a shepherd and goats descend from the mountain to drink from the stream (click on the picture to enlarge) in North Africa



This will be my last post before returning to Africa. I will follow open doors while there. I will be based in Uganda, potentially with the Karamajong tribe, north of Moroto. If it works out to visit Kenya, I will proceed there to a Somali refugee camp to serve, near the Sudan-Uganda borders. The men I am serving alongside are Michael and Larry. Please pray for safety, unity, and opportunities to share Christ!

While I am in Africa, my nephew Joshua (keeper of BJ's sword) and his daddy will be heading to Peru. This will be Joshua's first overseas mission trip! He is very excited, and will see many things, from the coast to the mountains to the jungle. Please pray for their safety and opportunities to share! He cannot wait to be in this land, where his cousin served.

Each of us leaves on Saturday, Jan 24. Joshua and his daddy return, about a week later. I return on Monday evening, Feb 2 (Lord willing).


I am traveling to Africa because the Lord has called me there. As I tried to articulate previously, I do not know why. I only know I am to go.

As plans have unfolded, our door to Kenya closed, which left me very confused. It was Kenya that the Lord was drawing me to. I sought counsel, and have continued on with the trip.

In the last few days, it appears the door may have reopened. This is a faith journey, and faith is what I am walking by. I do not know if I will be able to enter that land or not. I will if He wills it.

On my journey there, I will enter a very dark European city. I will spend a bit of time in Amsterdam, Netherlands. I will not be here long, but please pray the Lord would open doors for ministry. The need for Him in this land is enormous.

God's timing is always perfect...according to His standards.

For me, the timing of this trip is somewhat suspect. One of my primary roles at Awe Star Ministries, is to raise up leadership for our trips.

All positions were filled, save one. Then in the last couple of weeks, or so, two of them had to step down.

This leaves our summer trips short, three male leaders. These are very difficult vacancies to fill. I begin early to try and assure that I speak to people before their plans for the summer are set.

I need one man to co-lead our Asia team, and two men to serve as middle leadership in South America.

When I returned from Peru last summer, I was very excited, as I had the longest list of potential leaders, that I've had. I have exhausted this list, and have received almost all "No's."

The Lord is still in control. I know this. I trust this. I just cannot see what He has in store, as it is difficult to plan the trips as necessary without leaders in place.

Please pray for the men I have been talking to. Please pray that the Lord will move in their hearts to accompany our teams and serve as the men of God He is calling them to be.

Last summer, I had to cancel one or our trips due to lack of a male leader. The result is that thousands of people do not get to hear the Gospel message. If this breaks my heart, I cannot imagine what it does to the heart of my Father in Heaven.

I am doing the best I can to pull these leaders together. Please pray for my discernment, and for God's movement in the hearts of men. I would also ask you to pray that I am not distracted by this issue while overseas.

God bless you for being faithful to Him. Thank you for taking the time to read. Please, I would ask that you take even more time to pray!


brent