June 10-July 2, 2026
You’d Think…
Our journey over the last 23 days has included 12 different flights, nearly 2,000 km of driving, lots of lines and 10 border crossings. You’d think that kind of travel would give me plenty of time to process things, but it didn’t. The hardships suffered by friends in war torn Ukraine and the daily challenges faced through the dusty streets of rural Tanzania sharply contrast the glitzy efficiencies of western airports and the comforts of our own home.
It feels surreal and irreconcilable. How are we to navigate and relate to people in such different extremes?
Now, back on our return trip, I realize that what I need is not more time, but a different perspective. It may sound spiritually trite, but I am drawn back to the simple truths and example of Jesus. Talk about extremes. Jesus went from being present at the glory of creation, to birth in a dirty stable, to death on a cross by those He came to save, to reigning in glory for eternity. Jesus is what unites us! Not the places, languages, circumstances or culture. It’s Jesus!
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Ukraine Ministry Leaders Family Conference
June 10-21, Healthy Relationships for a Lifetime (2 minute read)
You’d think that war would kill a ministry!
During the week, Kyiv suffered another large scale drone and missile assault, adding more casualties. We found our friends to be tired, but by God’s strength not exhausted; discouraged, but through hope in Christ not defeated. They remain committed to faithfully sharing the Good News of the Gospel to the many whom God is stirring through the hardships of life at war.
The war has displaced millions of people, leaving those who have remained with new and greater responsibilities.
This was our third Ministry Leaders Family Conference in Ukraine since the start of the full scale war that began in February of 2022. The conference was part of a five-year commitment that Shepherds’ Support made to train and equip the next generation of ministry leaders throughout the country.
We learned together as we explored themes found in the Psalms, leadership development, healthy relationships and trusting in the Lord during difficult times. Families experienced needed rest, meaningful family projects and fun fellowship
Everyone returned home encouraged and committed to stay the course and press on in Christ. We are so thankful for each of their amazing lives, great commitment to the Lord and fruitful ministries that reach thousands.
Tanzania Pastoral Couples Training
June 22 – July 2, Jesus at the Center of Building Strong Marriages (2 min read)
You’d think only bad things are contagious!
News abounds with the spread of Malaria, Ebola and other diseases in Africa, but it turns out that a commitment to share the Gospel and shepherd ministry leaders is also contagious. The Lord lit a fire in the hearts and minds of our Zambian partners, Chris and Lorrin, to take what they had learned after hosting two Shepherds’ Support conferences near their home to a new group of pastoral couples in southern Tanzania.
We studied Paul’s letter to the Colossians and were encouraged to trust God despite our circumstances by understanding that Christ is supreme in every way, through all time and in all things. God united our messages around the common theme of Christ at the center of our relationships.
This was the first training in Tanzania uniquely designed for pastoral couples that the participants had ever heard of.
Cultural traditions, divergent responsibilities and poor communication had slowly created large gaps in their marriages and left couples weary and isolated from one another. They came eager to learn and we heard many testimonies of how God had helped them grow back together as couples and partners in ministry.
It was also the first time most of the participants, who belonged to several different associations, had ever met. The Lord blessed us with sweet times of worship, learning, fellowship and group discussions as we got to know one another. Many left eager to teach what they had learned to others.
You’d think it’d be time for a break!
Being home for several weeks will give us some appreciated time to rest and also to prepare our next teams going to Belarus and Paraguay in August.
Seeing how the Lord works to restore and strengthen pastoral couples through our times together keeps us going, but we couldn’t do it without you. Along with every conference couple we want to Thank you! The blessing of your prayers and financial support is being multiplied to the nations through the lives of each of these faithful couples.