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While living in South Africa and about to lead a field assignment to Nepal, God asked me to give away the last of my money so that one of my students could go. So, I paid the rest of her fees, and she was able to go on her field assignment. After that, I thought, 'But how will I pay my field assignment fees? The due date is tomorrow. I know my bank account is empty, and nothing is coming in for another three weeks. How will I pay?'
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​​The next morning, I stood in front of the ATM and told God, 'If you want me to go and lead this team, the money will come out.' I put my bank card in, and the money came out! The money wasn't and hasn't ever been withdrawn from my bank account. God is so good and faithful! 

Often, God will ask us to step out in obedience so that He can show us a miracle. It is up to us to allow Him to show us. I had a choice - do I pay my own fees or the ones for my student? I felt like He asked me, 'How much are you invested in leading this team? Are you willing to give up your spot if I asked you?' If I had paid my fees first, I would have never seen the miracle God did in my life. I would also have missed seeing this girl grow in trusting the Lord to care for her. God opened my eyes to see that HE CARES and TAKES CARE!

I went huckleberry picking early Saturday morning. I had flown into Lakeside, Montana a few days ahead of our Bible conference, so I could assist with the set up. It didn’t take as long as we anticipated, so one of my friends invited me to go pick huckleberries on a little dirt road further up the mountain. It sounded like a really unique experience, since these berries only grow for a short season in this region of Montana. I knew going into it that I might not be able to pick a lot, since they are small bushes that like the steep sides of mountains and I have knees that don’t always cooperate. It was the experience I was going for, and I knew the view overlooking the valley would be spectacular. ​

Of course, the bushes with the best berries were just atop a steep climb over shale rock or down the other side where the drop off made my toes tingle. I didn’t have enough confidence in my body to attempt the first spot, so while my berry-picking buddies each took their section, I continued walking down the road, looking for a spot more within my comfort zone - like, right on the side of the road, if I’m being honest. I didn’t want to have to struggle for the berries. But, since we were well within the season, all of the berries within easy reach had been picked over.

I quickly realized I was letting my insecurities over my body’s abilities hinder my experience. So, I found a spot where I could climb - well, crawl might be a better word. I was on all fours trying to get up. But I did it! I picked a few berries, attempted to move around to find more, but after about 15 minutes, my ankles and knees protested the angle they were positioned in. Looking down, I saw the incline and knew I would need to sit and slide down the rocks and dirt in order to get to the road. I did it, and with wobbly legs and a dusty backside, I triumphantly walked back to where my friends were. 

After a few minutes of chatting, I decided to walk down the other side of the road, just to explore. I felt accomplished, like I had conquered something pretty special, so I wasn’t looking to do any more picking. I wanted to soak in the beauty of the Montana mountains - the crisp morning air and the peaceful stillness that was all around me. It was the perfect time for reflection. And then I noticed a small clearing on the hillside, with a simple slope and more huckleberry bushes than I had seen yet. It was an easy, grassy walk to get to the berries and there was a wonderful mixture of sun and shade. I placed myself in the center of the bushes and picked to my heart’s content. There was such abundance! I loved being in the spot, with the sun shining, and the squirrels bickering back and forth - even the bees buzzing around the bushes didn’t bother me. After a long while, I meandered my way back to my friends, a huge smile on my face and about 2 cups of berries. 

Later on, as I was snacking on my hard won huckleberries, I saw the significance of the trip. The Lord uses the most interesting things to teach us lessons. I had to be willing to push past my insecurities, to not let past experiences color present possibilities. To be victorious in the little things, because it strengthens you for the bigger ones to come. To soak in the moments of beauty and abundance, being thankful for each season that the Lord gives us. And to always remember that He is our provider who sees our needs and takes care of us.​

Have you ever read a verse (or verses) in the Bible and wondered, "What does this mean?" Well, you're not alone. Many times when you read a passage in the Bible from the context of the people who were living at the time, it opens up a whole new understanding of what the author was trying to say. For example, here is an excerpt from an assignment one of our students completed while they studied Ephesians:

When you take time to really dig into the text of Scripture, you never know the depths or richness that Holy Spirit will show you!

During one of the most tumultuous times of our life, I was driving our son to a hospital almost 3 hours away. Jonathan had fallen asleep and when he woke up, a deep bruise was imprinted on the side of his face where he had rested it on his palm.

​Becoming a mother has changed so much about my day. Someone once described me as a workhorse, and I took that name with pride. I love working hard and seeing great results as my reward. I love learning! It’s been so hard putting my agenda down in order to nurse. It’s even been hard slowing my mind and renewing it while I sit and nurse. My to-do list runs through my mind.

Right now, my priority has changed. Sometimes, my daughter needs me to sit down with her and give her my full attention. It can be pride-killing to sit down and give her that when I want to get other things done or spend time on myself. My husband and I can’t do the things we used to at the pace we are used to, because she can’t keep up with our pace. We have to slow down to her pace. She needs frequent connection with us.

The Lord has gently led me throughout the last couple of months. The pressure is off and, looking forward, I will practice continued slowness. My priorities will be my husband, daughter, and myself: each individually and as a family. I don’t intend to lose myself in my identity as a mother, but I intend to allow the Lord to show me the balance between being a wife, mother, and individual. 

Slowly I will settle into this new life I’ve been blessed with. I will pause to be grateful, to focus on my priorities, and to breathe out my prayers to God in the moments I can. ​

Whether it's a testimony of healing, family reunification, financial provision, etc, sharing stories of God's faithfulness can be powerful. They bring encouragement, healing, and so much joy! We asked some of our staff to share stories of the Lord's unique provision for them or their teammates during their DTS. 

Bring Items that have a dual purpose
Packing light is essential during field assignment, but sometimes you have a need for more items that you can fit. Pack items that can be used in more than one way. 

A pashmina or sarong is wonderful to cover you up at the beach, but also nicely rolled up as a pillow during travel and at nighttime. It can become a blanket, privacy curtain, dust mask, head cover, and can be wrapped around delicate souvenirs during travel. Depending on the location, flip flops or waterproof sandals make great everyday shoes and shower shoes. Sandals with straps like Chacos can also be used as water shoes, and simple hiking shoes.  Multi-purpose soap such as simple castile soap can be used as face wash, body wash, hand soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, and dish soap! 

​Be creative, the possibilities are endless! 

Know a thing or two about traveling on field assignments? Leave us your pro-tips in the comments below!