April Mission Updates: Monday, April 20

Where I am: Tbilisi, Georgia to Baku, Azerbaijan, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Beginning “leg 3” of my mission. 

Today in a sentence:

Grateful for what God has done in Georgia, I now step forward into the next leg of this mission journey with a renewed sense of purpose. 

My time in Georgia has been deeply rewarding- rich in ministry, meaningful connections, and encouraging conversations with pastors and leaders. 

Today is a travel day. Packing comes quickly. Everything I’ve brought fits into one small carry-on suitcase and a backpack – a reminder that much of what matters most in this work isn’t what we carry physically, but what we carry spiritually. 

After checking out of the hotel, Pastor Tato and his daughter Kristina met me. Kristina speaks English well and has been a great help translating for her father. 

We stopped at a small restaurant for coffee and baklava. More than the food, I valued the conversation. We spoke about the impact of our time together, and Tato shared that the message given to the pastors had connected deeply. 

Apparently, after last night’s gathering, the conversation around the table continued. The leaders reflected on what had been shared, recognizing that the teaching addressed real and present challenges they are facing. Tato said the words were not only well received – but timely. 

It’s hard to believe it’s already time to leave Georgia.

As we made our way to the airport, Tato asked me to send greetings to the pastors and leaders I will meet in Uzbekistan. It struck me again how connected these regions are. Though separated by geography and languages, there is a shared bond among pastors across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 

Where there is pressure, resistance, and at times harassment for the sake of the gospel, the reality of being “one body” becomes more than a theological idea – it becomes necessity. 

I made my way through passport control and security and boarded my flight to Baku. From there, I’ll have a three-hour layover before continuing on to Tashkent. It will be a good opportunity to call Vicki, get a light meal, and stretch my legs before the final leg of the journey. 

Thank you for your continued prayers. My next report will be from Uzbekistan. 

Prayer/Reflection

Lord, thank You for the ways You work across borders, cultures, and languages. Thank You for the unity that is found in Christ – a unity that sustains Your people in difficult places.  

As I step into this next leg of the journey, help me to remain attentive to Your Spirit, faithful in what You ask, and sensitive to the needs of those I will meet. 

Strengthen these pastors and leaders. Remind them they are not alone. And may everything we do point back to You. – Amen

Fun Fact:

Tbilisi sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia – something you can feel not only geographically, but culturally and spiritually.