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.

News Letter 04/09/2025

JOY News for January and February 2025.