Our Traveling Adventures

October was an action-packed, fun-filled, adventurous month for Jake and me. From Fargo, ND to Dallas, TX to Alexandria & Waseca, MN-- it was a month filled with many memories and some wonderful ministry opportunities!

Fargo with Friends

Our adventures started out with a road trip to Fargo, ND where we got to spend some time with dear friends of ours, Robbie & Jenn Lukens. We always love getting to see these guys because of the ways we all sharpen each other in our faith and relate to journeying through the same stages of life together.

Dallas, TX
Thank you for those that prayed for Jake and I as we traveled to Dallas, TX to attend the Gateway Conference. It was a wonderful experience to attend a conference with Jake. Although we found we didn't agree in totality with the teachings at the conference, our beliefs in the Gospel are stronger now as a result. We were challenged to think critically about some aspects of truth that were presented and it was good to do that together with Jake. We also got to spend some time with my cousin and his wife, which was such a treat! Here we are all riding the trolley together.

InterVarsity Conference in Alexandria, MN
Next was a weekend conference in Alexandria for InterVarsity's Cross Training fall conference. I had the privilege of helping to lead worship for the weekend. Over 400 college students attended and several students made first-time decisions to follow Christ! Here are a couple videos from our times worshiping together at the main sessions:

One of the students there led us in this Hmong song. It's called "Tswv Yexus Lub Npe", which means "The Lord Jesus' Name". Be sure to listen to her explanation of why the lyrics to this song are so significant, coming from the Hmong culture.

Translation:
Verse 1: The Lord Jesus' name is very good
Chorus: Hallelujah, the Lord Jesus' name is very good
Verse 2: Jesus has helped us defeat the enemy
Verse 3: Jesus has defeated death

This is one of the songs I led. Love hearing the voices at the end singing acapella.


Women's Prison in Waseca, MN
And I just returned from a visit to the Women's Federal Prison in Waseca, MN, where I got to celebrate with 30 female inmates who graduated from their Christ-centered recovery program called, Celebrate Recovery. I had the joy of leading them in praise & worship at the ceremony. This graduation was such a milestone for these women and it was such an honor to be able to celebrate with them!

I also got to personally deliver a special donation: 10 copies of the book, "Retold", written by my friend Sarah Stadler. It is such a treat when the prison receives a donation like this. Thank you to the person who purchased these 10 books to donate and thank you Sarah for writing!