5 Days. Go.

Five days ago I arrived at Pre-departure Orientation. The journey of this summer was just beginning and tomorrow the next step is taken as I, with my 3 teammates, board a plane. All these months of preparation, raising support, prayer, it's all for this moment. All the anticipation and excitement for these next 2 months has come to a head and I can hardly wait for tomorrow.


Here at PDO I have met not only my team that will be serving in the Ivory Coast, but 40 other men and women who will be serving in countries all over the world. A week ago I was nervous about meeting these people, but I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity. These past five days have been some of the most encouraging of my life. Few things are so incredible as being among people who love the Lord with their entire heart and have a passion for sharing that love with everyone they come in contact with.


In addition to connecting with such beautiful brothers and sisters in Christ, the past several days have been full of training for the field, lessons in team building, spiritual warfare, culture shock, safety and travel advice. We've played card games and eaten yummy snacks. The best part, beyond all shadow of a doubt, has been hearing each and every person's story. Nothing is so powerful as the way God works in our lives and nothing is so encouraging as to hear about that work in other's lives.


Sharing your story can be a little scary, it's a vulnerable and honest moment. I encourage you to be willing to share. I encourage you to ask someone else to share.


If you're joining me in prayer this summer I ask that you pray specifically for the other teams today. CMF has interns serving in Kenya, Germany, Thailand, Asia, Indonesia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast. We serve an incredible God, may this all be for His glory.








"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him." ~Colossians 4:18