generosity means more to me than words can express. Your contributions are enabling the French people to encounter Christ and experience His transformative love.

I kindly ask that if you are not yet supporting me that you would consider partnering with me for $25 a month, so that we can continue this crucial mission. Your partnership will help ensure that many more souls in France can hear the good news and have the hope of eternal life in heaven and allows me to be that witness and give that hope. Thank you for taking the time to read this email. Know that I am praying for you and I hope the Lord feels near to you this week.