In our September newsletter!

God is doing something exciting in Botswana as believers take greater ownership of their churches and new works begin to grow. At the center of much of this ministry is Carella Medupe, who is faithfully leading while balancing a job and caring for his family. Carella currently receives $300 per month in support, and our goal is to raise that to $1,000 so he can devote more of his time—and eventually his full attention—to the ministry. As I prepare to return to Botswana, my greatest burden is not simply funding another trip, but investing in the national leadership that will continue the work long after I return home.

Missions has given me some of the greatest moments of my life—and some of the loneliest. I have experienced church splits, betrayal, lost friendships, disappearing support, family struggles, and the painful process of starting over more than once. Through it all, I have learned a lesson I wish someone had taught me years ago: Jesus cannot simply be enough; He must become all you need. Missionaries may have many acquaintances and supporters, but very few true friends. People change. Churches change. Support disappears. Doors close. The way we do missions is changing. But Jesus Christ remains the same. The road may be lonely, and the mission may look impossible by man’s standards, but with Christ, we keep walking.

What If the Great Lie Is Already Being Prepared?

What if the great deception of the last days does not begin with the Antichrist, but with a culture already being trained to distrust everything? Conspiracy culture thrives on one powerful thought: “They are hiding the truth from you.” While Scripture calls Christians to discernment, there is a difference between discernment and living in constant suspicion. Satan’s first recorded temptation began with the same strategy: “Yea, hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1 KJV). He planted the idea that perhaps God was withholding something.

Today, we are watching people question long-held beliefs because someone online claims to possess the “truth they never wanted you to know.” Could this culture of suspicion be preparing people for an even greater deception? Our defense against the lies of the last days will not be discovering every secret or unraveling every conspiracy. It will be knowing, believing, and remaining grounded in the truth God has already revealed.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17 KJV

Is Missions Changing… or Are We Witnessing a Turning Point?

For generations, missionaries have packed their belongings, crossed oceans, and spent decades planting churches and making disciples. Today, that model is becoming increasingly difficult as governments tighten visa requirements, restrict residency permits, and close doors that once seemed wide open.

Does this mean missions is in decline? Or could God be using these challenges to reshape how the Church fulfills the Great Commission?

In this edition of Just a Thought, we’ll examine what Scripture says about changing methods, the importance of training and equipping national believers, and why the mission of making disciples remains unchanged—even when the way we carry it out must adapt. The methods may evolve, but Christ’s command to reach the nations still stands.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to gain weight… but how hard it is to lose it?

The Christian life often feels the same way.

Sin usually comes easily because it appeals to our flesh. Holiness, on the other hand, requires daily surrender, discipline, and dependence on Christ. The good news is that God has not left us to fight that battle alone.

In this episode of Just a Thought, we’ll look at what Scripture teaches about the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit—and why the hard road is always worth it.

Stick with us on this one.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…” — Galatians 5:17 (KJV)

Our latest JOY News for July is ready. See what God is doing in Botswana!

Are we comparing our real lives to everyone else’s highlight reel?

Social media has made it easier than ever to compare ourselves to other Christians, other families, and other ministries. But God never called us to measure our faithfulness by someone else’s carefully curated life.

The church is called to unity, not uniformity.

In this week’s Just a Thought, I explore how social media can quietly create unrealistic expectations, discourage believers, and shift our focus from faithfulness to appearances.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t measure up, this article is for you.

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

What does it really mean to "be still and know that I am God"?

In a culture driven by noise, anxiety, outrage, and endless distractions, many people are searching for peace. For centuries, Stoic philosophers taught that inner calm comes through self-discipline and accepting what cannot be controlled. Scripture also calls believers to stillness—but for a very different reason.

In this edition of Just a Thought, we explore where Stoicism and Christianity intersect, where they sharply diverge, and why Psalm 46:10 remains one of the most powerful answers to the chaos of modern life. Is true peace found by looking inward, or by looking upward?

Join us as we examine the difference between self-mastery and God-dependence, and discover why biblical stillness is not about trusting yourself more—it's about trusting God more.

God continues to do great things through JOY Missions! We are thankful to report that the churches in Botswana and Ethiopia are doing well, lives are being changed through the Gospel, and local leaders are faithfully serving their communities. On the home front, our family recently celebrated as both Logan and Nikki graduated with honors—a tremendous blessing and milestone in our lives. As we continue traveling, sharing the ministry, and building new partnerships, we are trusting God to provide for ongoing needs and open new doors for service. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful partnership as together we continue living the Gospel and loving every life.

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Christ is risen—and He is still changing lives!

We’re seeing incredible things happening in Botswana. One of our Deaf men shared that his sister recently trusted Christ—what a blessing! Churches in Gaborone, Francistown, and Ramotswa are growing, and we’re praying for a full-time pastor in Ramotswa.

God has also opened the door for a new Deaf church plant in Maun, with seed funding already coming together. This is a huge answer to prayer!

Please continue to pray as we travel, raise support, and move forward with the JOY Life Center—living the Gospel and loving every life.

America has a potty mouth—and it’s no longer just “out there.” From entertainment to everyday conversations, even believers are starting to sound like the culture around them. It’s time we take a biblical look at the words we use.

Tragedy has a way of shaking everything in our lives. Loss, heartbreak, and overwhelming circumstances can cloud our thinking and stir powerful emotions. In those moments, it can be tempting to react quickly and make decisions that feel like they will solve the pain.

But wisdom often tells us to do the opposite.

Some of the most regrettable decisions people make are made in the middle of emotional storms. Instead of rushing forward, the better path is often to slow down, seek the Lord, and allow time for clarity to return. When tragedy strikes, waiting on God can protect us from choices driven more by emotion than by wisdom.

In this article, we explore why it is important not to make major decisions in the midst of tragedy, and how patience, prayer, and wise counsel can help guide us through difficult seasons.

Matthew 6:19–20
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

The focus is not earthly recognition. The focus is eternal

Before we speak, we need to slow down and think. Words carry weight—especially when they come from someone who claims the name of Christ. In a time when emotions run high and opinions are loud, it has become far too common to hear Christians say things like, “I hope they burn in hell.” But that kind of statement should stop us in our tracks. The Gospel we preach is a message of rescue, not revenge. It’s worth stepping back and asking ourselves whether our words reflect the heart of Christ or the anger of the moment. Here are ten things wrong with a Christian saying they hope someone burns in hell.

One of the most dangerous mistakes we can make—whether in ministry, leadership, or relationships—is moving forward without all the facts.