Our (Longer) Story

Both Abby and I developed a heart for overseas mission work, mostly in our teenage years. We both saw the extravagant need for workers to bring the gospel to unreached places and establish the kingdom of God. I had a specific heart for Japan, but we'll talk about that later! This led both of us to go on short-term mission trips in high school, which grew our hearts for the nations even more. 

Years later, around the same time, we both decided to take the next step in pursuing our dreams of becoming missionaries. After briefly considering a missions school in Oregon, I decided that wasn't right, and after hearing of the amazing things God was doing in YWAM, I chose their school in Colorado Springs! Similarly, Abby was planning on going to a YWAM base in Texas, but after having a dream, she knew she was supposed to be in YWAM Colorado Springs as well. 

During our Discipleship Training School (DTS), we were not so fond of each other at the beginning, but we loved what we were learning and got along when serving others! We evangelized every Friday and fed the homeless together. A swing dance night event took place around a month into our DTS. I wasn't going to attend, but I didn't want to have F.O.M.O later that night, so I decided, "What's the worst that could happen?" I danced with a couple of friends and had fun, but after seeing Abby, something in me desperately wanted to dance with her. "Would you like to dance?" I said hesitantly. She gladly accepted, and long story short, we fell in love. Later on, Abby told me that the moment I grabbed her hand was the beginning of her crush on me.

Lecture Phase was coming to an end, and by this time, Abby and I had already formed a great friendship. I was even hoping I would get to go on outreach with her. The day came to pick our outreach locations, and I was considering Cambodia. I sat outside and prayed to God, "Lord,  don't let me choose wrongly." As it came time to choose, last second I changed my mind, and chose Nepal! I soon learned that was also what Abby chose!

In Nepal, we got to learn even more about the complexity of mission work and how to adapt when things don't go according to plan. Our team was put to the test with many trials where we had to trust in the Lord's power. Abby and I also grew much closer. We had the privilege to help build and paint a Bible translating center, visit Christian-owned businesses, and share the Gospel in unreached villages. Both Abby and I agree, it was one of the greatest experiences we have ever had and taught us so much about the kingdom of God and how it transcends cultural boundaries. As the trip was coming to an end, we both started thinking about a possible future together. We talked during the flight home, and I told her that I loved her and wanted to make a future together.

We started to date long distance, I in Nebraska, she in South Dakota. I quickly made plans to move and propose. I was not going to waste any time. Both our families supported us even though it seemed fast. I proposed the day after I moved to Rapid City, and we were married three months later! Being married is the best and most challenging thing we have ever stepped into, and it has taught us so much about sacrifice and transparency. Although marriage is its own long-term mission, overseas missions were still deeply on our hearts. 

Why Japan?

When I was growing up, Japan was placed on my heart by God. I loved the culture and loved learning about the people there. I related much to the loneliness in the younger generations and wanted to make a difference. I knew it was where God wanted me for many years. As a kid, Abby also knew she wanted to be a missionary in Asia. There is a huge honor and shame culture in many Asian countries, including Japan. Because of this, many people feel like they can never measure up to the expectations that their family, religion, society, and career put on them. She has a great desire to see people living freely in Christ and with optimal health in their mind, body, and spirit. 

These past couple of months, we have been praying earnestly about Japan and what God's plan might be. We feel strongly that we are supposed to take a short trip there and serve alongside organizations already there to see who we would partner with in the future.