This past month, our focus as a Live Dead community was Character.

Not platform. Not gifting. Not influence.

Character.

In a world that often celebrates visibility, Jesus is forming something deeper in His people — integrity, humility, faithfulness, and holiness. For those called to the nations, this isn’t optional. It’s foundational.

Formation in the Hidden Places

Here is a story we received this past month from one of our Live Dead teams that shows Character at work:

I received a message from another worker asking if I was available to help at a celebration the next day, a Saturday. “I remember you said your family takes Sabbath on Saturdays, but this opportunity just came up, and as I’ve been searching for someone to help, your name kept coming up. It’s an all-day event, but do you think you can help?”

I’ll be honest. Initially I was hesitant because the idea of cooking and cleaning all day is not high on my Sabbath rest list. But I felt the Holy Spirit urge me to message her back and ask more questions about the event. Turns out, the worker and her fiancé’s family were pulling together a last-minute party for a group of local Bible translators to celebrate the completion of their translation work of the Old Testament. This means we now have the whole Bible translated in the local dialect of the people we live among! I was so excited for the news and so humbled to have the opportunity to serve these families, I immediately surrendered my plans and said yes without another thought.

The next day I fully expected to be in the kitchen the whole time, but the group invited everyone to sit and listen during their ceremony. They talked about the origins of the work over twenty-five years ago, how translation began with a Gospel here and another there and how a hunger to have the whole Bible in their mother tongue grew in the hearts of many of the founders. I was overwhelmed thinking about the monumental task they had accomplished as a team, with so much grace and endurance, and how well they honored each member of the team. In that moment, I saw and felt what it really means to be the body of Christ here on earth. The full version of this Bible will be available soon in an app, and printed versions are in process. Soon, I will have a full Bible to give to my local church sisters—and I still can hardly believe I can say that.

God interrupted my weekend plans. It’s true that at first I didn’t want to be the one asked and I didn’t relish the idea of going. But I am glad I surrendered to the voice of the Spirit and followed up with my friend. Because of the gift of the Word for all our people…I was thrilled to celebrate the finished work with my brothers and sisters.

Why Character Matters for Global Workers

The mission field doesn’t need impressive résumés as much as it needs surrendered hearts.

Character determines:

• How we treat teammates under stress
• How we respond when ministry feels slow or unseen
• How we handle disappointment, conflict, and success

Church planting among the unreached often happens in obscurity, with little recognition and many challenges. Without Christlike character, the weight of that calling can crush us. With it, we can endure, love well, and reflect Jesus even in the hardest places.

Character is not about perfection. It’s about a consistent “yes” to the Holy Spirit’s work in us.

Jesus Cares Who We Are Becoming

As we pursue the unreached, Jesus is just as committed to shaping our hearts as He is to sending our feet.

This month reminded us that being a global worker isn’t just about where you go — it’s about who you are becoming along the way. And that work starts now, in daily choices, unseen faithfulness, and a willingness to be corrected and refined.

The same Jesus who calls us to the nations also walks with us in the process of becoming more like Him.

Looking Ahead

As we step into this new month, we turn our focus to the next core value: Spirit Empowerment.Because abiding roots us, and character steadies us — but it is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live boldly, love supernaturally, and proclaim Jesus where He is not yet known.