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.

Fear and insecurity sneak in when we least expect.
As our team discussed Easter plans, we felt perhaps we were being too pushy with our two main local friends who have become part of our family. Thinking that if we planned something just for them it would seem too forward, we let it lie and decided we would do an Easter breakfast with just us. But we thought, “I guess if we’re going to do something we might as well invite them, right?”

How often do we let fear and insecurity sneak in and rob others of the beautiful gift of Jesus? Many often think that as foreign workers we are somehow exempt from these feelings, inward struggles, and fears. We are not. When it comes down to it, sometimes we are just as surprised that God could use our fearful obedience… But He does.

As we texted out our last-minute invites to a breakfast we were sure was far too early for any local person to attend, this was the first response:


Zeynep – “Ok I’m coming! Is it ok if I come with you to church too?”

In my text, I had simply told her that after breakfast we would be going to church. No official invitation… Just more of an explanation that that was why we were eating early. Our other friend also readily accepted breakfast and church at an off-hand mention.

There is conviction in my heart at their responses. What if our fear and insecurity robbed them of seeing believers celebrate and remember the most important day in history? And even more I wonder, what God is showing them through us to cause Zeynep to invite herself to church without me intentionally asking?

It is the beauty of God that washes us clean and shines so bright that our flaws are covered.

Our responsibility to share Christ is so much more than an invitation to church. It is obedience and life and discipleship. May we never give up hope and may Christ never let our insecurities keep someone from Him.