This past year feels like a love letter from God, written across my life in moments of grace, challenge, and triumph. As I look back, my hearts overflow with thanksgiving—not just for the blessings I received, but for the privilege of being sent out on four unforgettable short-term mission campaigns. Each trip was more than a journey; it was an encounter with God’s heart. I experienced His Spirit move in the laughter of children who welcomed me with open arms, in the tears of men and women who found hope in Christ, and in the quiet strength of communities that reminded me what faith looks like when lived daily. These campaigns were not simply about miles traveled or projects completed; they were about lives touched, friendships formed, and the unmistakable presence of God guiding every step.
As I reflect on this year’s four mission campaigns, one moment stands out above all the rest: sitting in a humble home in Colombia, listening to a young man share how he had prayed for years that someone would come to remind him that God had not forgotten him. In that instant, I realized that our presence was the answer to his prayer—and mine too. Each campaign carried moments like that. These encounters etched themselves into my heart, reminding me that mission is not about places visited but people loved. I return home changed, carrying their faces and stories with me, and with a deeper conviction that saying “yes” to God’s call will always lead to the kind of life where heaven touches earth.
And as I pause to breathe in the memory of it all, I realize how deeply personal His goodness has been. He carried Me when I became weary, surprised me with joy when I least expected it, and knit my heart together with brothers and sisters across cultures and languages. With gratitude rising from the depths of my soul, I stand in awe of His faithfulness, thankful for an amazing year where His light shone brightly through every mission, every prayer, and every act of love. The faces and stories remain with me, a living testimony that when we step out in obedience, heaven touches earth, and eternity breaks into the ordinary.
As I look ahead, my gratitude becomes fuel for greater faith. The memories of this year’s missions remind me that God is not finished—He is still writing stories of redemption through me. Each testimony, each soul touched, is a seed planted for future harvests. And while I celebrate what He has already done, I also sense His gentle invitation to trust Him for even more. The same God who carried me through four campaigns will carry me into the next season, opening doors I cannot yet see and preparing hearts I have not yet met. With a thankful spirit, I step forward, confident that the God who has been faithful will continue to lead me into deeper intimacy with Him and wider impact for His Kingdom.
Pastor Joe
