You never know what you are going to get when you bring a group of strangers together for a month of intense training, but 24/7 giggles is not exactly the first thing that comes to mind. Despite the busy schedule, information overload, and demanding activities, all of our new student- and short-term missionaries pushed through with a willing heart and positive spirit (and quite a few giggles). We are so excited to see how God will work in each of their lives as they teach and make disciples for Him.
I recently asked each student- and short-term missionary the following questions: “What are you most excited about? And what would you like people to be praying about?”
Elena Adams (Cambodia): “Experiencing a new culture. I would appreciate prayers about learning the language and being able to connect well with the people I’m there to serve.”
Kali Sopha (Cambodia): “Connecting with my students and want prayers that God will prepare me however I need to be prepared and for strength for my time overseas.”
Chloe Popkow (Thailand): “Making new friends in Thailand. However, my biggest prayer request is to learn Thai quickly in order to truly connect with the Thai locals.”
Anna Northrup (Cambodia): “I’m excited to meet the local people and start making friends with them. Please pray for my language learning . . . and my knee.”
Aubrey Scott* (SE Asia): “Meeting my students and getting to know them throughout the year. Please pray that I will be intentional about integrating into my community so that I can be a blessing!”
Jennifer Santiago (Cambodia): “I’m most excited about meeting the local people and pray that whenever I start teaching English, I can do well.”
Bethany Nicholaides (Guinea-Bissau): “Meeting the people and getting to know them and the culture. I would appreciate prayers for wisdom and perseverance, as well as for God to be able to shine through me in an impactful way.”
Sebastian Montiel (Cambodia): “Making new friends and sharing the love of Jesus with them. Please pray for the success of the project, that the gospel reaches the southern Thai people.”
Jogly Bocanegra (Cambodia): “The opportunity God has given me to serve Him and His cause. I would really appreciate prayers—that He will use me in a powerful way, help me hear His voice each step of the journey, and give me the words and love to reach that one soul who needs Him most.”
Jolene Anderson (Cambodia): “I’m excited to experience a new culture and to see how God works through everyday conversations and relationships. Please pray for wisdom, strength, and for the people I will be getting to know over the next few months.”
Along with these ten missionaries who are ready to face the field with courage and giggles, we also have a few others who are now staying for a second or third term. These include: Silvan Doernbrack (Cambodia), Joleen Riley* (Central Africa), Kayla Collins* (Central Asia), Markus Sinclair* (Central Asia), and Natalie Gray* (Central Asia). Praise God for what He has done and will continue to do through them.
Thank you for praying for our missionaries as they share God’s love and good news while bringing smiles and giggles to the lives of the unreached. We pray that you, too, will be the reason that others are in the kingdom of God and can giggle with joy for eternity!
*pen name