This past month, while we had planned to be in S. Asia we actually found ourselves in So. California helping to coordinate relief efforts that reached hundreds there in remote villages. God’s Sovereign Hand We see God’s sovereign hand in having us stateside as we have continued to help coordinate food relief around the world. The national pastors and their wives continue to share about the devastation and starvation that has set-in as lockdown in S. Asia goes on 69 days now and is expected to continue. No work = no money and that means NO FOOD for millions. There is also a hopelessness, desperation, and fear of the unknown that has plagued people worldwide and we think to ourselves, Is it possible to make an impact?. The answer is YES! God cares for each individual and that means He cares about each ONE that is suffering. ...

After three weeks of lockdown in S. Asia, we received an email from the US Embassy requesting that we depart due to the Covid-19 pandemic on an evacuation flight. It was an unexpected and sudden turn of events as we had hunkered down and prepared for the long haul knowing that the lockdown could last awhile in S. Asia. There was so much planned for the remainder of the spring semester, but with the entire world closed, we trusted Proverbs 16:9 which says…. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” ...

In the past month, as is the case with most of our friends in America and Africa…all of Asia has shut down and went into complete lockdown. No flights, no trains, no buses, no driving, no school, no one is allowed out of their home except to get groceries during a scheduled few hours. There are typically noisy streets filled with horns, motorcycles, vehicles and loud voices all day and now it is a quiet hush as people huddle in their homes. The police are out in force for anyone who does not obey! ...

In the past month, we have been in a motorcycle accident, our guesthouse was struck by lightning (left with no power for days in freezing temperatures), and the countries of S. Asia have all been closed due to the corona virus. Joshua 1:9 has been ringing loudly in our lives this past month with the encouragement to “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ...

For the past 3 years, we have flown South for the winter and much to our surprise the Lord rerouted us to begin this new decade. Due to some additional requirements for the campus in South Asia, it was best that a few of the local nationals work those details out before our family or any visitors return. We have been reminded during this season that Proverbs 16:9, says “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” ...

While I am only 4 ½ years old, before we close out this decade I thought I would share some final thoughts. I have learned a lot this year and I even know how to spell and write my name now….that’s B R E A N N A. Can I help? I became a helper this year. I am continually asking my parents if I can help them. I loved when my mom gives me tasks to set-up coffee, tea and snacks for the weekly gathering of women who meet at our home to study the bible in Nepal. I like to pass out papers to the students in English class and food to our guests in S. Asia. I gave notebooks to kids in the community and in the slums. I assisted my dad with several building projects and I now have my own tool belt. But, my most favorite place to help is at the medical clinics that my family gets to be a part of when we have visitors come. Last month, I got to help at the registration table and take vitals for the pastors that came to a conference and needed to see a nurse or doctor. In the past, I have just gone along with my parents but this year I asked if I could help and be involved in the action! ...

When you look on paper, November seemed crazy and nearly impossible….like what were we thinking? But, we knew that only God could divinely orchestrate such an incredible schedule this past month with: 3 teams totaling 30 people that headed to 2 villages 14 different people stayed at our home in Nov. (from 3 countries) 8 pastors from the USA visiting 125 Nepali pastors and leaders for a conference 14 trips to the airport 85 people at our home (homeschool group, ladies, pastors, friends) 4 medical clinics 6 outreaches in the slums / leper colony / villages 5 church plants visited 26 students finished classes this semester and served their hearts out 12 national staff rose to the occasion to host, cook, teach, coordinate, and lead 2 people who we could not have done without…the Garcia’s and a partridge in a pear tree That is a lot of moving parts, emails, food, travel arrangements, laundry, transportation and a lot of people who were ministered to and all because we have a great GOD who is in the business of doing impossible things! ...

Are you ready? It’s a question we often ask right before we leave the house. Ready or not, time is a precious gift and we have been challenged to make the most of each day here as we step out into the streets, roads and trails of Nepal. Generally speaking, we have two years with students, ten days with teams that come, and sometimes only a few minutes with shopkeepers and our desire is that we would be ready at all times to make the most of every opportunity. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity [make it count], because the days are evil.” ...

“ Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8 Calvary School of Missions The Calvary School of Missions is a new program that provides teaching, training, ministry opportunities and internship for young adults who feel called to serve the Lord full-time on the mission field. We wished we would have had something like this before launching into the 100’s of unknowns that awaited us when we stepped out and began ministry in Asia and Africa. We had several mentors, but so much of what we have learned over the past decade was on the “job”. ...

This past month, we were gifted with the most amazing trip and we were able to join the Footsteps of Paul Tour with our dear friends from CTR. This year we celebrate 20 years of marriage and we are grateful to CTR for inviting us on this once in a lifetime trip! To stand in the very places where Paul shared the Gospel, taught the Word, appointed elders and encouraged believers in various locations left us in awe. When we first considered becoming full-time missionaries overseas and working in several countries, the Lord showed us that while it was not “traditional” it was in fact “biblical” as we read the life of Paul. As we journeyed through Greece (Athens, Corinth), Turkey (Ephesus), Crete, Patmos and a few other islands we were encouraged to stay the course. ...