This is taken from our recent newsletter. You can access the full content here.
We want to be open and honest with you our supporters. The mission field is a struggle. Recently our Regional Executive Officer (REO) shared with us that 90% of our time on the mission field is spent just trying to survive and 10% is the ministry stuff we put in our newsletters. This is true from trying to get water, to trying to get home on washed out dirt roads, to trying to dry clothes on a rainy day, to trying not to get sick, to trying to figure out what this weird fungus or rash is on your skin, to trying to just go grocery shopping. It all can be a huge struggle to survive. Our REO encouragement us through Philippines 1:27-30. Verse 27 talks about “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” He encouraged us to allow everyday things to be done in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Verse 29 says “for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” Our REO wanted to let us know he understands how hard it is to “suffer for his sake.” He shared a personal story of not being able to go home for his mother’s funeral.
We have left everything to come live among the unreached of this world. And it is suffering but that one conversation with a neighbor about Jesus makes it worth it. A seed is planted or watered. It is the Holy Spirit who brings a person to know, understand and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We have the privilege to walk beside people as they make this decision.
We write you all this to say we have been struggling to survive here in Digoland. This past year and a half has brought us more life changes than most people would experience in a decade. It has been overwhelming. It has especially been hard on Claudia. At the beginning of March, we travelled to Nairobi for medical help for her. AIM has a counselling center called Tumaini. In Swahili, tumaini means hope. Claudia was diagnosed being moderately depressed and has been put on medication. It was difficult to face the fact that Claudia needed help. She spent two weeks seeing a counselor to talk about what had pushed her to this point of needing help. We have returned to the village of Vuga but we are trying to find a healthy way forward. We are trusting God to show us the correct path to take. We share this to ask for your prayers. The reality of the mission field is it is super hard and we desperately need prayers to support us here.
Ha3els in Africa 
Even in my short term trips, especially the 3 month trip in 2010, I have become acquainted with the difficulty of emotionally processing the hardships of daily life in developing settings. I had many sleepless nights and frustration. One specific experience with the death of a child was especially difficult- the injustice and my inability to create as much change as I want to. I re-evaluated my dedication, and I wondered if God really meant for me to do what I do.
I did counseling in the US and expected rapid results. It took about a year before my mental state was somewhat normal. I say all of this to say that I am praying. I know that it can be difficult beyond words. Please let me know if I can do anything to be a friend to you through this. While your struggles are probably different, I can relate to being separated from support systems (people don’t get it even when you can connect), being overwhelmed, etc.
LikeLike
Beth,
Thank you for sharing your heart about this. It helps me to relate a little better to their situation and to know how to pray for Jeremy and Claudia. It is hard for all of us who have never been to a developing country to truly relate to what those who minister there directly must go through. It is so vastly different from our daily life. We have our struggles here but yet the things that are simple for us here are taken for granted. Things that we spend so little time or thought on are constant struggles for them there. Thank you for your honesty. I am grateful that they have you to lean on 🙂
LikeLike
I am so glad I get your blog posts. I love you guys so much. I am praying for you. It is not easy to follow Christ. Totally. No matter where you are, yet being removed from everything that is a convenience and comfort makes it especially hard!!
God bless you today with peace as the Lord of peace whispers in your heart how much he loves you and reminds you of how he is with you in your struggle.
Jenni
LikeLike
The Prayer Counsel and many members of Dixie Lee Baptist are praying in the manner in which you asked.
LikeLike
My heart mourns for you like a mother for her child. I cannot understand myself, as to why this is. I’ve always accepted Lisa and Bruce as two more children, but you were not always on my mind, as you are now. I’m heavy hearted for your souls as you pour out your heart’s blood. You are so far away, and I can’t imagine how your parents accept this part. Just know I pray for you and know you will, with prayer, arrive at the right decision. Love that baby. If I wasn’t so old, I’d ask to. E another Godmother 😍🤗🙀
LikeLike