April Mission Updates: Tuesday, April 21

Where I am: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Looking forward to reconnecting with our pastors and leaders in Uzbekistan this week. 

Today in a sentence:

My flight arrived on time and I cleared passport control smoothly. I arrived at my hotel around 1:30 a.m – ready for rest. 

I awoke at 8:00 a.m. and had a light breakfast, with time to reflect on the ministry and relationships from Georgia. My meeting with Bishop Oleg was especially meaningful. We discussed the possibility of a future retreat for Georgian pastors, and he asked me to stay in contact as we begin to explore those details. 

Later in the morning, Helen – our Belarus office assistant and my Russian-speaking interpreter – arrived. It was good to reconnect and talk through the upcoming ministry here in Uzbekistan. She planned to spend the day sightseeing, while I chose to remain at the hotel.

I am learning, once again, to listen to my limits. Today became a day of rest – a slower pace to sleep, pray, and prepare my heart for what lies ahead. These moments are not interruptions to ministry; they are part of it. 

At 4:00 p.m., Pastor Oleg and Yula picked us up and took us to a local plaza for a traditional Uzbek meal – Osh, a flavorful pilaf slow-cooked in large vats. 

Oleg is a dear brother who has endured many challenges, yet his faith remains steady and his love for the Lord is evident. It was a joy to reconnect with him and with Yula, sharing both a meal and meaningful conversation. 

We returned to the hotel, and I turned in early. Tomorrow begins a full day of ministry. 

Prayer/Reflection

Lord, thank You for the gift of rest.

In the quiet moments, You restore what has been poured out. Help me to enter the coming days not with striving, but with a steady dependence on You.

Prepare my heart for each conversation, each gathering, and each person You bring across my path – Amen.

Fun Fact:

Osh (also called plov) is considered Uzbekistan’s national dish. It is traditionally cooked in large cast-iron pots called Kazan and is often prepared for gatherings, celebrations, and honored guests—a symbol of hospitality and community.