Mark and Julie - Adventures in Nepal

Dear interested, praying, and otherwise well-wishing people we know,

Welcome to our blog! This blog will detail all the crazy stuff that God is going to do with us while we're in Nepal for the next five months. We hope to post lots of pictures and stories, and hope it's a joy to our readers. Check here often for updates so that you can stay up to date on how best to pray for us and share in our adventure!

Let me take the chance now to let everyone know about our trip in detail. For the next five months, from February to July, we are going to Nepal to work with Evangelical Friends Mission, or EFM. There, we will be working with three different local missionary couples, assisting them in any way we can. This work will most likely include teaching, preaching, leadership development, and helping with medical clinics. The purpose of this trip is twofold. First off, going on this trip will fulfill a requirement at Barclay College for the Missions' degree. Second, and more importantly, we are prayerfully considering how we might fit in with the current ministry in Nepal - how we can be of use, and what the perceived needs are.

So where are we now? And what happens next? We are currently staying with Julie's parents in Wichita, taking care of any logistical issues that are left to be done, such as visa pictures, medicines, e-mail lists, and whatever else needs to get done. We are leaving from Denver on February the 24th at 9:30, and should be in Kathmandu by the 26th at noon. Then the real adventures begin!

So how can you be praying for us? There are a number of ways. The most immediate need we are experiencing is the need for physical health! The winter cold season has had both Julie and myself in a chokehold off and on for the last few weeks, and we are really fighting to get over that. Also, be praying for all of those pesky details that always need addressing right before a trip, that they would be solved as quickly and painlessly as possible. Most of all, though, pray that God will be continually preparing us, both as individuals and as a married couple, for the challenges (and joys) ahead, that we could always put God first in our efforts and in our relationship. Our dream has always been to be partners in ministry as well as a married couple, and that requires God shaping our attitudes and strengthening us.

Well that's that I have for now - I hope you all can be as excited about this trip as we are! God bless you, whoever you are!