Finding Joy on the Other Side of Fear | Impact 20 Million with Daniel & Kate

Hey, what's up everybody? Uh I'm Mike. Hey, what's up everybody? Uh I'm Mike. I'm one of the pastors here. And as you I'm one of the pastors here. And as you I'm one of the pastors here. And as you know, we are uh launching this new know, we are uh launching this new know, we are uh launching this new vision that the Lord has given us. And vision that the Lord has given us. And vision that the Lord has given us. And uh so we got this little podcast uh so we got this little podcast uh so we got this little podcast miniseries uh to introduce a more miniseries uh to introduce a more miniseries uh to introduce a more personal side to the different aspects personal side to the different aspects personal side to the different aspects of the vision. You know, Luke 5, Jesus of the vision. You know, Luke 5, Jesus of the vision. You know, Luke 5, Jesus says, "Let down your nets." And we feel says, "Let down your nets." And we feel says, "Let down your nets." And we feel like that's an invitation from the Lord like that's an invitation from the Lord like that's an invitation from the Lord to help more people experience abundant to help more people experience abundant to help more people experience abundant life in Jesus. And the way we're doing life in Jesus. And the way we're doing life in Jesus. And the way we're doing that, we summarize with 15 1020. We want that, we summarize with 15 1020. We want that, we summarize with 15 1020. We want to reach one person at a time. start to reach one person at a time. start to reach one person at a time. start five new congregations here in the DMV five new congregations here in the DMV five new congregations here in the DMV over the next five years, disciple the over the next five years, disciple the over the next five years, disciple the 10,000 people who are a part of our 10,000 people who are a part of our 10,000 people who are a part of our church, and by God's grace, we want to church, and by God's grace, we want to church, and by God's grace, we want to be a part of impacting 20 million people be a part of impacting 20 million people be a part of impacting 20 million people around the world. And that's the focus around the world. And that's the focus around the world. And that's the focus for this episode. I get the opportunity for this episode. I get the opportunity for this episode. I get the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with to sit down and have a conversation with to sit down and have a conversation with a brother and sister from our church a brother and sister from our church a brother and sister from our church family who've moved overseas and they family who've moved overseas and they family who've moved overseas and they are a part of impacting those 20 million are a part of impacting those 20 million are a part of impacting those 20 million people around the world. And so, man, people around the world. And so, man, people around the world. And so, man, they share so much, not just about they share so much, not just about they share so much, not just about living on mission, but just about life living on mission, but just about life living on mission, but just about life and following Jesus in sometimes really and following Jesus in sometimes really and following Jesus in sometimes really difficult situations. So, I hope you're difficult situations. So, I hope you're difficult situations. So, I hope you're encouraged and uh I'm excited uh about encouraged and uh I'm excited uh about encouraged and uh I'm excited uh about what the Lord has for our church.

All right. Uh, why don't you tell us who All right. Uh, why don't you tell us who you are? I know who y'all are. Um, and you are? I know who y'all are. Um, and you are? I know who y'all are. Um, and some of the folks in our church family some of the folks in our church family some of the folks in our church family uh will know who you are, but we got a uh will know who you are, but we got a uh will know who you are, but we got a lot of new people uh in in our church uh lot of new people uh in in our church uh lot of new people uh in in our church uh over the years that you guys have been over the years that you guys have been over the years that you guys have been away. And so, tell us who you are. away. And so, tell us who you are. away. And so, tell us who you are. Introduce yourselves. Um, and uh just at Introduce yourselves. Um, and uh just at Introduce yourselves. Um, and uh just at a high level kind of what your a high level kind of what your a high level kind of what your day-to-day work looks like right now. day-to-day work looks like right now. day-to-day work looks like right now. >> Well, I'm Daniel. This is Kate. Um, we >> Well, I'm Daniel. This is Kate. Um, we >> Well, I'm Daniel. This is Kate. Um, we have three kids. We have a 15-year-old, have three kids. We have a 15-year-old, have three kids. We have a 15-year-old, a 13-year-old, and a 7-year-old. Uh, we a 13-year-old, and a 7-year-old. Uh, we a 13-year-old, and a 7-year-old. Uh, we live in Southeast Asia. Uh, we initially live in Southeast Asia. Uh, we initially live in Southeast Asia. Uh, we initially moved here in 2019, uh, where we live moved here in 2019, uh, where we live moved here in 2019, uh, where we live today. Uh, prior to that, we lived in today. Uh, prior to that, we lived in today. Uh, prior to that, we lived in the DMV for almost 20 years. Uh, we the DMV for almost 20 years. Uh, we the DMV for almost 20 years. Uh, we attended MLAN Bible Church, uh, while we attended MLAN Bible Church, uh, while we attended MLAN Bible Church, uh, while we were there. Uh, that's where our kids were there. Uh, that's where our kids were there. Uh, that's where our kids were born. Um were born. Um were born. Um uh we currently live in a decentsized uh we currently live in a decentsized uh we currently live in a decentsized city here uh in Southeast Asia about a city here uh in Southeast Asia about a city here uh in Southeast Asia about a million people. Our kids in attend an million people. Our kids in attend an million people. Our kids in attend an international school here. Um we live international school here. Um we live international school here. Um we live amongst an unreached people group about amongst an unreached people group about amongst an unreached people group about 1% of the population are Christian.

1% of the population are Christian. 1% of the population are Christian. >> Okay. What about you? What's your >> Okay. What about you? What's your >> Okay. What about you? What's your day-to-day looking like? So daytoday, day-to-day looking like? So daytoday, day-to-day looking like? So daytoday, you know, I feel like you know, I feel like you know, I feel like we've really had to take off our DC like we've really had to take off our DC like we've really had to take off our DC like typ hat because each day looks a bit typ hat because each day looks a bit typ hat because each day looks a bit different [laughter] different [laughter] different [laughter] and you never know what to expect. But and you never know what to expect. But and you never know what to expect. But um usually we are studying language um usually we are studying language um usually we are studying language about 2 to three hours a day with a about 2 to three hours a day with a about 2 to three hours a day with a teacher and then we're partnering with a teacher and then we're partnering with a teacher and then we're partnering with a ministry team here that focuses on ministry team here that focuses on ministry team here that focuses on discipling 19 to 29 year olds across uh discipling 19 to 29 year olds across uh discipling 19 to 29 year olds across uh the country that we're in. And so we do the country that we're in. And so we do the country that we're in. And so we do a lot with them. Prior to coming here, a lot with them. Prior to coming here, a lot with them. Prior to coming here, Daniel was in video productions and I Daniel was in video productions and I Daniel was in video productions and I did like budget and contracts and did like budget and contracts and did like budget and contracts and project management support at the project management support at the project management support at the government. And so we do a lot of government. And so we do a lot of government. And so we do a lot of support on this team using those skills support on this team using those skills support on this team using those skills uh for them. So Daniel does a lot of uh for them. So Daniel does a lot of uh for them. So Daniel does a lot of their communications and I help manage their communications and I help manage their communications and I help manage the projects and so we get to serve in the projects and so we get to serve in the projects and so we get to serve in that way too. Um, so we usually work that way too. Um, so we usually work that way too. Um, so we usually work from home on some of those things or we from home on some of those things or we from home on some of those things or we go in and meet with other people go in and meet with other people go in and meet with other people depending on what the week holds.

depending on what the week holds. depending on what the week holds. >> Yeah. Also, a lot of what fills our week >> Yeah. Also, a lot of what fills our week >> Yeah. Also, a lot of what fills our week too is how we're serving in the church. too is how we're serving in the church. too is how we're serving in the church. And so depending on if we're leading a And so depending on if we're leading a And so depending on if we're leading a Bible study that week or maybe teaching, Bible study that week or maybe teaching, Bible study that week or maybe teaching, um, it takes an exorbitant amount of um, it takes an exorbitant amount of um, it takes an exorbitant amount of time for us to prepare for that because time for us to prepare for that because time for us to prepare for that because we're preparing in a different language. we're preparing in a different language. we're preparing in a different language. And so, uh, we've had to take our DMV And so, uh, we've had to take our DMV And so, uh, we've had to take our DMV type A personalities type A personalities type A personalities and, uh, expecting everything to look and, uh, expecting everything to look and, uh, expecting everything to look the same every single day, uh, and the same every single day, uh, and the same every single day, uh, and everybody acting exactly the way we everybody acting exactly the way we everybody acting exactly the way we expect and try to adjust a little bit expect and try to adjust a little bit expect and try to adjust a little bit and become a little bit more flexible. and become a little bit more flexible. and become a little bit more flexible. >> You know, it's funny. So, I've known >> You know, it's funny. So, I've known >> You know, it's funny. So, I've known y'all for a long time. You've been a y'all for a long time. You've been a y'all for a long time. You've been a part of our church uh, for a long time part of our church uh, for a long time part of our church uh, for a long time at Tyson's out of McGomery County. Kate, at Tyson's out of McGomery County. Kate, at Tyson's out of McGomery County. Kate, you served on staff uh for for uh you served on staff uh for for uh you served on staff uh for for uh several years in our college ministry several years in our college ministry several years in our college ministry and and out in McGomery County. Um the and and out in McGomery County. Um the and and out in McGomery County. Um the last time y'all were in town uh and last time y'all were in town uh and last time y'all were in town uh and y'all got, you know, were at our house, y'all got, you know, were at our house, y'all got, you know, were at our house, we had dinner, hung out with the kids. we had dinner, hung out with the kids. we had dinner, hung out with the kids. Uh after you left, my kids said Mr. Uh after you left, my kids said Mr. Uh after you left, my kids said Mr. Daniel got a lot funnier uh after he Daniel got a lot funnier uh after he Daniel got a lot funnier uh after he moved. [laughter] moved. [laughter] moved. [laughter] But uh I I I mentioned that it's funny, But uh I I I mentioned that it's funny, But uh I I I mentioned that it's funny, but because y'all have changed uh not in but because y'all have changed uh not in but because y'all have changed uh not in the most fundamental ways, but uh the most fundamental ways, but uh the most fundamental ways, but uh Daniel, even in you, man, I I've I've Daniel, even in you, man, I I've I've Daniel, even in you, man, I I've I've seen there's just a boldness that the seen there's just a boldness that the seen there's just a boldness that the Holy Spirit has just put in you. You're Holy Spirit has just put in you. You're Holy Spirit has just put in you. You're naturally a more introverted person. Uh naturally a more introverted person. Uh naturally a more introverted person. Uh Kate is the is the crazy one, you know, Kate is the is the crazy one, you know, Kate is the is the crazy one, you know, the the super outgoing one. Um, and it the the super outgoing one. Um, and it the the super outgoing one. Um, and it it's just been so encouraging to see how it's just been so encouraging to see how it's just been so encouraging to see how God has activated gifts in you that were

God has activated gifts in you that were God has activated gifts in you that were already there that maybe you weren't already there that maybe you weren't already there that maybe you weren't even aware of. And so you learn another even aware of. And so you learn another even aware of. And so you learn another language, the the two of you uh language, the the two of you uh language, the the two of you uh teaching, leading in ministry. Um, and teaching, leading in ministry. Um, and teaching, leading in ministry. Um, and David uh Daniel, you you being on stage David uh Daniel, you you being on stage David uh Daniel, you you being on stage at different times is just God's grace at different times is just God's grace at different times is just God's grace uh in you and we and we see that. And I uh in you and we and we see that. And I uh in you and we and we see that. And I I want to rewind just a minute um to to I want to rewind just a minute um to to I want to rewind just a minute um to to let folks know your story. Uh because let folks know your story. Uh because let folks know your story. Uh because like like I mentioned, I've known you like like I mentioned, I've known you like like I mentioned, I've known you for a while. You you were in our church for a while. You you were in our church for a while. You you were in our church for a really long time. I've been able for a really long time. I've been able for a really long time. I've been able to see the ways God has not just changed to see the ways God has not just changed to see the ways God has not just changed you guys, but how God ordered your you guys, but how God ordered your you guys, but how God ordered your steps. Walk us through that journey. steps. Walk us through that journey. steps. Walk us through that journey. What was your spiritual life like? Um, What was your spiritual life like? Um, What was your spiritual life like? Um, and what were some of the different and what were some of the different and what were some of the different events that God used to kind of wake you events that God used to kind of wake you events that God used to kind of wake you up uh to global mission and the specific up uh to global mission and the specific up uh to global mission and the specific call for you guys to take this step of call for you guys to take this step of call for you guys to take this step of faith to move? faith to move? faith to move? >> Mike, uh, I think you know this and some >> Mike, uh, I think you know this and some >> Mike, uh, I think you know this and some of the people that know us really well of the people that know us really well of the people that know us really well uh, would affirm this um, these stories uh, would affirm this um, these stories uh, would affirm this um, these stories that we would share. You know, I have to that we would share. You know, I have to that we would share. You know, I have to to answer your question, I have to go to answer your question, I have to go to answer your question, I have to go back a really long time. And um that back a really long time. And um that back a really long time. And um that before we were even married, Kate and I before we were even married, Kate and I before we were even married, Kate and I uh met on a mission trip overseas and uh met on a mission trip overseas and uh met on a mission trip overseas and and we felt called that maybe that's and we felt called that maybe that's and we felt called that maybe that's what the how the Lord would use us in what the how the Lord would use us in what the how the Lord would use us in the future. And so after we got married, the future. And so after we got married, the future. And so after we got married, uh we we we just assumed, you know, the uh we we we just assumed, you know, the uh we we we just assumed, you know, the Lord was going to send us. And uh but we Lord was going to send us. And uh but we Lord was going to send us. And uh but we ended up in the DMV. And um we thought ended up in the DMV. And um we thought ended up in the DMV. And um we thought we were going to be there for one year.

we were going to be there for one year. we were going to be there for one year. of one year turned into about 17. Uh, of one year turned into about 17. Uh, of one year turned into about 17. Uh, but early on in that time, I I I joke but early on in that time, I I I joke but early on in that time, I I I joke with Kate because she would send me with Kate because she would send me with Kate because she would send me these opportunities. Hey, did you see these opportunities. Hey, did you see these opportunities. Hey, did you see take a look at this? Take a look at this take a look at this? Take a look at this take a look at this? Take a look at this possible opportunity. And for whatever possible opportunity. And for whatever possible opportunity. And for whatever reason, the Lord never stirred my heart reason, the Lord never stirred my heart reason, the Lord never stirred my heart towards those. I always felt like I just towards those. I always felt like I just towards those. I always felt like I just don't feel like the Lord is leading us don't feel like the Lord is leading us don't feel like the Lord is leading us in that way. And it took a really long in that way. And it took a really long in that way. And it took a really long time. In fact, I think it took time. In fact, I think it took time. In fact, I think it took purchasing our first home there in DC purchasing our first home there in DC purchasing our first home there in DC after about 10 years that the Lord said, after about 10 years that the Lord said, after about 10 years that the Lord said, "You're amongst the world here in "You're amongst the world here in "You're amongst the world here in Washington DC. Look at your neighbors." Washington DC. Look at your neighbors." Washington DC. Look at your neighbors." And we started doing a survey of all the And we started doing a survey of all the And we started doing a survey of all the different nations that were in our our different nations that were in our our different nations that were in our our neighborhood alone. And we thought, "All neighborhood alone. And we thought, "All neighborhood alone. And we thought, "All right, this is it. This is what he was right, this is it. This is what he was right, this is it. This is what he was saying." And because it was a major saying." And because it was a major saying." And because it was a major culture shock for us to move there. We culture shock for us to move there. We culture shock for us to move there. We were from the south and so it was a hard were from the south and so it was a hard were from the south and so it was a hard transition for us initially. And so transition for us initially. And so transition for us initially. And so >> we can we can tell you're from the >> we can we can tell you're from the >> we can we can tell you're from the south. [laughter] south. [laughter] south. [laughter] >> No, thanks. Thanks. >> No, thanks. Thanks. >> No, thanks. Thanks. >> You didn't even have to explain it. >> You didn't even have to explain it. >> You didn't even have to explain it. >> I I tell someone some people and this is >> I I tell someone some people and this is >> I I tell someone some people and this is completely true. I think I experienced a completely true. I think I experienced a completely true. I think I experienced a longer form of culture shock moving to longer form of culture shock moving to longer form of culture shock moving to the DMV than I move felt moving here.

the DMV than I move felt moving here. the DMV than I move felt moving here. >> Uh and that is it's a big statement, but >> Uh and that is it's a big statement, but >> Uh and that is it's a big statement, but I actually believe it's true. I actually believe it's true. I actually believe it's true. >> And um but we eventually felt like, hey, >> And um but we eventually felt like, hey, >> And um but we eventually felt like, hey, this is where we're supposed to be. We this is where we're supposed to be. We this is where we're supposed to be. We uh are we the Lord we were thriving in uh are we the Lord we were thriving in uh are we the Lord we were thriving in our work. Uh we felt like we were having our work. Uh we felt like we were having our work. Uh we felt like we were having success in that. We were involved and success in that. We were involved and success in that. We were involved and engaged at the church and uh we loved engaged at the church and uh we loved engaged at the church and uh we loved our family uh how we were growing there our family uh how we were growing there our family uh how we were growing there and the families that were building and the families that were building and the families that were building relationships there at MLAN and and we relationships there at MLAN and and we relationships there at MLAN and and we thought this is where we're supposed to thought this is where we're supposed to thought this is where we're supposed to be. Uh we're seeing fruit of that. But be. Uh we're seeing fruit of that. But be. Uh we're seeing fruit of that. But then in uh 2017 then in uh 2017 then in uh 2017 uh I want to say it was around the time uh I want to say it was around the time uh I want to say it was around the time that Pastor David started speaking and that Pastor David started speaking and that Pastor David started speaking and that time of transition and his call uh that time of transition and his call uh that time of transition and his call uh for us to to begin to just really think for us to to begin to just really think for us to to begin to just really think and and focus on the nations. and and focus on the nations. and and focus on the nations. I couldn't sit still anymore. I couldn't sit still anymore. I couldn't sit still anymore. And that thing we had felt for a really And that thing we had felt for a really And that thing we had felt for a really long time just started rising up to the long time just started rising up to the long time just started rising up to the point but I would just be uncomfortable. point but I would just be uncomfortable. point but I would just be uncomfortable. And um I actually started doing research And um I actually started doing research And um I actually started doing research of my own at that time and uh I found of my own at that time and uh I found of my own at that time and uh I found something online, an opportunity, and I something online, an opportunity, and I something online, an opportunity, and I thought, "Wow, this really fits our thought, "Wow, this really fits our thought, "Wow, this really fits our work, our experience." But I was too work, our experience." But I was too work, our experience." But I was too scared to tell Kate about it. Uh about scared to tell Kate about it. Uh about scared to tell Kate about it. Uh about two weeks later.

two weeks later. two weeks later. >> Wait, wait, why were you scared to tell >> Wait, wait, why were you scared to tell >> Wait, wait, why were you scared to tell her? [laughter] I was too scared because her? [laughter] I was too scared because her? [laughter] I was too scared because um as I said earlier, she was always um as I said earlier, she was always um as I said earlier, she was always looking for opportunities and was ready looking for opportunities and was ready looking for opportunities and was ready to go and jump and and I'm much I'm much to go and jump and and I'm much I'm much to go and jump and and I'm much I'm much slower. slower. slower. >> You weren't ready. You didn't know you >> You weren't ready. You didn't know you >> You weren't ready. You didn't know you were ready yet. were ready yet. were ready yet. >> I didn't know if I was ready. I knew she >> I didn't know if I was ready. I knew she >> I didn't know if I was ready. I knew she was ready. And so about two weeks later, was ready. And so about two weeks later, was ready. And so about two weeks later, she said, "Hey, I saw something online she said, "Hey, I saw something online she said, "Hey, I saw something online that I think you'd be interested in." that I think you'd be interested in." that I think you'd be interested in." and she sent it to me and I said, "I and she sent it to me and I said, "I and she sent it to me and I said, "I have to confess, it's the exact same have to confess, it's the exact same have to confess, it's the exact same opportunity I had saw two weeks ago and opportunity I had saw two weeks ago and opportunity I had saw two weeks ago and I think we're supposed to apply." I think we're supposed to apply." I think we're supposed to apply." >> And that was what initially sent us here >> And that was what initially sent us here >> And that was what initially sent us here in 2019. There was a a a lot of in 2019. There was a a a lot of in 2019. There was a a a lot of spiritual growth that happened over spiritual growth that happened over spiritual growth that happened over those 17 years. I will say, Mike, that those 17 years. I will say, Mike, that those 17 years. I will say, Mike, that uh I thought, Lord, why now? Uh 10 years uh I thought, Lord, why now? Uh 10 years uh I thought, Lord, why now? Uh 10 years ago, this made so much sense on paper. ago, this made so much sense on paper. ago, this made so much sense on paper. uh it doesn't make much sense now. We uh it doesn't make much sense now. We uh it doesn't make much sense now. We just had our third kid and uh but we just had our third kid and uh but we just had our third kid and uh but we knew what the the Lord was saying and knew what the the Lord was saying and knew what the the Lord was saying and and uh he gave us the faith to to go and and uh he gave us the faith to to go and and uh he gave us the faith to to go and say yes.

say yes. say yes. >> Let me rewind in that before 2017 you >> Let me rewind in that before 2017 you >> Let me rewind in that before 2017 you mentioned y'all are in the DMV. Um you mentioned y'all are in the DMV. Um you mentioned y'all are in the DMV. Um you both have jobs, you you bought a house. both have jobs, you you bought a house. both have jobs, you you bought a house. Did you feel did you feel any guilt in Did you feel did you feel any guilt in Did you feel did you feel any guilt in that? And the reason I asked the that? And the reason I asked the that? And the reason I asked the question is because I think some people question is because I think some people question is because I think some people here and and we'll get to kind of what here and and we'll get to kind of what here and and we'll get to kind of what what y'all are doing now and dive into what y'all are doing now and dive into what y'all are doing now and dive into that more. But I think a lot of people that more. But I think a lot of people that more. But I think a lot of people here in our church or just in the DMV here in our church or just in the DMV here in our church or just in the DMV when they when they start becoming more when they when they start becoming more when they when they start becoming more aware of God's heart for the nations and aware of God's heart for the nations and aware of God's heart for the nations and just that theme throughout the Bible uh just that theme throughout the Bible uh just that theme throughout the Bible uh uh God's mission, God's desire to reach uh God's mission, God's desire to reach uh God's mission, God's desire to reach people from every nation, tribe, and people from every nation, tribe, and people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, the concept of unreached people tongue, the concept of unreached people tongue, the concept of unreached people groups, groups, groups, they they may not feel called yet or or they they may not feel called yet or or they they may not feel called yet or or ever to physically move. And people ever to physically move. And people ever to physically move. And people wrestle with wrestle with wrestle with does my life here count? does my life here count? does my life here count? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Does does my life does my work here have >> Does does my life does my work here have >> Does does my life does my work here have any meaning? Is it bad for me to buy a any meaning? Is it bad for me to buy a any meaning? Is it bad for me to buy a house? So I wonder how you guys between house? So I wonder how you guys between house? So I wonder how you guys between knowing knowing knowing global mission is a thing for God and global mission is a thing for God and global mission is a thing for God and becoming clear that maybe God was becoming clear that maybe God was becoming clear that maybe God was leading you guys to take that step. Did leading you guys to take that step. Did leading you guys to take that step. Did y'all wrestle with any guilt? And if so, y'all wrestle with any guilt? And if so, y'all wrestle with any guilt? And if so, how did you how did you manage that? And how did you how did you manage that? And how did you how did you manage that? And how would you encourage people who may how would you encourage people who may how would you encourage people who may feel that?

feel that? feel that? >> I think, you know, when we first moved >> I think, you know, when we first moved >> I think, you know, when we first moved to um Maryland, we felt like God was to um Maryland, we felt like God was to um Maryland, we felt like God was just going to keep us there for a short just going to keep us there for a short just going to keep us there for a short time and then we were going to move. And time and then we were going to move. And time and then we were going to move. And so we had a hard time setting roots down so we had a hard time setting roots down so we had a hard time setting roots down there because we felt like we weren't there because we felt like we weren't there because we felt like we weren't being obedient or maybe we were just being obedient or maybe we were just being obedient or maybe we were just settling or um so maybe we had some of settling or um so maybe we had some of settling or um so maybe we had some of the reverse guilt at first um before we the reverse guilt at first um before we the reverse guilt at first um before we bought our first house. And then after bought our first house. And then after bought our first house. And then after buying our house, buying our house, buying our house, >> it actually helped us invest more in the >> it actually helped us invest more in the >> it actually helped us invest more in the area than previously cuz we were no area than previously cuz we were no area than previously cuz we were no longer transient. We were there. These longer transient. We were there. These longer transient. We were there. These were our neighbors and our community. were our neighbors and our community. were our neighbors and our community. And I felt like it actually gave us And I felt like it actually gave us And I felt like it actually gave us permission more permission to invest permission more permission to invest permission more permission to invest there. And I would say even more so now there. And I would say even more so now there. And I would say even more so now looking back on our time there. I wish looking back on our time there. I wish looking back on our time there. I wish we had been even more intentional and we had been even more intentional and we had been even more intentional and more bold. Um because you know once now more bold. Um because you know once now more bold. Um because you know once now that we're here and we see we you know that we're here and we see we you know that we're here and we see we you know we live among unreached people. There's we live among unreached people. There's we live among unreached people. There's so many people around us in the DC area so many people around us in the DC area so many people around us in the DC area that haven't heard, that aren't that haven't heard, that aren't that haven't heard, that aren't connected to the church, that don't know connected to the church, that don't know connected to the church, that don't know a friendly Christian face or or someone a friendly Christian face or or someone a friendly Christian face or or someone to trust, that are going through a tough to trust, that are going through a tough to trust, that are going through a tough time. It's many of the same things we time. It's many of the same things we time. It's many of the same things we see here. It's just a very different see here. It's just a very different see here. It's just a very different context. And so I think the context. And so I think the context. And so I think the opportunities there are are as big and opportunities there are are as big and opportunities there are are as big and that's our home country, you know. So that's our home country, you know. So that's our home country, you know. So when we think about like is it not the

when we think about like is it not the when we think about like is it not the same? It is the same. Like some of us same? It is the same. Like some of us same? It is the same. Like some of us are called to go and some of us are are called to go and some of us are are called to go and some of us are called to stay, but we're all called to called to stay, but we're all called to called to stay, but we're all called to share and we're all called to serve and share and we're all called to serve and share and we're all called to serve and we're all called to live on mission for we're all called to live on mission for we're all called to live on mission for Christ wherever he has us. Christ wherever he has us. Christ wherever he has us. >> And I think we've started to learn too >> And I think we've started to learn too >> And I think we've started to learn too like we go through different seasons of like we go through different seasons of like we go through different seasons of life. In some seasons we're in one place life. In some seasons we're in one place life. In some seasons we're in one place and the next season we're in another. and the next season we're in another. and the next season we're in another. and we can't really hold tightly to what and we can't really hold tightly to what and we can't really hold tightly to what that location is, but no matter where we that location is, but no matter where we that location is, but no matter where we are, like the calling is the same. Like are, like the calling is the same. Like are, like the calling is the same. Like we're called to live for him and to we're called to live for him and to we're called to live for him and to glorify him wherever we are. glorify him wherever we are. glorify him wherever we are. >> I think too, Mike, um >> I think too, Mike, um >> I think too, Mike, um heaven celebrates when heaven celebrates when heaven celebrates when when we share and someone comes and when we share and someone comes and when we share and someone comes and places their faith in Christ, whether places their faith in Christ, whether places their faith in Christ, whether that's here, across the street, or it's that's here, across the street, or it's that's here, across the street, or it's across the street from where you are across the street from where you are across the street from where you are right now, Mike. And uh the heavens right now, Mike. And uh the heavens right now, Mike. And uh the heavens celebrate that. And um celebrate that. And um celebrate that. And um >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> and it is God gives us stations. And I >> and it is God gives us stations. And I >> and it is God gives us stations. And I remember when we first moved here that I remember when we first moved here that I remember when we first moved here that I began to actually do a lot of reflection began to actually do a lot of reflection began to actually do a lot of reflection back back back >> and recognize [clears throat] like, wow, >> and recognize [clears throat] like, wow, >> and recognize [clears throat] like, wow, it was so valuable it was so valuable it was so valuable >> the experiences we had in the workplace >> the experiences we had in the workplace >> the experiences we had in the workplace and why, you know, this isn't and why, you know, this isn't and why, you know, this isn't >> more valuable. This is just where God >> more valuable. This is just where God >> more valuable. This is just where God has us to be. And this is just has us to be. And this is just has us to be. And this is just different. And quite frankly, Mike, different. And quite frankly, Mike, different. And quite frankly, Mike, there are some days I'll say, "Lord there are some days I'll say, "Lord there are some days I'll say, "Lord Jesus, I could be so much more effective Jesus, I could be so much more effective Jesus, I could be so much more effective if you sent me back." Like, I could talk

if you sent me back." Like, I could talk if you sent me back." Like, I could talk like I could communicate today, right like I could communicate today, right like I could communicate today, right now, exactly what what I feel called to now, exactly what what I feel called to now, exactly what what I feel called to say. and the barriers that and hills say. and the barriers that and hills say. and the barriers that and hills that you still have to to climb to learn that you still have to to climb to learn that you still have to to climb to learn the language and learn the culture. the language and learn the culture. the language and learn the culture. >> Not every, you know, every person is is >> Not every, you know, every person is is >> Not every, you know, every person is is is going to have that specific calling, is going to have that specific calling, is going to have that specific calling, but every one of us are called to share but every one of us are called to share but every one of us are called to share the love that that the Lord has given us the love that that the Lord has given us the love that that the Lord has given us first. And so I I just want I would want first. And so I I just want I would want first. And so I I just want I would want to encourage live out your faith in the to encourage live out your faith in the to encourage live out your faith in the workplace. workplace. workplace. >> It is hard there to do it. >> It is hard there to do it. >> It is hard there to do it. >> Yeah. very hard and you count the cost >> Yeah. very hard and you count the cost >> Yeah. very hard and you count the cost before you do it but do it because it before you do it but do it because it before you do it but do it because it will be worth it. will be worth it. will be worth it. >> Let me ask you this. When when when you >> Let me ask you this. When when when you >> Let me ask you this. When when when you talk to missionaries um or you know talk to missionaries um or you know talk to missionaries um or you know people moved overseas to to reach unre people moved overseas to to reach unre people moved overseas to to reach unre unreached people's we we tend to focus unreached people's we we tend to focus unreached people's we we tend to focus on what's different and a lot of people on what's different and a lot of people on what's different and a lot of people have questions about that. What's have questions about that. What's have questions about that. What's different? Is the food different? Is the different? Is the food different? Is the different? Is the food different? Is the you know you know you know >> here's my question before we get to >> here's my question before we get to >> here's my question before we get to that. What is the same? like what are that. What is the same? like what are that. What is the same? like what are because one of the things that struck me because one of the things that struck me because one of the things that struck me being friends with y'all for so long and being friends with y'all for so long and being friends with y'all for so long and and being a part of the same church and being a part of the same church and being a part of the same church family for so long, staying in family for so long, staying in family for so long, staying in relationship now that you have y'all relationship now that you have y'all relationship now that you have y'all have been there. You said to me in many have been there. You said to me in many have been there. You said to me in many ways it's just like the life we were ways it's just like the life we were ways it's just like the life we were living back home we're living here. So living back home we're living here. So living back home we're living here. So unpack that a little bit. What are some unpack that a little bit. What are some unpack that a little bit. What are some of the things that you were doing here?

of the things that you were doing here? of the things that you were doing here? Maybe you weren't doing it perfectly. Maybe you weren't doing it perfectly. Maybe you weren't doing it perfectly. Maybe you look back and you realize you Maybe you look back and you realize you Maybe you look back and you realize you could have been doing them more. But could have been doing them more. But could have been doing them more. But what are the transferable things that what are the transferable things that what are the transferable things that you were doing here that now God has you were doing here that now God has you were doing here that now God has just picked you up, put you in a just picked you up, put you in a just picked you up, put you in a different place and and those things different place and and those things different place and and those things haven't necessarily changed. They haven't necessarily changed. They haven't necessarily changed. They they've just grown. What are some of the they've just grown. What are some of the they've just grown. What are some of the things that are the same? things that are the same? things that are the same? >> Some of the things that are the same, >> Some of the things that are the same, >> Some of the things that are the same, like we live in a neighborhood here just like we live in a neighborhood here just like we live in a neighborhood here just like we lived in a neighborhood there. like we lived in a neighborhood there. like we lived in a neighborhood there. So, one of our desires as a family is to So, one of our desires as a family is to So, one of our desires as a family is to get to know our neighbors and interact get to know our neighbors and interact get to know our neighbors and interact with them. And so, you know, we look for with them. And so, you know, we look for with them. And so, you know, we look for opportunities here, whether it's on a opportunities here, whether it's on a opportunities here, whether it's on a holiday or well, we've kind of made it holiday or well, we've kind of made it holiday or well, we've kind of made it our mission. Some of our neighbors don't our mission. Some of our neighbors don't our mission. Some of our neighbors don't always want to speak to us, but we like, always want to speak to us, but we like, always want to speak to us, but we like, you know, same as there, right? Some of you know, same as there, right? Some of you know, same as there, right? Some of your neighbors don't want to see. your neighbors don't want to see. your neighbors don't want to see. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> So, it's very similar, but it's like, >> So, it's very similar, but it's like, >> So, it's very similar, but it's like, okay, like one time our car broke down okay, like one time our car broke down okay, like one time our car broke down and I was like, well, it's the and I was like, well, it's the and I was like, well, it's the opportunity to meet our neighbors cuz we opportunity to meet our neighbors cuz we opportunity to meet our neighbors cuz we need help, you know, and so just looking need help, you know, and so just looking need help, you know, and so just looking for the opportunity to reach out to a for the opportunity to reach out to a for the opportunity to reach out to a neighbor. we've taken them things on neighbor. we've taken them things on neighbor. we've taken them things on different holidays and tried to share um different holidays and tried to share um different holidays and tried to share um about Easter or Christmas or different about Easter or Christmas or different about Easter or Christmas or different things um with our neighbors. Um so that things um with our neighbors. Um so that things um with our neighbors. Um so that that's the same. You know, our kids go that's the same. You know, our kids go that's the same. You know, our kids go to school here just like they went to to school here just like they went to to school here just like they went to school in America and we coach some of school in America and we coach some of school in America and we coach some of their teams. So I coach soccer and their teams. So I coach soccer and their teams. So I coach soccer and Daniel coaches basketball. Um, so Daniel coaches basketball. Um, so Daniel coaches basketball. Um, so there's different ways that we've been there's different ways that we've been there's different ways that we've been able to engage with their classmates and able to engage with their classmates and able to engage with their classmates and their friends too, which is really neat their friends too, which is really neat their friends too, which is really neat opportunity that we didn't expect or opportunity that we didn't expect or opportunity that we didn't expect or plan for, plan for, plan for, >> you know. And then we do go we have a

>> you know. And then we do go we have a >> you know. And then we do go we have a church. We uh have a national church church. We uh have a national church church. We uh have a national church here that we go to and it's great. And here that we go to and it's great. And here that we go to and it's great. And we've found that people are the same we've found that people are the same we've found that people are the same here as there. You know, we all care here as there. You know, we all care here as there. You know, we all care about our families and think about have about our families and think about have about our families and think about have the similar worries and concerns and it the similar worries and concerns and it the similar worries and concerns and it just some things look different on the just some things look different on the just some things look different on the outside, but when you peel off like a outside, but when you peel off like a outside, but when you peel off like a layer or two, it's actually very similar layer or two, it's actually very similar layer or two, it's actually very similar to. So, I think that's what we mean. to. So, I think that's what we mean. to. So, I think that's what we mean. Like when we peel back some of the Like when we peel back some of the Like when we peel back some of the layers, some things look very different layers, some things look very different layers, some things look very different here, but a lot of it is is very here, but a lot of it is is very here, but a lot of it is is very similar. It's it's it's the same in some similar. It's it's it's the same in some similar. It's it's it's the same in some ways. ways. ways. >> That's helpful. That's helpful. I mean >> That's helpful. That's helpful. I mean >> That's helpful. That's helpful. I mean when you talk about coaching teams and when you talk about coaching teams and when you talk about coaching teams and going to work and school uh it is very going to work and school uh it is very going to work and school uh it is very very similar. It's just I think you guys very similar. It's just I think you guys very similar. It's just I think you guys have learned to be more intentional and have learned to be more intentional and have learned to be more intentional and I know you were intentional here but I I know you were intentional here but I I know you were intentional here but I think God has even grown you even more think God has even grown you even more think God has even grown you even more in that and you're intentional there in in that and you're intentional there in in that and you're intentional there in another culture. U that's that's really another culture. U that's that's really another culture. U that's that's really encouraging to hear what what's what's encouraging to hear what what's what's encouraging to hear what what's what's different uh or more difficult uh different uh or more difficult uh different uh or more difficult uh because I know it's you know it's not because I know it's you know it's not because I know it's you know it's not all [laughter] all [laughter] all [laughter] lollipops and roses. What what has been lollipops and roses. What what has been lollipops and roses. What what has been different? What has been difficult?

different? What has been difficult? different? What has been difficult? >> Learning language, [laughter] >> Learning language, [laughter] >> Learning language, [laughter] >> man. Like what's difficult? >> man. Like what's difficult? >> man. Like what's difficult? Um, Um, Um, one thing that hit me really hard early one thing that hit me really hard early one thing that hit me really hard early on when we moved here in 2019 and um was on when we moved here in 2019 and um was on when we moved here in 2019 and um was I recognized that so much of my life um I recognized that so much of my life um I recognized that so much of my life um my identity is in Jesus Christ my identity is in Jesus Christ my identity is in Jesus Christ >> 100%. >> 100%. >> 100%. At the same time, particularly in the At the same time, particularly in the At the same time, particularly in the DMV, um we don't ask each other, "Hey, DMV, um we don't ask each other, "Hey, DMV, um we don't ask each other, "Hey, what's what's your identity?" And if you what's what's your identity?" And if you what's what's your identity?" And if you did, you would say, Mike, you said, did, you would say, Mike, you said, did, you would say, Mike, you said, "Well, I'm a pastor." And and at that "Well, I'm a pastor." And and at that "Well, I'm a pastor." And and at that time, I would say, "Well, I um I work in time, I would say, "Well, I um I work in time, I would say, "Well, I um I work in television and film. I I'm I'm a video television and film. I I'm I'm a video television and film. I I'm I'm a video editor." Um and that's how they identify editor." Um and that's how they identify editor." Um and that's how they identify with us. And so, when pe someone would with us. And so, when pe someone would with us. And so, when pe someone would meet me on the street here, they would meet me on the street here, they would meet me on the street here, they would say, you know, well, who are you? And I say, you know, well, who are you? And I say, you know, well, who are you? And I would think, and what do you do? And I would think, and what do you do? And I would think, and what do you do? And I would think, goodness, I'm not even sure would think, goodness, I'm not even sure would think, goodness, I'm not even sure how to answer that question anymore how to answer that question anymore how to answer that question anymore >> because I'm not tied to this work that I >> because I'm not tied to this work that I >> because I'm not tied to this work that I had. Uh I still do that type of work.

had. Uh I still do that type of work. had. Uh I still do that type of work. It's a part of my life, It's a part of my life, It's a part of my life, >> but it no no longer felt like I actually >> but it no no longer felt like I actually >> but it no no longer felt like I actually realized it was a big identity for me. realized it was a big identity for me. realized it was a big identity for me. >> Like that was the answer that I would >> Like that was the answer that I would >> Like that was the answer that I would give. You know, if I was a lawyer, I give. You know, if I was a lawyer, I give. You know, if I was a lawyer, I would say I'm a lawyer. or I wouldn't would say I'm a lawyer. or I wouldn't would say I'm a lawyer. or I wouldn't say I you know my first response say I you know my first response say I you know my first response wouldn't be like well we've moved here wouldn't be like well we've moved here wouldn't be like well we've moved here to to invest in a church share the the to to invest in a church share the the to to invest in a church share the the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone that gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone that gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone that wants to listen I mean that's a good way wants to listen I mean that's a good way wants to listen I mean that's a good way to end a conversation really fast right to end a conversation really fast right to end a conversation really fast right but that is the identity but that is the identity but that is the identity >> and so like I wrestled with that for so >> and so like I wrestled with that for so >> and so like I wrestled with that for so long long long >> but on top of that Mike um learning this >> but on top of that Mike um learning this >> but on top of that Mike um learning this language there's five tones I think language there's five tones I think language there's five tones I think there's 70some characters and so uh we there's 70some characters and so uh we there's 70some characters and so uh we moved here in in our 40s were not young moved here in in our 40s were not young moved here in in our 40s were not young and we had three kids one of them was 5 and we had three kids one of them was 5 and we had three kids one of them was 5 months when we got here co came months when we got here co came months when we got here co came >> we had had such a challenging road of >> we had had such a challenging road of >> we had had such a challenging road of learning the language and I don't think learning the language and I don't think learning the language and I don't think we would ever be accused of not trying we would ever be accused of not trying we would ever be accused of not trying really really really hard really really really hard really really really hard devoted to that and it has been so devoted to that and it has been so devoted to that and it has been so difficult for us and I would say and difficult for us and I would say and difficult for us and I would say and this is humorous Mike um What would this is humorous Mike um What would this is humorous Mike um What would someone be surprised about here? They someone be surprised about here? They someone be surprised about here? They would be really surprised sometimes would be really surprised sometimes would be really surprised sometimes because I want to say, "Yeah, but because I want to say, "Yeah, but because I want to say, "Yeah, but actually I'm there's people that think actually I'm there's people that think actually I'm there's people that think I'm kind of intelligent." Like I used to I'm kind of intelligent." Like I used to I'm kind of intelligent." Like I used to be good at what I did. Like I know I be good at what I did. Like I know I be good at what I did. Like I know I sound like a child when I talk to you sound like a child when I talk to you sound like a child when I talk to you and and and because we're learning this

and and and because we're learning this and and and because we're learning this language and very often we're speaking language and very often we're speaking language and very often we're speaking at a kindergarten or first, second, at a kindergarten or first, second, at a kindergarten or first, second, third grade level and we're speaking to third grade level and we're speaking to third grade level and we're speaking to these educated people and I know what these educated people and I know what these educated people and I know what they're thinking. They're thinking, they're thinking. They're thinking, they're thinking. They're thinking, "Dude, [laughter] "Dude, [laughter] "Dude, [laughter] what is wrong with you?" And I think, what is wrong with you?" And I think, what is wrong with you?" And I think, "No, no, no, but I'm actually kind of "No, no, no, but I'm actually kind of "No, no, no, but I'm actually kind of I'm smart guy. Like, people like me, you I'm smart guy. Like, people like me, you I'm smart guy. Like, people like me, you know, and there's this feeling know, and there's this feeling know, and there's this feeling [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] of like humility that I had never of like humility that I had never of like humility that I had never experienced. experienced. experienced. >> I am nobody. >> I am nobody. >> I am nobody. I'm not known by what I'm good at. I'm I'm not known by what I'm good at. I'm I'm not known by what I'm good at. I'm not known by the jokes I tell. I'm known not known by the jokes I tell. I'm known not known by the jokes I tell. I'm known by sometimes honestly my skin, by sometimes honestly my skin, by sometimes honestly my skin, >> the size of my body. >> the size of my body. >> the size of my body. >> Yeah. They think he's really big. >> Yeah. They think he's really big. >> Yeah. They think he's really big. >> And um and it's so different and it's >> And um and it's so different and it's >> And um and it's so different and it's humbling, Mike. And you you go through humbling, Mike. And you you go through humbling, Mike. And you you go through this period of like, am I okay with this period of like, am I okay with this period of like, am I okay with this? this? this? >> And you have to get to a spot where you >> And you have to get to a spot where you >> And you have to get to a spot where you say, if you want to get to know the say, if you want to get to know the say, if you want to get to know the people, if you want to show them your people, if you want to show them your people, if you want to show them your love, then you have to go up to them love, then you have to go up to them love, then you have to go up to them prepared to humiliate yourself.

prepared to humiliate yourself. prepared to humiliate yourself. and say something wrong and hopefully and say something wrong and hopefully and say something wrong and hopefully you found somebody that'll help you you found somebody that'll help you you found somebody that'll help you correct you. Many times they don't, but correct you. Many times they don't, but correct you. Many times they don't, but it's humiliating sometimes. I mean, you it's humiliating sometimes. I mean, you it's humiliating sometimes. I mean, you go from leading and people wanting your go from leading and people wanting your go from leading and people wanting your help, wanting your advice, wanting you help, wanting your advice, wanting you help, wanting your advice, wanting you to lead to, to lead to, to lead to, >> wow, who is this guy? He can't even >> wow, who is this guy? He can't even >> wow, who is this guy? He can't even talk. It's that's hard. Man, I I didn't talk. It's that's hard. Man, I I didn't talk. It's that's hard. Man, I I didn't expect expect expect >> Let me ask you this >> Let me ask you this >> Let me ask you this >> cuz as you're talking I mean now I'm >> cuz as you're talking I mean now I'm >> cuz as you're talking I mean now I'm hearing it in reverse because you know hearing it in reverse because you know hearing it in reverse because you know here in the United States I mean it's a here in the United States I mean it's a here in the United States I mean it's a big debate around immigration right now big debate around immigration right now big debate around immigration right now and I'm just as you're talking I'm I'm and I'm just as you're talking I'm I'm and I'm just as you're talking I'm I'm like hearing the experience in reverse like hearing the experience in reverse like hearing the experience in reverse and I'm wondering I it has it taught you and I'm wondering I it has it taught you and I'm wondering I it has it taught you anything? I mean there's there's so many anything? I mean there's there's so many anything? I mean there's there's so many people in our church family right now people in our church family right now people in our church family right now who move here for work um uh from other who move here for work um uh from other who move here for work um uh from other countries or you know we have people countries or you know we have people countries or you know we have people here uh who uh have migrated here for a here uh who uh have migrated here for a here uh who uh have migrated here for a variety of different reasons even as or variety of different reasons even as or variety of different reasons even as or you know so that experience I've heard you know so that experience I've heard you know so that experience I've heard people talk about it that experience of people talk about it that experience of people talk about it that experience of having a reputation in your home country having a reputation in your home country having a reputation in your home country having a resume in your home country having a resume in your home country having a resume in your home country being able to very clearly and being able to very clearly and being able to very clearly and eloquently articulate in your home eloquently articulate in your home eloquently articulate in your home country and then coming here and that country and then coming here and that country and then coming here and that language barrier is not only a language language barrier is not only a language language barrier is not only a language barrier, barrier, barrier, >> but it's almost like people can't really >> but it's almost like people can't really >> but it's almost like people can't really see you.

see you. see you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um because because you you can't really >> Um because because you you can't really >> Um because because you you can't really speak the language that well. And so speak the language that well. And so speak the language that well. And so there's all these assumptions that come there's all these assumptions that come there's all these assumptions that come with that. So, um, yeah, any any with that. So, um, yeah, any any with that. So, um, yeah, any any encouragement you give brothers and encouragement you give brothers and encouragement you give brothers and sisters in our church family who are sisters in our church family who are sisters in our church family who are experiencing that, but here in the experiencing that, but here in the experiencing that, but here in the United States, United States, United States, >> I I think for the encouragement for >> I I think for the encouragement for >> I I think for the encouragement for those experiencing it, it's just keep those experiencing it, it's just keep those experiencing it, it's just keep pushing through, keep trying. Like, I do pushing through, keep trying. Like, I do pushing through, keep trying. Like, I do feel like there's little wins along the feel like there's little wins along the feel like there's little wins along the way. And we've found some like kindred way. And we've found some like kindred way. And we've found some like kindred spirits or different friends here that spirits or different friends here that spirits or different friends here that just are willing to try with us, will just are willing to try with us, will just are willing to try with us, will sit down and listen and let us struggle sit down and listen and let us struggle sit down and listen and let us struggle out to say what we want to say. And then out to say what we want to say. And then out to say what we want to say. And then our friendships have gone like much our friendships have gone like much our friendships have gone like much deeper as a result. And that's been a deeper as a result. And that's been a deeper as a result. And that's been a real gift to us. And then I would say to real gift to us. And then I would say to real gift to us. And then I would say to th the others in the th the others in the th the others in the um congregation like that that are um congregation like that that are um congregation like that that are sitting next to the person that has just sitting next to the person that has just sitting next to the person that has just moved here and is having a hard time. moved here and is having a hard time. moved here and is having a hard time. Like your graciousness Like your graciousness Like your graciousness is like water to a thirsty soul. Like it is like water to a thirsty soul. Like it is like water to a thirsty soul. Like it is the greatest gift to someone who's is the greatest gift to someone who's is the greatest gift to someone who's trying to learn language, who's trying trying to learn language, who's trying trying to learn language, who's trying to learn culture. And just to realize to learn culture. And just to realize to learn culture. And just to realize too that the way that they are too that the way that they are too that the way that they are communicating isn't an expression communicating isn't an expression communicating isn't an expression necessarily of who they are or all that necessarily of who they are or all that necessarily of who they are or all that is within them. It's just all that is within them. It's just all that is within them. It's just all that they're able to get out at this current they're able to get out at this current they're able to get out at this current moment. Um so I think we've been really moment. Um so I think we've been really moment. Um so I think we've been really also thankful here where we are the in

also thankful here where we are the in also thankful here where we are the in general. Um, people are really gracious general. Um, people are really gracious general. Um, people are really gracious and patient with us in regard to and patient with us in regard to and patient with us in regard to language learning. And language learning. And language learning. And >> I think if we sense this like that >> I think if we sense this like that >> I think if we sense this like that someone's new, like we should step in someone's new, like we should step in someone's new, like we should step in and ask them ask them questions. How are and ask them ask them questions. How are and ask them ask them questions. How are you doing? Do do you have what you need? you doing? Do do you have what you need? you doing? Do do you have what you need? Are you transitioning well? And then on Are you transitioning well? And then on Are you transitioning well? And then on the other side, I would also just say to the other side, I would also just say to the other side, I would also just say to our brothers and sisters that may be our brothers and sisters that may be our brothers and sisters that may be transitioning in, transitioning in, transitioning in, as hard as it is, we have to share our as hard as it is, we have to share our as hard as it is, we have to share our need. need. need. >> And um people often don't know. And when >> And um people often don't know. And when >> And um people often don't know. And when we share, he gives them opportunity to we share, he gives them opportunity to we share, he gives them opportunity to help. And Mike, you've known us a really help. And Mike, you've known us a really help. And Mike, you've known us a really long time. and and you would say long time. and and you would say long time. and and you would say personally that that I I probably personally that that I I probably personally that that I I probably wouldn't ask for something very well and wouldn't ask for something very well and wouldn't ask for something very well and and that's not something I've always and that's not something I've always and that's not something I've always done very well and that has become a done very well and that has become a done very well and that has become a source of humility for me here that I source of humility for me here that I source of humility for me here that I have to ask. When we visited America have to ask. When we visited America have to ask. When we visited America this summer, when we got back, uh, our this summer, when we got back, uh, our this summer, when we got back, uh, our water stopped working and um, I I I water stopped working and um, I I I water stopped working and um, I I I contacted two different uh, plumbers to contacted two different uh, plumbers to contacted two different uh, plumbers to come fix it. None of them responded back come fix it. None of them responded back come fix it. None of them responded back and so I ended up contacting a brother and so I ended up contacting a brother and so I ended up contacting a brother at our church and he tried to find at our church and he tried to find at our church and he tried to find someone. He couldn't. And um middle of someone. He couldn't. And um middle of someone. He couldn't. And um middle of the afternoon um we talked to talked to the afternoon um we talked to talked to the afternoon um we talked to talked to someone else and just all of a sudden someone else and just all of a sudden someone else and just all of a sudden our gate opens and it's my friend from our gate opens and it's my friend from our gate opens and it's my friend from the church and he came over and the poor

the church and he came over and the poor the church and he came over and the poor guy by the time he left he he was soaked guy by the time he left he he was soaked guy by the time he left he he was soaked literally soaked with water and mud from literally soaked with water and mud from literally soaked with water and mud from trying to fix our problem. And Kate said trying to fix our problem. And Kate said trying to fix our problem. And Kate said to him she said, "Ben, to him she said, "Ben, to him she said, "Ben, thank you so much for coming and helping thank you so much for coming and helping thank you so much for coming and helping Daniel and figuring this out because the Daniel and figuring this out because the Daniel and figuring this out because the the problem was fixed." And he said, he the problem was fixed." And he said, he the problem was fixed." And he said, he looked at her and he said, "This is what looked at her and he said, "This is what looked at her and he said, "This is what we do, right?" And he, "This is what we we do, right?" And he, "This is what we we do, right?" And he, "This is what we do." do." do." >> And what he meant by that was, >> And what he meant by that was, >> And what he meant by that was, >> "We're in a family together. >> "We're in a family together. >> "We're in a family together. >> You got a problem. You couldn't figure >> You got a problem. You couldn't figure >> You got a problem. You couldn't figure it out. it out. it out. >> This is what we do." And I think I would >> This is what we do." And I think I would >> This is what we do." And I think I would say that to our church, like, "Guys, say that to our church, like, "Guys, say that to our church, like, "Guys, this is what we do. And this is what the this is what we do. And this is what the this is what we do. And this is what the church is supposed to do. This is how church is supposed to do. This is how church is supposed to do. This is how we're supposed to function. We are to we're supposed to function. We are to we're supposed to function. We are to live with each other through the good, live with each other through the good, live with each other through the good, through the bad, through the water, through the bad, through the water, through the bad, through the water, through the mud, through the mud, through the mud, even when we're not asked. I didn't ask even when we're not asked. I didn't ask even when we're not asked. I didn't ask him to come. He came on his own and him to come. He came on his own and him to come. He came on his own and showed up to fix the problem.

showed up to fix the problem. showed up to fix the problem. >> And how can we >> And how can we >> And how can we think that way? One, we have to share think that way? One, we have to share think that way? One, we have to share our need. And two, we have to have our our need. And two, we have to have our our need. And two, we have to have our ears open and to listen um and fill in ears open and to listen um and fill in ears open and to listen um and fill in the blanks for some folks, too. the blanks for some folks, too. the blanks for some folks, too. >> That's really good. I appreciate y'all >> That's really good. I appreciate y'all >> That's really good. I appreciate y'all sharing that. Um and uh it is so sharing that. Um and uh it is so sharing that. Um and uh it is so important. I love important. I love important. I love I love how listening to I love how listening to I love how listening to your life there helps us live more your life there helps us live more your life there helps us live more Christlike here. And um and and it it is Christlike here. And um and and it it is Christlike here. And um and and it it is helpful to get the perspective of helpful to get the perspective of helpful to get the perspective of brothers and sisters who step out of brothers and sisters who step out of brothers and sisters who step out of this context because you see this this context because you see this this context because you see this context more clearly when you do that. context more clearly when you do that. context more clearly when you do that. And so we're learning a lot from you. A And so we're learning a lot from you. A And so we're learning a lot from you. A couple more questions for you. One about couple more questions for you. One about couple more questions for you. One about work. Uh because y'all work and I think work. Uh because y'all work and I think work. Uh because y'all work and I think people have the idea it's like you know people have the idea it's like you know people have the idea it's like you know what pastors they think all we do is what pastors they think all we do is what pastors they think all we do is just I just sit Indian style and I just just I just sit Indian style and I just just I just sit Indian style and I just I just commune with God uh you know in I just commune with God uh you know in I just commune with God uh you know in prayer. And I I I mean yeah we we do prayer. And I I I mean yeah we we do prayer. And I I I mean yeah we we do pray for sure. Um but uh there's there's pray for sure. Um but uh there's there's pray for sure. Um but uh there's there's a lot that we do when people think about a lot that we do when people think about a lot that we do when people think about missionaries and I know there's missionaries and I know there's missionaries and I know there's different kinds of missionaries. There's different kinds of missionaries. There's different kinds of missionaries. There's a traditional kind of missionary who a traditional kind of missionary who a traditional kind of missionary who kind of sells everything, moves among kind of sells everything, moves among kind of sells everything, moves among the Amish people group, learns the the Amish people group, learns the the Amish people group, learns the language. They're kind of fulltime language. They're kind of fulltime language. They're kind of fulltime uh uh efforts are um evangelism uh uh efforts are um evangelism uh uh efforts are um evangelism uh and disciplehip. And you guys are not uh and disciplehip. And you guys are not uh and disciplehip. And you guys are not traditional missionaries in that sense traditional missionaries in that sense traditional missionaries in that sense because you were able to find a career

because you were able to find a career because you were able to find a career connection um there. And so how have you connection um there. And so how have you connection um there. And so how have you how have you connected you the idea of how have you connected you the idea of how have you connected you the idea of work to mission and specifically you you work to mission and specifically you you work to mission and specifically you you guys know our our five-year vision based guys know our our five-year vision based guys know our our five-year vision based on Jesus's words to let down your nets on Jesus's words to let down your nets on Jesus's words to let down your nets in Luke 5. And uh one of the ways we are in Luke 5. And uh one of the ways we are in Luke 5. And uh one of the ways we are praying God will use us is to impact 20 praying God will use us is to impact 20 praying God will use us is to impact 20 million people around the world uh with million people around the world uh with million people around the world uh with the gospel. And when people hear 20 the gospel. And when people hear 20 the gospel. And when people hear 20 million, they think that's crazy um or million, they think that's crazy um or million, they think that's crazy um or that's not achievable because how can we that's not achievable because how can we that's not achievable because how can we do that? Or they just think that's super do that? Or they just think that's super do that? Or they just think that's super presumptuous. Why would you pick such a presumptuous. Why would you pick such a presumptuous. Why would you pick such a big number? But what what we're trying big number? But what what we're trying big number? But what what we're trying to help people see is all right, break to help people see is all right, break to help people see is all right, break down whatever assumptions you have about down whatever assumptions you have about down whatever assumptions you have about what it means to be a missionary or live what it means to be a missionary or live what it means to be a missionary or live on mission. If you think about the fact on mission. If you think about the fact on mission. If you think about the fact that here in the DMV, we have people in that here in the DMV, we have people in that here in the DMV, we have people in all kinds of industries all kinds of industries all kinds of industries um who are here for a while and then God um who are here for a while and then God um who are here for a while and then God sends them to places all over the world. sends them to places all over the world. sends them to places all over the world. People in our congregation have a much People in our congregation have a much People in our congregation have a much better chance are are uh way more better chance are are uh way more better chance are are uh way more equipped to reach unreached people equipped to reach unreached people equipped to reach unreached people groups than we are as pastors. And so groups than we are as pastors. And so groups than we are as pastors. And so you all are there uh doing work. How you all are there uh doing work. How you all are there uh doing work. How have you connected your work practically have you connected your work practically have you connected your work practically like connected the idea of work whether like connected the idea of work whether like connected the idea of work whether you were here in the states or there in you were here in the states or there in you were here in the states or there in Southeast Asia to the mission as you Southeast Asia to the mission as you Southeast Asia to the mission as you said Daniel the identity that Jesus has said Daniel the identity that Jesus has said Daniel the identity that Jesus has given you.

given you. given you. >> Um well I think there's like a few ways >> Um well I think there's like a few ways >> Um well I think there's like a few ways to answer this but in general to answer this but in general to answer this but in general [clears throat] like [clears throat] like [clears throat] like we really see that our work allow opens we really see that our work allow opens we really see that our work allow opens doors for us in a way that we didn't doors for us in a way that we didn't doors for us in a way that we didn't necessarily anticipate. So currently necessarily anticipate. So currently necessarily anticipate. So currently right now we're partnering with a right now we're partnering with a right now we're partnering with a ministry team and helping support them. ministry team and helping support them. ministry team and helping support them. So we do a lot of their video work So we do a lot of their video work So we do a lot of their video work communications and um support like communications and um support like communications and um support like organize and support a lot of the organize and support a lot of the organize and support a lot of the projects that we're doing. But one of projects that we're doing. But one of projects that we're doing. But one of the things we've been praying about and the things we've been praying about and the things we've been praying about and stepping into in this coming year is um stepping into in this coming year is um stepping into in this coming year is um take like doing more of like a business take like doing more of like a business take like doing more of like a business as mission model. And our heart is as mission model. And our heart is as mission model. And our heart is really that we see the workplace as an really that we see the workplace as an really that we see the workplace as an opportunity to share our lives with opportunity to share our lives with opportunity to share our lives with people and spend every day with the people and spend every day with the people and spend every day with the people that we want to live and be among people that we want to live and be among people that we want to live and be among which are the unreached. And so we are which are the unreached. And so we are which are the unreached. And so we are actually seeing that that might be one actually seeing that that might be one actually seeing that that might be one of the unique ways God has gifted us and of the unique ways God has gifted us and of the unique ways God has gifted us and connected us here because we have had connected us here because we have had connected us here because we have had this opportunity to learn language and this opportunity to learn language and this opportunity to learn language and to invest here almost like a hybrid role to invest here almost like a hybrid role to invest here almost like a hybrid role of like doing both our skills and of like doing both our skills and of like doing both our skills and experience but also getting this experience but also getting this experience but also getting this opportunity to learn language and serve opportunity to learn language and serve opportunity to learn language and serve in a church. And from that, as we've in a church. And from that, as we've in a church. And from that, as we've been praying, God, how do we spend time been praying, God, how do we spend time been praying, God, how do we spend time with these people more and more on a with these people more and more on a with these people more and more on a day-to-day basis, we're really seeing day-to-day basis, we're really seeing day-to-day basis, we're really seeing that our like uh skills and experience that our like uh skills and experience that our like uh skills and experience from the states could really actually be

from the states could really actually be from the states could really actually be our platform for engaging with people our platform for engaging with people our platform for engaging with people and building those relationships on a and building those relationships on a and building those relationships on a day in day out kind of basis. So, I day in day out kind of basis. So, I day in day out kind of basis. So, I would really [clears throat] encourage would really [clears throat] encourage would really [clears throat] encourage people that are considering going um not people that are considering going um not people that are considering going um not to kind of minimize what they have to to kind of minimize what they have to to kind of minimize what they have to offer. I mean, we all have just our offer. I mean, we all have just our offer. I mean, we all have just our loaves and fish and that's it. All of loaves and fish and that's it. All of loaves and fish and that's it. All of us. It's not like one one man's fish is us. It's not like one one man's fish is us. It's not like one one man's fish is better than the others necessarily. better than the others necessarily. better than the others necessarily. God's going to find the right place for God's going to find the right place for God's going to find the right place for you to go and to use those skills. And I you to go and to use those skills. And I you to go and to use those skills. And I often say it's interesting for me to see often say it's interesting for me to see often say it's interesting for me to see that God has given us unique gifts and that God has given us unique gifts and that God has given us unique gifts and personalities and things we think are personalities and things we think are personalities and things we think are funny in order to reach people here that funny in order to reach people here that funny in order to reach people here that are similar, you know, and then there's are similar, you know, and then there's are similar, you know, and then there's other people we meet that are so other people we meet that are so other people we meet that are so different from us and doing something different from us and doing something different from us and doing something totally different from us and they're totally different from us and they're totally different from us and they're reaching people that are so different reaching people that are so different reaching people that are so different from us that we couldn't have the same from us that we couldn't have the same from us that we couldn't have the same impact upon or engage with in the same impact upon or engage with in the same impact upon or engage with in the same way. And so I just think, you know, way. And so I just think, you know, way. And so I just think, you know, God's uniquely created all of us and all God's uniquely created all of us and all God's uniquely created all of us and all around the world and he wants to connect around the world and he wants to connect around the world and he wants to connect us and use us in different ways and us and use us in different ways and us and use us in different ways and he'll take our skills, our experiences, he'll take our skills, our experiences, he'll take our skills, our experiences, um, and he'll expand them. I mean, just um, and he'll expand them. I mean, just um, and he'll expand them. I mean, just like you said, how, you know, prior to like you said, how, you know, prior to like you said, how, you know, prior to coming, Daniel wouldn't have been coming, Daniel wouldn't have been coming, Daniel wouldn't have been preaching, but then from his yes to go, preaching, but then from his yes to go, preaching, but then from his yes to go, God has just continued to open these God has just continued to open these God has just continued to open these doors of yeses. and you can speak more doors of yeses. and you can speak more doors of yeses. and you can speak more to that, but I just feel like we've

to that, but I just feel like we've to that, but I just feel like we've found a lot of joy in in our obedience found a lot of joy in in our obedience found a lot of joy in in our obedience and in saying yes. And through it, God's and in saying yes. And through it, God's and in saying yes. And through it, God's kind of shown us different abilities and kind of shown us different abilities and kind of shown us different abilities and skills we have, too, that we never would skills we have, too, that we never would skills we have, too, that we never would have known if we hadn't said yes. have known if we hadn't said yes. have known if we hadn't said yes. >> Yeah. I I'd like to add, Mike, I um >> Yeah. I I'd like to add, Mike, I um >> Yeah. I I'd like to add, Mike, I um we've kind of we've kind of joked and we've kind of we've kind of joked and we've kind of we've kind of joked and touched on this of uh just me preaching touched on this of uh just me preaching touched on this of uh just me preaching here that uh I think there's just here that uh I think there's just here that uh I think there's just there's a real story that I want to there's a real story that I want to there's a real story that I want to honor the Lord with. like and I'll put honor the Lord with. like and I'll put honor the Lord with. like and I'll put the question back on you as I share the question back on you as I share the question back on you as I share this. I mean, Mike, I would ask you like this. I mean, Mike, I would ask you like this. I mean, Mike, I would ask you like in 2017, in 2017, in 2017, would you have said that I would be would you have said that I would be would you have said that I would be preaching in 2026? preaching in 2026? preaching in 2026? >> No. If you had said that to me, I'd have >> No. If you had said that to me, I'd have >> No. If you had said that to me, I'd have been like, "Brother, been like, "Brother, been like, "Brother, I [snorts] I don't think that's your I [snorts] I don't think that's your I [snorts] I don't think that's your gift." [laughter] >> And um >> And um >> you I mean, you were so nervous even >> you I mean, you were so nervous even >> you I mean, you were so nervous even just to come on stage, you know, not not just to come on stage, you know, not not just to come on stage, you know, not not forget stage. We never even talked about forget stage. We never even talked about forget stage. We never even talked about that. Even just in a Bible study that. Even just in a Bible study that. Even just in a Bible study setting, you know what I mean? to to setting, you know what I mean? to to setting, you know what I mean? to to share something like your personality share something like your personality share something like your personality was very introverted. Um and so yeah, I was very introverted. Um and so yeah, I was very introverted. Um and so yeah, I would I would have been like, "Hey, would I would have been like, "Hey, would I would have been like, "Hey, let's let's do a personality assessment let's let's do a personality assessment let's let's do a personality assessment or something first and uh talk."

or something first and uh talk." or something first and uh talk." [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> I think like and I you know, I say that >> I think like and I you know, I say that >> I think like and I you know, I say that because I just want to honor the father because I just want to honor the father because I just want to honor the father and I want to give like I want to give and I want to give like I want to give and I want to give like I want to give people this idea that like what you people this idea that like what you people this idea that like what you might be seeing, thinking, and feeling might be seeing, thinking, and feeling might be seeing, thinking, and feeling today like it can change really quick. today like it can change really quick. today like it can change really quick. The Lord can move. At times it feels The Lord can move. At times it feels The Lord can move. At times it feels like it's taking him forever. And then like it's taking him forever. And then like it's taking him forever. And then there's other times, man, he moves so there's other times, man, he moves so there's other times, man, he moves so swiftly in our hearts. You know, I would swiftly in our hearts. You know, I would swiftly in our hearts. You know, I would say and I would admit for many years, I say and I would admit for many years, I say and I would admit for many years, I just allowed the my fear of public just allowed the my fear of public just allowed the my fear of public speaking and being in upfront to just speaking and being in upfront to just speaking and being in upfront to just really hold me back. And I would say no really hold me back. And I would say no really hold me back. And I would say no to so many opportunities. I said no to to so many opportunities. I said no to to so many opportunities. I said no to you many times. you many times. you many times. >> Uh many many times. Um >> Uh many many times. Um >> Uh many many times. Um >> I was a little frustrated that you >> I was a little frustrated that you >> I was a little frustrated that you started saying yes in Southeast Asia but started saying yes in Southeast Asia but started saying yes in Southeast Asia but [laughter] it's fine. [laughter] it's fine. [laughter] it's fine. >> And we you know and then the Lord calls >> And we you know and then the Lord calls >> And we you know and then the Lord calls us to go overseas you know and but the us to go overseas you know and but the us to go overseas you know and but the way he did that it wasn't hey Daniel K way he did that it wasn't hey Daniel K way he did that it wasn't hey Daniel K go do it this way go it's traditional go do it this way go it's traditional go do it this way go it's traditional you go be a church planter in the you go be a church planter in the you go be a church planter in the traditional model cuz that wouldn't have traditional model cuz that wouldn't have traditional model cuz that wouldn't have made sense to us at the time I was made sense to us at the time I was made sense to us at the time I was saying no I'm afraid to even speak but saying no I'm afraid to even speak but saying no I'm afraid to even speak but he made he used what made sense to us.

he made he used what made sense to us. he made he used what made sense to us. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. >> Like, yeah, I have a resume. This makes >> Like, yeah, I have a resume. This makes >> Like, yeah, I have a resume. This makes sense, Lord. And look, I didn't write my sense, Lord. And look, I didn't write my sense, Lord. And look, I didn't write my resume. He gave me the opportunities. resume. He gave me the opportunities. resume. He gave me the opportunities. >> He made me who I am. He made us who we >> He made me who I am. He made us who we >> He made me who I am. He made us who we are, right? And so, he sent us out in a are, right? And so, he sent us out in a are, right? And so, he sent us out in a tangible way initi. And initially, it tangible way initi. And initially, it tangible way initi. And initially, it was like, all right, this makes sense. was like, all right, this makes sense. was like, all right, this makes sense. We we want to go and be a part of these We we want to go and be a part of these We we want to go and be a part of these people. We want to use this as a way to people. We want to use this as a way to people. We want to use this as a way to share the gospel. We have a heart to see share the gospel. We have a heart to see share the gospel. We have a heart to see the lost coming to know him. and we we the lost coming to know him. and we we the lost coming to know him. and we we can do what we know how to do while we can do what we know how to do while we can do what we know how to do while we do that. And but the truth is, man, like do that. And but the truth is, man, like do that. And but the truth is, man, like he had such a bigger plan. [laughter] he had such a bigger plan. [laughter] he had such a bigger plan. [laughter] And you know, now he's not only given us And you know, now he's not only given us And you know, now he's not only given us opportunities to use our experiences and opportunities to use our experiences and opportunities to use our experiences and our work that we learned in the DMV for our work that we learned in the DMV for our work that we learned in the DMV for 17, 20 years, but now he's has us, you 17, 20 years, but now he's has us, you 17, 20 years, but now he's has us, you know, has us teaching and and we were know, has us teaching and and we were know, has us teaching and and we were doing that before and discipling. We doing that before and discipling. We doing that before and discipling. We were doing all that before. I don't want were doing all that before. I don't want were doing all that before. I don't want to make it sound like we weren't uh to make it sound like we weren't uh to make it sound like we weren't uh >> but >> but >> but standing up front of the stage in in standing up front of the stage in in standing up front of the stage in in that way would have been very scary for that way would have been very scary for that way would have been very scary for me. And and so now to preach and to me. And and so now to preach and to me. And and so now to preach and to doing it in in a different language.

doing it in in a different language. doing it in in a different language. >> Crazy. >> Crazy. >> Crazy. >> I mean I didn't see that coming. And so >> I mean I didn't see that coming. And so >> I mean I didn't see that coming. And so our normal jobs they our church our our our normal jobs they our church our our our normal jobs they our church our our church members at MLAN Bible Church your church members at MLAN Bible Church your church members at MLAN Bible Church your normal jobs. normal jobs. normal jobs. >> We call them normal. They're not normal. >> We call them normal. They're not normal. >> We call them normal. They're not normal. They are the pathway that our father in They are the pathway that our father in They are the pathway that our father in heaven gave you today to share him. heaven gave you today to share him. heaven gave you today to share him. >> Those normal lives that aren't normal. >> Those normal lives that aren't normal. >> Those normal lives that aren't normal. We are aliens on this earth. We are aliens on this earth. We are aliens on this earth. >> But those normal lives, those normal >> But those normal lives, those normal >> But those normal lives, those normal jobs, God had a plan to mold them in us. jobs, God had a plan to mold them in us. jobs, God had a plan to mold them in us. He has a plan to mold them in you in He has a plan to mold them in you in He has a plan to mold them in you in ways that we can never predict. And what ways that we can never predict. And what ways that we can never predict. And what happened was Mike, happened was Mike, happened was Mike, >> I finally fully said yes. I knew for a >> I finally fully said yes. I knew for a >> I finally fully said yes. I knew for a long time, Mike, that I was supposed to long time, Mike, that I was supposed to long time, Mike, that I was supposed to be saying more. be saying more. be saying more. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I'd give him a lowercase yes. And >> And I'd give him a lowercase yes. And >> And I'd give him a lowercase yes. And sometimes I'd give him an uppercase no. sometimes I'd give him an uppercase no. sometimes I'd give him an uppercase no. And then when I gave him a big yes to And then when I gave him a big yes to And then when I gave him a big yes to something that scared the heck out of something that scared the heck out of something that scared the heck out of me, moving here.

me, moving here. me, moving here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He gave me joy He gave me joy He gave me joy >> in something that was exceedingly >> in something that was exceedingly >> in something that was exceedingly difficult, difficult, difficult, >> exceedingly painful. Mike, we grieve. >> Even my friendship with you, I grieve >> Even my friendship with you, I grieve that, man. that, man. that, man. >> That I can't see you. I can't talk to >> That I can't see you. I can't talk to >> That I can't see you. I can't talk to you the way that we have in the past. you the way that we have in the past. you the way that we have in the past. and our other brothers and sisters that and our other brothers and sisters that and our other brothers and sisters that we help we discipled and helped Lee we help we discipled and helped Lee we help we discipled and helped Lee there at at MOCO. Like we grieve not there at at MOCO. Like we grieve not there at at MOCO. Like we grieve not seeing those families and being in seeing those families and being in seeing those families and being in worship with one another. worship with one another. worship with one another. But when we see the fruit of what God is But when we see the fruit of what God is But when we see the fruit of what God is doing here, doing here, doing here, it fills us with joy. And I'll say I it fills us with joy. And I'll say I it fills us with joy. And I'll say I want to say we grieve our old work want to say we grieve our old work want to say we grieve our old work sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. >> We like the stability of it. We like >> We like the stability of it. We like >> We like the stability of it. We like that it worked. We like that we knew that it worked. We like that we knew that it worked. We like that we knew what to do. what to do. what to do. >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> We liked our home, man. I loved my >> We liked our home, man. I loved my >> We liked our home, man. I loved my dishwasher. Kate loved her dryer. She dishwasher. Kate loved her dryer. She dishwasher. Kate loved her dryer. She didn't have to hang the clothes out in didn't have to hang the clothes out in didn't have to hang the clothes out in the in front of the house. the in front of the house. the in front of the house. >> I I love the shag rug that y'all had at >> I I love the shag rug that y'all had at >> I I love the shag rug that y'all had at the [laughter] at town house. the [laughter] at town house. the [laughter] at town house. >> Nice shag rug, >> Nice shag rug, >> Nice shag rug, bro. And so we grieve some things, bro. And so we grieve some things, bro. And so we grieve some things, >> but >> but >> but >> but we found joy in something different. >> but we found joy in something different. >> but we found joy in something different. And that is saying yes to things that And that is saying yes to things that And that is saying yes to things that we're terrified about. I'm preparing we're terrified about. I'm preparing we're terrified about. I'm preparing another message and I'll say that another message and I'll say that another message and I'll say that going to prepare for two months going to prepare for two months going to prepare for two months to do it in another language. It's it's to do it in another language. It's it's to do it in another language. It's it's different, right? But different, right? But different, right? But >> but it it feels really good and an honor >> but it it feels really good and an honor >> but it it feels really good and an honor to be able to use in that be used in to be able to use in that be used in to be able to use in that be used in that way. that way. that way. >> You just gave us such a gift, man. um >> You just gave us such a gift, man. um >> You just gave us such a gift, man. um not just to understand what life is like not just to understand what life is like not just to understand what life is like there, but to help us with the there, but to help us with the there, but to help us with the invitations that the Lord extends to us invitations that the Lord extends to us invitations that the Lord extends to us here. And that's the heart of the here. And that's the heart of the here. And that's the heart of the vision. I mean, in Luke 5, Jesus said to vision. I mean, in Luke 5, Jesus said to vision. I mean, in Luke 5, Jesus said to Peter, "Let down your nets. Go out into Peter, "Let down your nets. Go out into Peter, "Let down your nets. Go out into the deep and let down your nets." He's the deep and let down your nets." He's the deep and let down your nets." He's like, "We've been we've been doing that like, "We've been we've been doing that like, "We've been we've been doing that already." He's a professional fisherman.

already." He's a professional fisherman. already." He's a professional fisherman. He's like, "There's nothing here." And He's like, "There's nothing here." And He's like, "There's nothing here." And the way we we word it is um he gave God the way we we word it is um he gave God the way we we word it is um he gave God his yes. He said, "At your word," his yes. He said, "At your word," his yes. He said, "At your word," he said, "we've already done this, but he said, "we've already done this, but he said, "we've already done this, but at your word, I will." at your word, I will." at your word, I will." >> And he could have never imagined >> And he could have never imagined >> And he could have never imagined what was on the other side of that. Yes. what was on the other side of that. Yes. what was on the other side of that. Yes. He could not have imagined that he would He could not have imagined that he would He could not have imagined that he would preach the first public sermon in the preach the first public sermon in the preach the first public sermon in the early church. He could not have imagined early church. He could not have imagined early church. He could not have imagined that he would be the apostle Peter and that he would be the apostle Peter and that he would be the apostle Peter and uh just be one of the most foundational uh just be one of the most foundational uh just be one of the most foundational leaders in church history. He could not leaders in church history. He could not leaders in church history. He could not have imagined have imagined have imagined um the millions and millions of people um the millions and millions of people um the millions and millions of people who would call themselves followers of who would call themselves followers of who would call themselves followers of Jesus. He could not have imagined what Jesus. He could not have imagined what Jesus. He could not have imagined what was on the other side of that. Yes. And was on the other side of that. Yes. And was on the other side of that. Yes. And that's one of the reasons why y'all's that's one of the reasons why y'all's that's one of the reasons why y'all's story encourages me so much because we story encourages me so much because we story encourages me so much because we can read missionary biographies. We can can read missionary biographies. We can can read missionary biographies. We can do all that. You are y'all are real life do all that. You are y'all are real life do all that. You are y'all are real life people where I've been able to see the people where I've been able to see the people where I've been able to see the before the yes and I've been able to see before the yes and I've been able to see before the yes and I've been able to see the you could not have imagined after the you could not have imagined after the you could not have imagined after the yes. And so your faithfulness the yes. And so your faithfulness the yes. And so your faithfulness and your struggle to get there is really and your struggle to get there is really and your struggle to get there is really encouraging to me um and encouraging to encouraging to me um and encouraging to encouraging to me um and encouraging to so many of us. Um I I land here and then so many of us. Um I I land here and then so many of us. Um I I land here and then I just want to hear how can we how can I just want to hear how can we how can I just want to hear how can we how can we be praying for and supporting you we be praying for and supporting you we be praying for and supporting you guys? But uh you've talked about what guys? But uh you've talked about what guys? But uh you've talked about what has been on the other side of the Yes.

has been on the other side of the Yes. has been on the other side of the Yes. Just for you personally. Just for you personally. Just for you personally. What about people you've been trying to What about people you've been trying to What about people you've been trying to minister uh to? Uh any any story, any minister uh to? Uh any any story, any minister uh to? Uh any any story, any interaction that has just been interaction that has just been interaction that has just been encouraging to you that reminded you uh encouraging to you that reminded you uh encouraging to you that reminded you uh man that God is at work? Uh, I think man that God is at work? Uh, I think man that God is at work? Uh, I think maybe one thing recently that it's been maybe one thing recently that it's been maybe one thing recently that it's been really neat for us to be involved in is really neat for us to be involved in is really neat for us to be involved in is that our church recently started hosting that our church recently started hosting that our church recently started hosting Alpha, which is like a study for people Alpha, which is like a study for people Alpha, which is like a study for people interested in learning about God that interested in learning about God that interested in learning about God that aren't that don't know anything about aren't that don't know anything about aren't that don't know anything about about him really. And there's so many about him really. And there's so many about him really. And there's so many things that we've learned from this things that we've learned from this things that we've learned from this study. like this uh these videos were study. like this uh these videos were study. like this uh these videos were filmed in English and then maybe AI filmed in English and then maybe AI filmed in English and then maybe AI dubbed into the the language here and so dubbed into the the language here and so dubbed into the the language here and so the mouths don't match the words that the mouths don't match the words that the mouths don't match the words that you hear and then there's subtitles and you hear and then there's subtitles and you hear and then there's subtitles and at first I was like oh I bet that's at first I was like oh I bet that's at first I was like oh I bet that's going to be distracting. I don't think going to be distracting. I don't think going to be distracting. I don't think it was distracting to anyone. And um it it was distracting to anyone. And um it it was distracting to anyone. And um it was also maybe I think the first time was also maybe I think the first time was also maybe I think the first time our church had ever seen like a maybe our church had ever seen like a maybe our church had ever seen like a maybe like a study in a box, you know, like like a study in a box, you know, like like a study in a box, you know, like you got the video, there's the questions you got the video, there's the questions you got the video, there's the questions for the table, this is the game you for the table, this is the game you for the table, this is the game you should play in the beginning. And they should play in the beginning. And they should play in the beginning. And they were so encouraged like it's all right were so encouraged like it's all right were so encouraged like it's all right here like and all we we get to just here like and all we we get to just here like and all we we get to just focus on talking and how to share and focus on talking and how to share and focus on talking and how to share and how to encourage our church members to how to encourage our church members to how to encourage our church members to share. And so that was really exciting share. And so that was really exciting share. And so that was really exciting too to see like you know there's just

too to see like you know there's just too to see like you know there's just not as many resources here to so to see not as many resources here to so to see not as many resources here to so to see a resource here be unfolded a resource here be unfolded a resource here be unfolded um was really fun to be a part of. But um was really fun to be a part of. But um was really fun to be a part of. But then when we started hosting the first then when we started hosting the first then when we started hosting the first group, we had about 12 people come that group, we had about 12 people come that group, we had about 12 people come that um are not connected to the church at um are not connected to the church at um are not connected to the church at all. Were invited by a friend or a all. Were invited by a friend or a all. Were invited by a friend or a co-orker and um co-orker and um co-orker and um and it was really incredible experience and it was really incredible experience and it was really incredible experience to um be in this context. This is a to um be in this context. This is a to um be in this context. This is a predominantly Buddhist country where predominantly Buddhist country where predominantly Buddhist country where we're not seeing very many conversions. we're not seeing very many conversions. we're not seeing very many conversions. I mean it's a open country so I mean it's a open country so I mean it's a open country so missionaries have been here for over 200 missionaries have been here for over 200 missionaries have been here for over 200 years you know but um we're still you years you know but um we're still you years you know but um we're still you know less than 1% reach uh or followers know less than 1% reach uh or followers know less than 1% reach uh or followers of Christ and so um anyways like of Christ and so um anyways like of Christ and so um anyways like sometimes you can get in a rut in that sometimes you can get in a rut in that sometimes you can get in a rut in that like you don't really expect to see like you don't really expect to see like you don't really expect to see certain things happen and that's that's certain things happen and that's that's certain things happen and that's that's sad to say and so I'm glad the Lord used sad to say and so I'm glad the Lord used sad to say and so I'm glad the Lord used this to uh reinvigorate us and open our this to uh reinvigorate us and open our this to uh reinvigorate us and open our eyes but uh one night we were discussing eyes but uh one night we were discussing eyes but uh one night we were discussing faith like what is faith to you and you faith like what is faith to you and you faith like what is faith to you and you know we use that example of like you know we use that example of like you know we use that example of like you know we all have a version of faith I'm know we all have a version of faith I'm know we all have a version of faith I'm sitting on a chair and I have faith that sitting on a chair and I have faith that sitting on a chair and I have faith that the legs are going to hold me up and you the legs are going to hold me up and you the legs are going to hold me up and you know so what does your version of faith know so what does your version of faith know so what does your version of faith look like and um you know it was just look like and um you know it was just look like and um you know it was just like this isn't necessarily a very like this isn't necessarily a very like this isn't necessarily a very conversational country in in regards to conversational country in in regards to conversational country in in regards to like depth like going deep quickly so I

like depth like going deep quickly so I like depth like going deep quickly so I didn't know where the conversation would didn't know where the conversation would didn't know where the conversation would go and this lady was like Oh, I have go and this lady was like Oh, I have go and this lady was like Oh, I have faith. Every every time I go and pay faith. Every every time I go and pay faith. Every every time I go and pay merit to the idol across from the store, merit to the idol across from the store, merit to the idol across from the store, like I get what I asked for. And I was like I get what I asked for. And I was like I get what I asked for. And I was like, [clears throat] like, [clears throat] like, [clears throat] >> "Oh, wow. Wow." Oh, you know, and like I >> "Oh, wow. Wow." Oh, you know, and like I >> "Oh, wow. Wow." Oh, you know, and like I mean, at first it was like extremely sad mean, at first it was like extremely sad mean, at first it was like extremely sad to hear that, but then it was also just to hear that, but then it was also just to hear that, but then it was also just this open door to be able to say, "Oh, this open door to be able to say, "Oh, this open door to be able to say, "Oh, well, my faith is a little bit different well, my faith is a little bit different well, my faith is a little bit different and I believe in Jesus and this is what and I believe in Jesus and this is what and I believe in Jesus and this is what he's done for me." And he's done for me." And he's done for me." And >> and then the person next to me was able >> and then the person next to me was able >> and then the person next to me was able to share. and they just kind of went to share. and they just kind of went to share. and they just kind of went around and I just felt like it was around and I just felt like it was around and I just felt like it was really neat to see our church like learn really neat to see our church like learn really neat to see our church like learn how to share their faith and and learn how to share their faith and and learn how to share their faith and and learn how to listen to other people share how to listen to other people share how to listen to other people share theirs theirs theirs >> even from this study. That lady didn't >> even from this study. That lady didn't >> even from this study. That lady didn't come to know the Lord, but three people come to know the Lord, but three people come to know the Lord, but three people did um place their faith in Christ and did um place their faith in Christ and did um place their faith in Christ and two of them were baptized last week at two of them were baptized last week at two of them were baptized last week at our church and I don't know, I think it our church and I don't know, I think it our church and I don't know, I think it was just really encouraging and we got was just really encouraging and we got was just really encouraging and we got to be a part of it. I have to say like to be a part of it. I have to say like to be a part of it. I have to say like sometimes I think our language isn't sometimes I think our language isn't sometimes I think our language isn't growing fast enough, but just to be able growing fast enough, but just to be able growing fast enough, but just to be able to sit at those tables and and engage on to sit at those tables and and engage on to sit at those tables and and engage on a deep deeper level for one of the first a deep deeper level for one of the first a deep deeper level for one of the first times and to understand what was going times and to understand what was going times and to understand what was going on, it was so encouraging to be a part on, it was so encouraging to be a part on, it was so encouraging to be a part of that and and really exciting too. And of that and and really exciting too. And of that and and really exciting too. And I know that you had you wanted to share I know that you had you wanted to share I know that you had you wanted to share about the young man, too.

about the young man, too. about the young man, too. >> Yeah. And I think there's just so much >> Yeah. And I think there's just so much >> Yeah. And I think there's just so much to learn in these settings, too, Mike. to learn in these settings, too, Mike. to learn in these settings, too, Mike. And this brings me back to that that And this brings me back to that that And this brings me back to that that idea of joy that I was sharing and and idea of joy that I was sharing and and idea of joy that I was sharing and and the opportunities that we have the opportunities that we have the opportunities that we have especially amongst I mean particularly especially amongst I mean particularly especially amongst I mean particularly where we are I don't it would be unfair where we are I don't it would be unfair where we are I don't it would be unfair to say every place amongst unreach would to say every place amongst unreach would to say every place amongst unreach would be situations like this but um I be situations like this but um I be situations like this but um I remember even at that event uh or it was remember even at that event uh or it was remember even at that event uh or it was over several weeks but towards the over several weeks but towards the over several weeks but towards the second to the last week I I'd stopped second to the last week I I'd stopped second to the last week I I'd stopped and I talked to this this uh guy that I and I talked to this this uh guy that I and I talked to this this uh guy that I talked to a lot and I said, "You know, I talked to a lot and I said, "You know, I talked to a lot and I said, "You know, I know you said early on like you'd heard know you said early on like you'd heard know you said early on like you'd heard of Jesus's name, but that was it. Like of Jesus's name, but that was it. Like of Jesus's name, but that was it. Like you didn't know anything about him. You you didn't know anything about him. You you didn't know anything about him. You didn't you didn't understand who God didn't you didn't understand who God didn't you didn't understand who God was. You you didn't understand anything was. You you didn't understand anything was. You you didn't understand anything like at this point. What you know would like at this point. What you know would like at this point. What you know would have stood out to you?" He said, "Well, have stood out to you?" He said, "Well, have stood out to you?" He said, "Well, you know, I mean, you guys told me that you know, I mean, you guys told me that you know, I mean, you guys told me that Jesus um what you believe that he he Jesus um what you believe that he he Jesus um what you believe that he he lived on the earth, that he lived a lived on the earth, that he lived a lived on the earth, that he lived a perfect life and that he died and then perfect life and that he died and then perfect life and that he died and then he rose again. I I heard you guys say he rose again. I I heard you guys say he rose again. I I heard you guys say that and I was thinking, "Oh, hey, you that and I was thinking, "Oh, hey, you that and I was thinking, "Oh, hey, you believe this?" He said, "I I mean, I believe this?" He said, "I I mean, I believe this?" He said, "I I mean, I don't believe it, but but don't believe it, but but don't believe it, but but >> but you guys told, you know, you told us >> but you guys told, you know, you told us >> but you guys told, you know, you told us that, so I believe that you believe that, so I believe that you believe that, so I believe that you believe that." And he said, "But what really that." And he said, "But what really that." And he said, "But what really struck me tonight and was struck me tonight and was struck me tonight and was when I heard the part about that 500 when I heard the part about that 500 when I heard the part about that 500 people saw him after he rose from the people saw him after he rose from the people saw him after he rose from the dead."

dead." dead." >> And I thought I actually thought about >> And I thought I actually thought about >> And I thought I actually thought about the the the American church actually and the the the American church actually and the the the American church actually and well, at least my experience in American well, at least my experience in American well, at least my experience in American church. There's so many details that we church. There's so many details that we church. There's so many details that we know in the scriptures and the story of know in the scriptures and the story of know in the scriptures and the story of Jesus's life that we don't see as Jesus's life that we don't see as Jesus's life that we don't see as marvelous anymore. [laughter] marvelous anymore. [laughter] marvelous anymore. [laughter] And I thought, "Wow, that really struck And I thought, "Wow, that really struck And I thought, "Wow, that really struck me." And I thought, "Oh my goodness, me." And I thought, "Oh my goodness, me." And I thought, "Oh my goodness, this man learned this for the first time this man learned this for the first time this man learned this for the first time today. Lord Jesus, do something in his today. Lord Jesus, do something in his today. Lord Jesus, do something in his heart. Take that, allow that to be the heart. Take that, allow that to be the heart. Take that, allow that to be the proof that he needed." And so proof that he needed." And so proof that he needed." And so I, you know, from our perspective to be I, you know, from our perspective to be I, you know, from our perspective to be able to engage in those opportunities is able to engage in those opportunities is able to engage in those opportunities is super encouraging to us and and and you super encouraging to us and and and you super encouraging to us and and and you know, and it's been so encouraging know, and it's been so encouraging know, and it's been so encouraging time for our church to experience as time for our church to experience as time for our church to experience as well to be with these people and see well to be with these people and see well to be with these people and see three of them uh three women actually, a three of them uh three women actually, a three of them uh three women actually, a mother and daughter was one of them. It mother and daughter was one of them. It mother and daughter was one of them. It was so cool. Come to the Lord. Yeah, was so cool. Come to the Lord. Yeah, was so cool. Come to the Lord. Yeah, >> that's amazing, man. That's amazing. God >> that's amazing, man. That's amazing. God >> that's amazing, man. That's amazing. God doesn't necessarily owe us the privilege doesn't necessarily owe us the privilege doesn't necessarily owe us the privilege of seeing that fruit, but man, it's so of seeing that fruit, but man, it's so of seeing that fruit, but man, it's so encouraging when he does give us that encouraging when he does give us that encouraging when he does give us that that privilege. We're reminded, like that privilege. We're reminded, like that privilege. We're reminded, like Paul said, that the gospel is the power Paul said, that the gospel is the power Paul said, that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who of God for salvation to everyone who of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Um, and it's not our work. We believes. Um, and it's not our work. We believes. Um, and it's not our work. We plant seeds, we water, God is the one plant seeds, we water, God is the one plant seeds, we water, God is the one who causes the growth. And so when we who causes the growth. And so when we who causes the growth. And so when we get those moments, it's like it get those moments, it's like it get those moments, it's like it refreshes our faith again that all refreshes our faith again that all refreshes our faith again that all right, God does work. He is working. And right, God does work. He is working. And right, God does work. He is working. And uh, [snorts] so that's that's uh, [snorts] so that's that's uh, [snorts] so that's that's encouraging. How can we as a church encouraging. How can we as a church encouraging. How can we as a church family be praying for you guys? Uh how

family be praying for you guys? Uh how family be praying for you guys? Uh how can we support and partner with you uh can we support and partner with you uh can we support and partner with you uh in the work you're doing there? in the work you're doing there? in the work you're doing there? >> Yeah, I wrote down a few things I wanted >> Yeah, I wrote down a few things I wanted >> Yeah, I wrote down a few things I wanted to share, Mike. First and foremost, and to share, Mike. First and foremost, and to share, Mike. First and foremost, and I think everyone's going to know it I think everyone's going to know it I think everyone's going to know it getting off here. They're going to feel getting off here. They're going to feel getting off here. They're going to feel bad for us. Uh just continue to pray for bad for us. Uh just continue to pray for bad for us. Uh just continue to pray for our language and uh growth, but on top our language and uh growth, but on top our language and uh growth, but on top of that is cultural uh acquisition. Now of that is cultural uh acquisition. Now of that is cultural uh acquisition. Now we're to the place that we sometimes we're to the place that we sometimes we're to the place that we sometimes understand what you're saying to us. the understand what you're saying to us. the understand what you're saying to us. the words, but we don't understand what words, but we don't understand what words, but we don't understand what you're saying to us. you're saying to us. you're saying to us. >> And so there's another layer now that >> And so there's another layer now that >> And so there's another layer now that we, oh, we understand what you said, but we, oh, we understand what you said, but we, oh, we understand what you said, but oh, I don't think you meant what I think oh, I don't think you meant what I think oh, I don't think you meant what I think you meant, you know. So, let's pray for you meant, you know. So, let's pray for you meant, you know. So, let's pray for that. We want to be faithful to learning that. We want to be faithful to learning that. We want to be faithful to learning so that that we can share clearly uh so that that we can share clearly uh so that that we can share clearly uh with the with the people that we're with the with the people that we're with the with the people that we're with. And and then I would say pray for with. And and then I would say pray for with. And and then I would say pray for opportunities. Pray for opportunities opportunities. Pray for opportunities opportunities. Pray for opportunities that we could share the gospel. And in that we could share the gospel. And in that we could share the gospel. And in so doing that, the Lord would put us so doing that, the Lord would put us so doing that, the Lord would put us with people that their hearts are open with people that their hearts are open with people that their hearts are open and ready, and ready, and ready, >> ready for lifechanging decisions to >> ready for lifechanging decisions to >> ready for lifechanging decisions to follow Christ. Following Christ here follow Christ. Following Christ here follow Christ. Following Christ here is a is a is a is a departure oftentimes from family.

is a departure oftentimes from family. is a departure oftentimes from family. It's absolutely a departure from It's absolutely a departure from It's absolutely a departure from culture. culture. culture. It's a departure from most everything It's a departure from most everything It's a departure from most everything that they know and believe. that they know and believe. that they know and believe. >> It's difficult. Um so we pray for that. >> It's difficult. Um so we pray for that. >> It's difficult. Um so we pray for that. Uh Kate quickly me mentioned earlier Uh Kate quickly me mentioned earlier Uh Kate quickly me mentioned earlier that we've seen that how how we've been that we've seen that how how we've been that we've seen that how how we've been working here that we've been looking for working here that we've been looking for working here that we've been looking for an opportunity as we've are are getting an opportunity as we've are are getting an opportunity as we've are are getting out of some of our language class time. out of some of our language class time. out of some of our language class time. We've been praying about launching a We've been praying about launching a We've been praying about launching a business's mission here. And so we've business's mission here. And so we've business's mission here. And so we've been meeting with a coach and we've been been meeting with a coach and we've been been meeting with a coach and we've been meeting with a lot of friends and and meeting with a lot of friends and and meeting with a lot of friends and and asking for wisdom for prayer. And we're asking for wisdom for prayer. And we're asking for wisdom for prayer. And we're really far down the road in this now. really far down the road in this now. really far down the road in this now. And so we would ask the church uh MLAN And so we would ask the church uh MLAN And so we would ask the church uh MLAN to be praying for us. We're going to be to be praying for us. We're going to be to be praying for us. We're going to be raising support for that as well. Pray raising support for that as well. Pray raising support for that as well. Pray that the Lord would provide towards that that the Lord would provide towards that that the Lord would provide towards that end uh that we can get it up and running end uh that we can get it up and running end uh that we can get it up and running and and also that the Lord will direct and and also that the Lord will direct and and also that the Lord will direct us and give us wisdom. We are of the us and give us wisdom. We are of the us and give us wisdom. We are of the idea that if we shouldn't do something, idea that if we shouldn't do something, idea that if we shouldn't do something, we want the door closed, locked, tightly we want the door closed, locked, tightly we want the door closed, locked, tightly shut. And that's what we would ask for. shut. And that's what we would ask for. shut. And that's what we would ask for. That the Lord would slam the door That the Lord would slam the door That the Lord would slam the door tonight uh if that was not his plan. And tonight uh if that was not his plan. And tonight uh if that was not his plan. And so we'd ask for prayer for that. I'll so we'd ask for prayer for that. I'll so we'd ask for prayer for that. I'll say, Mike, and I think I alluded to this say, Mike, and I think I alluded to this say, Mike, and I think I alluded to this earlier, um we love MLAN Bible Church.

earlier, um we love MLAN Bible Church. earlier, um we love MLAN Bible Church. Um it is truly Um it is truly Um it is truly our church home. And um where the our church home. And um where the our church home. And um where the majority of our adult life we grew and majority of our adult life we grew and majority of our adult life we grew and were discipled and had the opportunity were discipled and had the opportunity were discipled and had the opportunity to disciple others. And we're thankful to disciple others. And we're thankful to disciple others. And we're thankful to have been sent out by MLAN Bible to have been sent out by MLAN Bible to have been sent out by MLAN Bible Church. That is a source of Church. That is a source of Church. That is a source of encouragement to us. We are thankful for encouragement to us. We are thankful for encouragement to us. We are thankful for our church home and the relationships our church home and the relationships our church home and the relationships that we've had built for many many that we've had built for many many that we've had built for many many years. Uh and we're so thankful for that years. Uh and we're so thankful for that years. Uh and we're so thankful for that partnership and we pray that we will be partnership and we pray that we will be partnership and we pray that we will be in a mutual encouragement to MLAN Bible in a mutual encouragement to MLAN Bible in a mutual encouragement to MLAN Bible Church in the same way that they have Church in the same way that they have Church in the same way that they have been to us for many many years. And that been to us for many many years. And that been to us for many many years. And that that is a prayer that we would uh would that is a prayer that we would uh would that is a prayer that we would uh would honor our our friends that support us honor our our friends that support us honor our our friends that support us and those that pray for us as we try to and those that pray for us as we try to and those that pray for us as we try to serve and honor the Lord and our church serve and honor the Lord and our church serve and honor the Lord and our church as well. MLAN and it's as the ones that as well. MLAN and it's as the ones that as well. MLAN and it's as the ones that have sent us out you know lastly I would have sent us out you know lastly I would have sent us out you know lastly I would say Mike and this isn't last uh this is say Mike and this isn't last uh this is say Mike and this isn't last uh this is you just would you guys pray for our you just would you guys pray for our you just would you guys pray for our perseverance um the enemy wants us to go perseverance um the enemy wants us to go perseverance um the enemy wants us to go home >> in the same way he wants you to walk off >> in the same way he wants you to walk off the stage Mike every time you preach the stage Mike every time you preach the stage Mike every time you preach um and I just ask the Lord and I ask you um and I just ask the Lord and I ask you um and I just ask the Lord and I ask you guys to pray for us that we won't make guys to pray for us that we won't make guys to pray for us that we won't make shipwreck of our lives.

shipwreck of our lives. shipwreck of our lives. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We don't want to screw up, man. We want >> We don't want to screw up, man. We want >> We don't want to screw up, man. We want to remain faithful and we want to remain to remain faithful and we want to remain to remain faithful and we want to remain diligent and we want to remain patient diligent and we want to remain patient diligent and we want to remain patient as we wait for the Lord to to work and as we wait for the Lord to to work and as we wait for the Lord to to work and um and so if things are slow, we want to um and so if things are slow, we want to um and so if things are slow, we want to keep walking. And if things are going keep walking. And if things are going keep walking. And if things are going fast, we want to keep walking [laughter] fast, we want to keep walking [laughter] fast, we want to keep walking [laughter] and uh and just trust the father to and uh and just trust the father to and uh and just trust the father to direct us. And so we'd ask that that our direct us. And so we'd ask that that our direct us. And so we'd ask that that our church family there would pray for us in church family there would pray for us in church family there would pray for us in that way and just be faithful to that that way and just be faithful to that that way and just be faithful to that and we need it. Yeah. and we need it. Yeah. and we need it. Yeah. >> Anything you add, Kate? And then I'd >> Anything you add, Kate? And then I'd >> Anything you add, Kate? And then I'd love to pray for y'all. love to pray for y'all. love to pray for y'all. >> No, but uh I just want to say like I'm >> No, but uh I just want to say like I'm >> No, but uh I just want to say like I'm really excited for the vision that you really excited for the vision that you really excited for the vision that you guys are casting and for the opportunity guys are casting and for the opportunity guys are casting and for the opportunity for for everyone to step into it. And I for for everyone to step into it. And I for for everyone to step into it. And I would just say like everyone's yes looks would just say like everyone's yes looks would just say like everyone's yes looks different. Um, different. Um, different. Um, >> and yes, for one person may be, you >> and yes, for one person may be, you >> and yes, for one person may be, you know, just saying hi to their neighbor know, just saying hi to their neighbor know, just saying hi to their neighbor for the first time and and slowly for the first time and and slowly for the first time and and slowly growing that. Or yes, for someone else growing that. Or yes, for someone else growing that. Or yes, for someone else might be getting on that plane and might be getting on that plane and might be getting on that plane and flying across the world. And and no one flying across the world. And and no one flying across the world. And and no one yes is less than the other yes. So, may yes is less than the other yes. So, may yes is less than the other yes. So, may we all just be faithful to say yes to we all just be faithful to say yes to we all just be faithful to say yes to what God's calling us to. And we'll be what God's calling us to. And we'll be what God's calling us to. And we'll be praying for you guys, too. Um, and for praying for you guys, too. Um, and for praying for you guys, too. Um, and for the congregation as as they pray about the congregation as as they pray about the congregation as as they pray about and seek the Lord's guidance on what and seek the Lord's guidance on what and seek the Lord's guidance on what that yes is for the for their lives.

that yes is for the for their lives. that yes is for the for their lives. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> I appreciate that. Kate, let me pray for >> I appreciate that. Kate, let me pray for >> I appreciate that. Kate, let me pray for you all. Um, you all. Um, you all. Um, Father, I thank you for this brother and Father, I thank you for this brother and Father, I thank you for this brother and this sister. this sister. this sister. And Lord, that is not um that is not And Lord, that is not um that is not And Lord, that is not um that is not just biblical language. That is not just just biblical language. That is not just just biblical language. That is not just um sentimental language. um sentimental language. um sentimental language. Lord, that's real. Um and uh [sighs] Lord, that's real. Um and uh [sighs] Lord, that's real. Um and uh [sighs] and so Lord, I thank you even across the and so Lord, I thank you even across the and so Lord, I thank you even across the distant miles distant miles distant miles in a different culture and country that in a different culture and country that in a different culture and country that the love that you the love that you the love that you produce by your spirit uh in the church produce by your spirit uh in the church produce by your spirit uh in the church endures. endures. endures. [clears throat] And so Lord uh we as [clears throat] And so Lord uh we as [clears throat] And so Lord uh we as church family express Lord even through church family express Lord even through church family express Lord even through this prayer our love for this brother this prayer our love for this brother this prayer our love for this brother and this sister and their family. and this sister and their family. and this sister and their family. And Lord we pray God that you would help And Lord we pray God that you would help And Lord we pray God that you would help them to serve to lead with the strength them to serve to lead with the strength them to serve to lead with the strength that you supply.

that you supply. that you supply. Lord, that they would not try to start a Lord, that they would not try to start a Lord, that they would not try to start a business or teach or lead evangelistic business or teach or lead evangelistic business or teach or lead evangelistic uh conversations or disciple people in uh conversations or disciple people in uh conversations or disciple people in their own strength and in the energy of their own strength and in the energy of their own strength and in the energy of their flesh, but that you would fill their flesh, but that you would fill their flesh, but that you would fill them with your spirit to do everything them with your spirit to do everything them with your spirit to do everything you've called them to do. We pray God you've called them to do. We pray God you've called them to do. We pray God that you would give them favor and that you would give them favor and that you would give them favor and establish the work of their hands uh establish the work of their hands uh establish the work of their hands uh Lord with this business uh with the Lord with this business uh with the Lord with this business uh with the relationships you've given them with the relationships you've given them with the relationships you've given them with the ministry that you've given them and Lord ministry that you've given them and Lord ministry that you've given them and Lord order their steps God if they are order their steps God if they are order their steps God if they are heading in a direction that is not wise heading in a direction that is not wise heading in a direction that is not wise or is not from you as Daniel says slam or is not from you as Daniel says slam or is not from you as Daniel says slam the door shut Lord because their life is the door shut Lord because their life is the door shut Lord because their life is in your hands and I know that they would in your hands and I know that they would in your hands and I know that they would not want it any other way. I pray for not want it any other way. I pray for not want it any other way. I pray for their spiritual protection that there is their spiritual protection that there is their spiritual protection that there is an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. And I pray God that you would destroy. And I pray God that you would destroy. And I pray God that you would help them to be sober minded and alert help them to be sober minded and alert help them to be sober minded and alert and have help them to have enough faith and have help them to have enough faith and have help them to have enough faith in you to resist the enemy and he will in you to resist the enemy and he will in you to resist the enemy and he will flee. And Lord, I pray God for uh more flee. And Lord, I pray God for uh more flee. And Lord, I pray God for uh more people to hear the gospel and to come to people to hear the gospel and to come to people to hear the gospel and to come to faith in Jesus through their faithful faith in Jesus through their faithful faith in Jesus through their faithful friendship and their faithful ministry.

friendship and their faithful ministry. friendship and their faithful ministry. And I I pray for that in their household And I I pray for that in their household And I I pray for that in their household and in their children as well that they and in their children as well that they and in their children as well that they would be oaks of righteousness would be oaks of righteousness would be oaks of righteousness um that would give glory to you um and um that would give glory to you um and um that would give glory to you um and would be used by you. Uh Lord um thank would be used by you. Uh Lord um thank would be used by you. Uh Lord um thank you for them. We commend them to uh your you for them. We commend them to uh your you for them. We commend them to uh your grace and I thank you God that you have grace and I thank you God that you have grace and I thank you God that you have promised to supply all of their needs promised to supply all of their needs promised to supply all of their needs according to uh your glorious riches in according to uh your glorious riches in according to uh your glorious riches in Jesus. And we pray all this in Jesus Jesus. And we pray all this in Jesus Jesus. And we pray all this in Jesus name. name. name. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you Mike. >> Thank you Mike. >> Thank you Mike. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Love y'all. Good to see you. Love you. >> Love y'all. Good to see you. Love you. >> Love y'all. Good to see you. Love you. Bye. Bye. Bye. >> See you too, man.