Today we had a wonderful meeting with the owners of the house we’re staying in. Adam and Paulina are a young Christian couple — young compared to us, at least — full of creativity and a desire to use their gifts in service to God. As we sat around their dining table in what has become our temporary home, I couldn’t help noticing how much of their story mirrors our own.

Like us, they’ve had God say “stop.” For us, it was Idaho. For them, Italy.

Different places, same lesson: God sometimes closes a door not to halt the mission, but to redirect the missionary. Now they’re seeking Him for clarity and guidance on their next step, listening for the quiet voice and circumstances that lead forward.

I’ve come to believe that mission is never only about the destination. It’s also about the journey God takes us on as we seek to follow Him. In the trusting, praying, waiting, and listening, He tunes our hearts closer to His. He builds endurance, joy, and a willingness to follow that can come no other way.

Chris and I have been praying for this dear family since we first met them in May while searching for housing in Czechia. And they, in turn, have been faithfully praying for us. I’m thankful for how God has used our own needs to weave our lives together — a reminder that ministry is rarely a solo path. It’s shared, shaped, and strengthened by the people God places beside us.

The other big news today is that God has cleared the final hurdle for us to purchase a flat here in Český Těšín. We will be signing paperwork on Friday. I tried to write a song about our dreams for the space, but the lyrics fell flat — maybe because the real story isn’t poetic yet. It’s still unfolding. We take this step with hope and faith. Much like most ministry — we walk by faith, not by sight.

We praise God that the rest of the team made it back to Chandler safely.  Thank you for joining along on the journey with us.  Your prayers mean more to us than you can imagine.

Caio, Pastor Doug