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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 a snapshot 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.

One day my 8-year-old son, Caleb, began asking me what it would be like if he had a chance to make friends in the States.

Would life be easier than it is where we live along the Silk Road?

Would making friends in America be easier?

It’s a hard thing as a mom, watching your child long for something that you feel you’ve taken away. So, we started asking Jesus for friendships.

Weeks and months passed and then it happened: Caleb came home after having been sent on an errand. He seemed a bit upset when he came in, but said everything was “fine.” Five minutes later he came to me with tears in his eyes and said, “I think a boy just asked me to play, but I’m not 100% sure, so I just said no. Mom, what if he wanted to be my friend?”

We cried together as we talked about the challenge of learning to communicate that a new language poses. Then I asked him if we could go see if the boy was still outside and I could help Caleb with the language. He hesitated and then together we went outside. He was sure the boy was long gone, and I said I was sure he was still there.

Under my breath, I pled with the Lord to give Caleb a second chance. He got it.

We opened up our gate and Caleb peeked out. That same boy was still nearby! Now it became my son’s turn to extend an offer of friendship.

Lately our doorbell has been ringing – rowdy boys hoping for a pickup game of soccer. And that boy by the gate? He has become Caleb’s very good friend.

Come by our courtyard in the evenings and you’ll see it is often full of boys playing together.

Caleb needed a second chance and he got it.

And then he got a friend…and then ten more.

Behind it all is Jesus – Who hears a prayer, sees a need and responds.  Jesus not only did something in my little boy that day. He showed me His goodness too.

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