We spent four months in Kona Hawaii studying evangelism, God's presence, His voice, and various elements of Justice ministry. The YWAM base in Kona offered training in Anti-trafficking ministry, as well as medical ministry so that both of us could do what we were passionate about and still be in the same training program. As the training was moving along we were praying about where we would go on our outreach trip and also where we would ultimately end up as long term missionaries. After much prayer and discussion We sensed the Holy Spirit leading us to Togo, Africa!
We had the privilege of leading six others on the trip of a lifetime to the African bush where God showed up big time! Everyone of us grew in our faith, exercising it by sharing the gospel in various villages, praying for healing, interceding together against sickness and spiritual warfare, and fighting over toilet paper (ask me about that sometime). This trip was such a powerful, faith-shaping experience for all of us! For Darla and I, this trip was God's confirmation to us as leaders, ministers of the gospel, and missionaries to the nations!
Below are some pictures from our amazing African adventure. This trip to Africa was very special for us. One reason being, when we met, Darla asked me where I wanted to go as a missionary. I responded with, "I feel like God will take me all over the place at different times, but I'd especially like to go to Africa." It turns out that she felt the same way! Little did we know Africa would be the first place overseas God would lead us to together.
Incredible African sunset over one of the villages we share the gospel in
This trip to Africa was our stepping stone into long term missions. Darla was able to work with an amazing woman who started a
medical clinic, so she gained a lot of experience as a medical missions nurse. We discovered later that the French brought Africans
from Togo and other countries to Haiti. God was connecting the dots of His beautiful plan for us. While we were praying about
where to go on outreach, God told us we would be going to Haiti full time after our trip to Africa! We finished our two months
in Africa and began raising support to go to Haiti!
This is our Togo, Africa team from Left to Right: David, Anna, Diane, Amy Holten, the nurse who runs the YWAM clinic, William, Kaisa, and Nikki
The next chapter of our journey was unfolding
After our African adventure came to a close we immediately started focusing on Haiti! We began the process of connecting with
friends and family to recruit partners for long term missions journey in Haiti. This season included sharing the beautiful
testimonies of what God did in us and through us in Africa. We spoke at the church I grew up in, Calvary Community Church,
reconnected with friends and family, and started learning about the language and culture. This season of preparation took time
and we focused on partnering with people prayerfully and financially to spread the kingdom of God at home and in Haiti...