Whenever we have had a question-and-answer time in churches back in the country we are sent from, whenever they ask, “What is one of the most challenging parts of your work?” This has been it. This is what I’ve answered people because we are in a very poor country.

It’s difficult to know to do this in a way we are expressing Christ’s love and yet doing things wisely.

My children are seeing something amazing, and we share this with them, not for bragging, but for them to see what kind of a God it is that we serve.

One of the earmarks that I’ve noticed to be a common thread amongst those that I would consider mature spiritually is contentment.

We need to thank God. We have things to think him for.

Life itself just takes more time.

Faith is not knowing the right things. That’s truth. The shield of faith which is going to quench those attacks of the devil, is you being completely convinced and persuaded of those truths.

Regardless of where you live, marriage is going to take work.

My wife and I were studying the language together. We were in classes together. But the huge difference was she had 3 little ones, at that after lessons, she had to go be mom. She is spending all her time with them, whereas I get to go out and spend time with the nationals and practice the language.

Personal spiritual retreats are a life-blood, because in a short amount of time God can do a great amount of work.

Family Rhythms of Life

• Family nights during the week
• Monthly Family days
• Yearly vacations

Our kids are neither, but they’re both. They’re a whole new thing.

I want my children to learn how to adapt.

Language is the key to the heart and mind of the person.

What was the first thing that God ended up doing, through the Holy Spirit, in Acts chapter two? He gave people the ability to hear the Gospel in their own tongue.

My past failures are in no way going to be limiting to what God will do in the future.

God’s sovereign hand, even in the sin, or insufficiencies, or failures of people in the past, are not limiting factors of what God can do in the future.

A lot of those things that we’ve been talking about come down to the importance of having a very close, intimate walk with Christ.

It was very discouraging founding out how many marriages, amongst those in missions, are, I I’ll say not just that great, but are actually horrendous. But not one talks about it.

I met the mentor I wanted; I felt like he had what I needed. So he was willing to mentor me, but he said, “But I want your wife with you.”

This was the missing key: to spend time in adoration and praising the Lord.

Unfortunately, many people in ministry feel like they cannot seek help from other people because of fear of what that other person would think of them. I’m supposed to be the spiritual leader, the spiritual giant.

Marital problems on the field are more common than you think. Get help. And when I say that, get good help as well. We had people tell us, “Oh, you’re doing just fine. Just keep going.” That’s not what I needed.