An Unexpected Encounter, An Unfolding Miracle

Missionaryish February 2025 Update:

  • Sarah’s Spiritual Growth: After meeting Reagan, Sarah—a single mom facing many struggles—has been attending church at the Vine Community Church and growing in her faith.

  • Greek Seminary Update: Finishing up Greek II this month and starting Greek Exegesis next.

  • Funding Needs: We’re at 51% of our 2025 goal—your prayers and support are crucial as we move forward.

  • Prayer Requests: Pray for Sarah’s healing, strength for Reagan as we prepare for baby #5, focus in school and God's provision as we continue to fundraise.

Dear Missionaryish Family,

We are continually grateful for your prayers and support. Your faithfulness in lifting us up has made a tangible impact on our ministry and the lives we touch. Today, we want to share an incredible journey that has continued to unfold over the past few weeks—a testament to the power of prayer and God’s sovereign hand at work.

A Season of Growth and Unexpected Opportunities

This season has been one of growth and preparation. Over the past year, I’ve primarily focused on my studies, which has allowed me to minister to our immediate and extended family as they’ve faced various health and mental challenges. It’s been a time of training, seeking mentorship, and taking care of our family’s needs, rather than engaging in formal evangelism. Yet, God has graciously provided opportunities to serve in meaningful ways.

Many of these opportunities have come through Reagan’s relationships within our community. She has been incredible—not only in caring for our kids but also in connecting with other families she meets in our neighborhood. She’s encountered people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are moms facing struggles. Her kindness and listening ear have been a source of encouragement to them in small but impactful ways.

An Unexpected Encounter with “Sarah”

One such opportunity arose when Reagan met Sarah, a single mom, at a local park. Sarah is the name that we will use to protect her identity. Sarah is navigating an incredibly difficult season—facing financial uncertainty and raising her children alone amidst significant emotional pain. She carries the weight of her circumstances with remarkable resilience, but the challenges are overwhelming.

We felt God calling us to reach out, so we invited Sarah and her children to dinner at a local restaurant. This setting gave us the chance to connect without the distractions of hosting or cleanup—a blessing with seven kids between us!

Your prayers were felt that evening. Even in the chaos of so many little ones, God provided peace, and we had meaningful conversations. Over dinner, Sarah opened up about her struggles and the deep hurt she’s experienced. Despite her pain, her strength and determination to provide for her children were evident.

A Divine Appointment

Sarah shared that she believes in God but hasn’t been connected to a faith community in a long time. We wanted to understand her spiritual foundations, not to debate, but to listen and love her where she is. We encouraged her to reconnect with her Roman Catholic faith community, even offering to help with her kids so she could attend. To our surprise, she asked, “Why can’t I come to your church?”

Without hesitation, we welcomed her, making it clear that there was no pressure. We simply wanted her to feel loved and supported.

The Power of Your Prayers

Fast forward to Sunday: Reagan went to Sarah’s house to help her get ready, while I took our kids to church. If you’ve ever invited someone to church, you know how common it is for distractions to arise. Yet, your prayers paved the way. Against all odds, Sarah made it to church.

The sermon was powerful, comparing Isaiah’s encounter with God (Isaiah 6) to Peter’s encounter with Jesus (Luke 5). Both were overwhelmed by their sinfulness in the presence of a holy God but were met with grace. The message of forgiveness and redemption resonated deeply with Sarah. By the end of the service, she was in tears, visibly moved by the Holy Spirit. She embraced the pastor, then us, and it was clear that God was at work in her heart.

Walking Alongside Her Journey

Since that first Sunday, God has continued to work in Sarah’s life in remarkable ways. We are now entering the second month of walking alongside her, and she is consistently attending church each week. Not only that, but she has also started coming to our community group regularly. It’s been beautiful to see her connect with others and grow in her faith.

Last week, we had the opportunity to provide some lunches for her and her children. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to her. We are continually reminded of how God uses simple acts of kindness to show His love and provision.

Breaking Down Walls and Building Faith

During this journey, Sarah has opened up more about her struggles with shame, guilt, and generational pain. She’s been wrestling with questions about forgiveness and whether God could truly love her. We’ve had the privilege of walking through Scripture together, pointing her to the truth that God’s grace is sufficient and His love is unfailing.

We’ve also learned more about her story. Sarah is navigating the challenges of single motherhood, compounded by the fact that both her father and the father of her children struggle with substance abuse. This has placed a heavy burden on her shoulders as she strives to provide stability and love for her kids amidst very difficult circumstances. Her resilience is remarkable, but the weight she carries is immense.

Yet, even in the midst of this, God is clearly at work. She is taking steps toward healing and reconciliation with God, even expressing a desire to learn and grow in her faith. While she may not fully understand it yet, her heart is open, and God is drawing her closer each day.

Ongoing Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for Sarah and her children. Specifically, pray for:

  • Healing and Restoration: That she would experience God’s love and forgiveness in a profound way.

  • Strength and Provision: As she navigates the challenges of single motherhood and financial uncertainty.

  • Freedom from Bondage: That God would break the chains of addiction affecting her family, providing freedom and healing.

  • Spiritual Growth: That she would continue to seek God, grow in her understanding of His grace, and find community in the body of Christ.

Thank You for Your Partnership

Your prayers have been instrumental in protecting Sarah, breaking down spiritual barriers, and opening her heart to God’s truth. We are in awe of what God is doing and are humbled to walk alongside her on this journey. Your partnership in this mission means more than words can express.

We miss you and hope this story encourages you as much as it has encouraged us. Let’s keep trusting God to bring light into the darkest places and freedom to those who are bound.

Much Love in Christ,
David & Reagan

Family Snapshots

Ministry of Fundraising

As we plan for 2025, our financial support goals have grown to account for rising costs like inflation, seminary tuition, supporter visits, basic operations, and family needs. Additionally, some of our long-time supporters have had to step back due to personal challenges like illness or job changes.

While these changes are significant, we remain confident that the Lord will provide. Currently, we’re at 51% of our funding goal for 2025, and we’re trusting Him to guide us in raising the remaining amount.

To make giving easier, we’ve provided flexible options for both monthly and annual contributions. Whether it’s $25, $50, or $500, every gift makes a meaningful impact on the work we are doing together.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support during this season of growth and transition. With your partnership, we are confident we’ll reach this goal and continue serving where God has called us. Below shows the number of donors needed to get us to 100%. Would you pray about becoming one of them?

Monthly Support View

Increment ($)

Donors Needed

25

11

50

9

100

9

250

9

500

8

1000

1

Annual Support View

Increment (Annual $)

Donors Needed

300

11

600

9

1200

9

3000

9

6000

8

12000

1

If you would like to learn more on how you can partner with us, you can ask us, check out our website, or click the button above!