Have you heard the expression “Boots on the Ground?” Well our Live Dead Missionaries are the boots on the Silk Road. Here we’d like to take a moment and allow one of them to share part of their life with you. Some names and details have been changed, but this is a true story from this colorful, vibrant, and sometimes surprising region and those who God has called to work here.

In the center of what was once the capital of ancient Galatia sits an old stone fortress on . a great hill. Standing on the top of the highest walls, I had a 360-degree view of the growing metropolis of nearly six million people. A handful of teammates and I gathered there in the center of the city to pray, dream, seek the face of the Lord, and ask Him how we could partner with Him in reaching this city that holds only three registered evangelical churches and roughly 400 believers in Jesus Christ.  

I stood on those walls and looked out as far as I could see, though the city stretched farther. I asked God, “When will the day come when there will be no more lostness, sin, suffering, and pain?”  

So clearly He spoke His word back to me: “Look, I am making all things new!”  

“But, Lord, even all this?” I asked as I literally swung my arm around in front of me pointing at the vast stretches of the city.  

“I already am. Write this down, for it is trustworthy and true.”  

I began to weep as wonder mixed itself with grief. 

We walked away from that tower confident that though the task seems daunting, God has already begun a good work in this city and among these people, and He will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

May we faithfully continue to partner with Christ in His great work to restore ultimate glory to His Name and to draw His people back to Himself.  

May that strong fortress in the middle of this almost-untouched-by-the-gospel city, be a symbol for the people here. May they one day call out with the psalmist:

“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” (Ps. 62:2)