In my last blog post I mentioned that I was about to fly to Uzbekistan, which is bordering a certain country I’m sure you’ve heard mentioned on the news a few times in the past couple days. Don’t worry, I’m safe! Even before the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan we were rerouted to Armenia, a country in the Caucuses region. A lot of friends and family have messaged me to ask if I’m anywhere near the danger, so I wanted to let y’all know that I’m very much in a safe place geographically speaking.
Our plan was to go to Kyrgyzstan next month, a country I’ve wanted to visit for a long time. Central Asia has been on my heart for about a year and it’s where I was “supposed” to be by this point in the World Race, but as per the norm for this year God threw a curve ball at me. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in particular are two countries that are important to me for no explicable reason. Obviously the region is hardly the safest place in the world to be in at the moment, but that doesn’t change my heart. Now more than ever, these people need to hear about Jesus.
If your first thought is to hope and pray that we get rerouted to a “safer” place then first off, thank you for your concern. Your love is appreciated! But I want to ask that you pray for the opposite, that we still get to go to Central Asia. It’s a time of fear and instability for so many people, which means they’re looking for some kind of hope or security.
Christ came for those who need Him, and right now the people of Central Asia need Him more than ever. Knowing so many of them are suffering and even being killed hurts, but the idea of them suffering and being killed without knowing Christ aches me in a way I can’t explain. With fear being the dominant ruler now in the region they’re hearts are opening to some kind of salvation. The harvest is being made ready, and I want to be among the laborers.
The main point of this blog is just to let y’all know that I am currently safe, but I do want to ask for prayers that we still get to serve in Central Asia next month, and of course for continued safety during that time.
Josiah, thanks for your update. I am continually praying for you and for your safety. God has placed a special calling upon your heart. May you be a blessing and may you be blessed. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is peace. Peace be unto you. Love you.
Hey Josiah! We are very excited for the opportunity God is giving you. We are praying for you down here in Tennessee. We are thankful for all you are doing for God’s Kingdom. May He bless you with much fruit.
Thank you for the update. Glad you are safe. Thank you sharing your burden for central Asia. Praying the Lord gives you the desire of your heart and that you will soon have stories to share of leading people to Christ in those countries.
Let’s go Josiah! May God be glorified through your boldness. What a gift to read.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight!
So glad to know you are safe, Josiah. Praying that all will unfold as it should….ie God’s perfect will.
Josiah I am thankful you are in a “safer” place right now and know that wherever you go, your steps are ordered by the Heavenly Father and that your whole team will be covered by Psalms 91. Love you cousin and thank you for having those particular countries on your heart.
Nice blog Josiah! When we put Christ in front of us and seek to serve Him and keep in mind the spiritual side of things, the fears subside. God has definitely burdened you for this region and I am praying that you will get to go there, be a witness for Christ, and that God will keep you safe and do His perfect work in you and through you and your team. Still praying for Kevin and his family. Thank you for your desire to serve the Lord where ever it takes you! Love, Dad
LET’S GO JOSIAH!!!!!!!!!! Praying!!!!