How Great Thou Art - sung by missionaries around the world

Give Account to God

Romans 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Isn’t it interesting how one verse can be used in so many ways?

Some people use this as a warning verse to help others choose not to sin. 

[said with an imploring look to guide someone into truth] 

“Remember, you’re going to give account to God, so be sure you are really sure this is the right choice.” [followed by prayer and a hug]

Others use this verse to bully people into doing what they want. 

[said with ‘the mom’ look to guide someone into following my will] 

“Remember, you’re going to give account to God, so be sure you are really sure this is the right choice.”

[followed by the “I’m just saying” shrugged shoulders and pursed lips]

I think the most important thing we can do for people whether we agree with their choices or not, is to pray for them to hear clearly from the Lord, and that they would then act accordingly. Not because it’s what we want, but because it is what God wants for all of us. If we cajole people into doing what we think is right for them, how does that show we are trusting God? We won’t answer for other people’s decisions, but they will.

Remember what the verse says: “So then every one of us shall give account of HIMSELF to God.” (emphasis added)

If you are upset that your pastor has opened your church and you think it’s too soon, remember- they will give account to God.

If you are upset that your pastor has delayed opening your church, and you’re upset, remember- they will give account to God.

If you are badgering them, and talking about them behind their back (and not praying for God to lead them) because they aren’t doing what YOU think is right, remember- YOU will give account to God.

Let’s not also forget that the scriptures say this:

1 Timothy 2:1-2
(1) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
(2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Take time today for supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for your pastor and your government. And just see if that might lead you to live a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and honesty. Knowing that I will give account to God, I think that is a great use of my time.

Pray about things (and people!) more than you talk about them.

Dread Disease

I have read many books that have been a blessing to me in my journey as a missionary wife.  When we were on deputation for Japan, I read a few books by Isobel Kuhn.  I think that perhaps she is my favorite missionary author.  I gleaned so much from her.  During this time of coronavirus and lockdowns, it is natural to have a dread of what might happen should we get the virus.  Maybe some are even thinking what it will be like when we meet the Lord.  That reminded me of this short passage from In the Arena. 

“For the Christian, death is not the dissolution of life but the consummation. . .

Christians often say that the most wonderful thing of all will be to see our Lord face to face.  I have pondered that much and feel it is surely worded inadequately.  To see the Lord is but a lesser thing to one who has had a close spirit-with-Spirit communion with Him all along.  What matter the colour of His eyes or the shape of His face?  That is not what makes Him precious.  Nothing is so deeply intimate as spirit knit with Spirit, and that we can and should enjoy right now while here on earth.  I think what is meant is to be with the Lord with the root of sin gone.  To fellowship with Him without the lazy flesh dragging us back, or unwanted thoughts of pride and self constantly staining us.  To be finally rid of corruption, to worship and enjoy Him with heart purged into His own purity, that will be an advance over anything that is possible on earth.

And so the platform of a dread disease becomes but a springboard for heaven.  We are conformed unto His death.  In the pain which is inevitably connected with the descent into the valley of shadows there will be a fellowship, even if not perceived by weakened nature.  The power of His resurrection will become known as never before.  And the great end, that I may know Him, will be granted.” 

~ pp. 191-192, In the Arena by Isobel Kuhn

BMW - Honoring our 2020 Graduates

Among our group of amazing missionary women is represented an amazing group of 2020 high school and college graduates whose senior years were all abruptly changed as COVID-19 entered the scene, affecting graduation celebrations across the globe. Some had their graduation completely cancelled while some experienced first-ever, virtual graduations. Unfortunately, some were postponed to a different date which could make it impossible for missionary parents to even attend the ceremonies. 

We thought a nice way to honor the 2020 graduates represented by the Baptist Women's Missionary Facebook group would be to share their photos and a little information about each one with you, our readers. 

Autumn Bauer

Parents: Patrick and Jen Bauer, serving in Australia

Graduated from homeschool, December 2019. 

Future Plans: Planning to attend PCC in fall 2020
Major - Early Childhood Education

Autumn Brown

Parents: Joshua and Emily Brown, serving in Ghana, West Africa

Graduating from LCA Homeschool will be postponed until we can return stateside to her home church, Calvary Baptist of Memphis.

Future Plans: She plans to stay with her parents for a year and help serve in the ministry while taking some online Bible classes and praying about future college plans.

She enjoys cooking, art, guitar, animals, traveling and anything outside!




Erin Brown
Parents: Kevin and Kristina Brown, serving in Croatia
Graduated from homeschool, May 28, 2020
Future plans: To take a gap year, return to Croatia, and pray about direction for the future.
She is interested in art, drawing, and character animation.

Heidi Byrd

Parents: Gary and Tami Byrd serving in the Dominican Republic

Graduating from Santiago Christian School (Dominican Republic). 

She was very involved in school outreach, soccer, music and drama. 

Graduation has been postponed until December. 

Future plans: To attend Bob Jones University and study Christian Counseling/Leadership

Konner Cashner

Parents: Keith and Kimberly Cashner, serving in England

Graduated from Lighthouse Christian Academy in February 2020 via the distance learning program.
Future Plans: Include staying in England with his parents, continuing to help in the ministry. 

In June, He’ll receive his level 1 in coaching/personal training, and he’ll join the staff at his local Cross Fit gym.

Héctor Castillo

 Parent: Cynthia Castillo (Single missionary) serving in Mexico City

 Graduating from National Autonomous Universidad de Mexico (UNAM) Medical School - Mexico City. Graduation Date: May 25, 2020. 

Future Plans - Begins his Surgical Internship July 1. He'll do 1 year of Internship, 1 year of Social Service and then Specialty (Neurosurgeon).
From his Mom: Héctor is my adopted child, met him first when he was 9 yrs old and I taught him in Bible Club. I adopted him as a teenager.

Jeffrey Christian (pictured on right)
Parents: Jeff and Helen Sue Christian,  Belarus
Graduating from LeHigh Valley Baptist Bible Institute, June 28, 2020
Future Plans: He will continue to minister on the field with his parents.
He wants to be a youth pastor.

Anna Clark
Parents: Mike and Jeannette Clark serving in Iliamna, Alaska

Graduating from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa.
Future Plans: Anna is getting married this month and will serve with her new husband, Assistant Pastor in Waverly, Iowa.

Faith Clark 

Parents: Mike and Jeannette Clark serving in Iliamna, Alaska

Graduating from high school.
Future Plans: To take online classes this fall and hopes to attend Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa in the fall 2021.

Hosanna Crocket

Parents: Chris and Suzy Crocket, serving in Râmnicu Vâlcea, România

High School senior, graduating from Romanian public school.

Graduation ceremony was scheduled for May 29, but has been canceled.

Future Plans: Hosanna has tickets to move back to Australia in August to be near her boyfriend and work, but this will possibly be cancelled as well, as Australia has closed its borders until 2021.

Zachary Daab

Parents: Bill and JoAnne Daab - Jordan

Graduated from BJU with a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. Ceremony was to be in May but has been rescheduled for August. He has been accepted into the masters program and will continue his education in the fall.

Allyson DeMoville

Parents: Randy & Kelly DeMoville serving in Dumaguete, Philippines

Graduating from Hyles Anderson College with her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with History & Homemaking teaching fields. 

Graduation was planned for May 1 and has now been rescheduled to September 6, 2020. 

Future Plans: She will return to take classes as she is dating a young man.

Christian DeMoville 

Parents: Randy & Kelly DeMoville serving in Dumaguete, Philippines

Completed homeschool on April 10, 2020 will have graduation (hopefully) in June. 

Future Plans: Will stay on the field and attend his parents' Bible college for a year. 

Then, Lord willing, go on to attend Hyles Anderson College to study Missions.

Iestyn Downey

Parents: Ronald & Tennille Downey serving in Wales, UK

Finishing High school (no graduation ceremonies in Wales)

Future plans: community college for design & technology in the fall. 

Planning to stay with parents on the field.

Micah Guay

Parents: Richard and Kristi Guay, serving in Thailand

He will graduate from high school in July (homeschool - no exact date set). 

Future plans: To attend Bob Jones University in the fall and major in Mechanical Engineering. 

Joy Kotvas

Parents: Joe and Lisa Kotvas in Perú

Graduates from Abeka homeschool high school, finishing up in July. 

Future Plans: She is praying about college plans. 

Peru has not determined when to allow international travel. Possibly it will not open until October.  

She desires to serve God with her life and invest in the lives of young ladies.

Meganne Litson

Parents: Matt and Sarah Litson, serving in New Brunswick, Canada

Possible graduation ceremony in June. 

Future Plans: To attend Vision Baptist College in the fall.

Elisabeth Jane Maher 

Parents: Richard and Oksana Maher serving in Ukraine. 

Graduated from KCA (high)  school in Kiev, Ukraine. 

Future Plans: Elisabeth has a burden to work with abused children and wants to study psychology at Cedarville University in Ohio.

Jeremiah Markle

Parents: Jeremy and Laura Markle serving in in Puerto Rico

Graduation was planned for May 23, 2020 (homeschool) from their sending church but was canceled.

Future Plans: To attend Maranatha Baptist University.

Alayna McLean

 Parents; Jerry and Krissy currently on deputation for the country of Paraguay 

Will graduate from homeschool on May 28th. 

Future Plans: Attending either West Coast Baptist College or Crown College of the Bible this fall.

Susanna

Susanna and Samuel

Benjamin

Susanna, Samuel, and Benjamin Morgan

Parents: Jim and Susan Morgan serving in Romania

Susanna and Samuel graduated from Landmark Baptist College, Haines City, Fl on May 17th.

Future plans: Samuel will be going to work as an assistant to a pastor in Georgia. 

Susanna will be staying and teaching at Landmark Christian School. 

Benjamin will finish his senior year of high school (homeschool) here in Romania in the next month.

Daniel Petersen

Parents: Mike and Becky Petersen serving in Poland

Graduated in May from Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC in IT/Bible. 

Future Plans: Daniel is working as a contract worker for an IT company in Greenville, 

while waiting on his girlfriend to finish schooling.

Michelle Leann Pridgen

Parents: James and Cheryl Pridgen serving in Uganda, Africa

Graduated from High school in March (in Uganda)

Future Plans: She plans to attend West Coast Baptist College in the Fall

 Ian Russell 

Parents: Pat and Jody Russell serving in Africa

 Graduating from West Coast Baptist College - ceremony rescheduled for September 5, 2020

Stanley Stensaas

Parents: Keith and Sally Stensaas, serving in Uganda, Africa

Graduating from West Coast Baptist College - ceremony rescheduled for September 5, 2020

Future Plans: To stay at WCBC to get his Masters.

Rebekah Sterling

Parents: David and Dee Dee Sterling, serving in Russia

Graduation from Golden State Baptist College was planned for May 13th and has been

currently rescheduled for June 27th, 2020. 

Major: General Studies  - Minor: Media

Future Plans: Possible position in Texas

Ryan Sterling

Parents: David and Dee Dee Sterling, serving in Russia

Will complete high school (homeschool) June 2020

Future Plans: To attend Golden State Baptist College in the fall.

Jessica Sullivant 

Parents: Mike Jr. And Maureen Sullivant, serving in Thailand

Jessica finished high school in April. 

Future Plans: She will be returning to Canada later this year and will be taking employment.

Jocelyn Telman 

Parents: Jim & Michelle Telman, serving in Uganda

Graduation, (homeschool) from an umbrella school, was scheduled for Jun 6,
but has been postponed until further notice.

Future Plans: She plans to attend Word of Life (Hungary) in the fall. 

The following year she will study Nursing in the States.

Aaron Trask

Parents: Gene and Robin Trask, serving in La Moskitia, Honduras
Aaron is graduating from Heritage Academy in Tupelo, MS.
Graduation was to scheduled for May 15, new date has yet to be announced.
Future Plans: Aaron is a preacher and is seeking the Lord's will for where to attend Bible College in the fall.

Levi Trask (far right)

Parents: Gene and Robin Trask, serving in La Moskitia, Honduras 

Graduating from Anchor Baptist Bible College, Pisgah Forest, NC. 

Graduation ceremonies were scheduled for May 1, but will most likely be held on June 5. 

Future Plans: Levi feels the Lord would have him stay and be Bro Barton's (pictured in above photo) assistant for the next few years. He also wishes to obtain his pilot's license for a future serving in Missions Aviation.

Timothy Waller

Parents: Dr. Greg and Linda Waller, Medical Missions around the world

Graduate of Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Pre-Med. - Virtual graduation May 8th

Future Plans: He will be going into research.

Sarah Winkler

Parents - Ron and Rachel Winkler, serving in Croatia 

Her parents hope to have a reception in honor of her home school graduation when they are stateside for furlough in August.

Future Plans: She will be attending Heartland Baptist Bible College in the fall to major in music.

Timothy Winkler

Parents are Matt and Sheri Winkler, serving in Uganda

Graduating from Rift Valley Academy on July 15.

 He is finishing online school right now in the States. 

Future Plans: He plans to take a gap year before either going to school or into the military.

Micah Youngblood

Parents: David & Tammy Youngblood, serving in Kiana, Alaska

High school Senior, homeschool with state of Alaska diploma 

He will participate in his home church Christian school graduation scheduled for June 6. 

Earned University of Alaska Scholar & Alaska performance scholarships to University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)

Future Plans: He has been accepted to UAA, but he is still praying over decisions regarding college in the fall. 

 

Michaiah Youngblood

Parents: David & Tammy Youngblood, serving in Kiana, Alaska 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Graduation was to be held on May 2, 2020 (cancelled, nursing pins and diplomas mailed). 

Future Plans: To be a medical missionary. She will continue her education to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Maybe one of the graduates listed here is a "missionary kid" supported by your church or somehow connected with your family. Why not reach out to them to help congratulate them in their accomplishments? If you would like an address for any of these MKs, please feel free to comment below and we will get that address to you.

And...for a surprise ending to this post! I will randomly choose one of the above graduates whose graduation was canceled/rescheduled/virtual and send them a t-shirt honoring this historic moment in their lives! I will post the winner soon! (I will wait a bit before announcing the winner in case we get a few late entries from those who didn't see the post in our BMW group).

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020! 

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU! IT WAS A TOUGH YEAR WITH LOTS OF UNEXPECTED TURNS BUT YOU WERE FAITHFUL TO THE FINISH!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO LEAD YOU AS YOU SERVE HIM!

I Thes. 5:24 - "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."

You Don't Know What You've Got 'til It's Gone

Have you ever heard the saying “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.”?

Bonus points if you also sang “…they paved paradise and put up a parking lot" after you read that.

So, my husband makes our bed every morning.

And not because it’s a chore I have given him (our marriage doesn’t work like that- I’m not his mom, afterall). Honestly, he just has good habits. He is a blessing! He also takes out the garbage and recycling every week, and he puts away clean dishes sometimes. And he doesn’t throw his clothes on the floor, ever. (Yes, we are happily married. Sorry ladies.)

Jimmy, you’re good people.

Back to the topic at hand.

It is a gift to me that he makes the bed. But most mornings I think nothing of it. It’s just something he does. I only seem to notice it on the rare occasions when he doesn’t make the bed.

And then I’m annoyed.

I won’t say never, but I don’t regularly make a point of thanking him for making the bed all those days/weeks/months/years, even though I really am thankful he does it. But I sure do complain in my head on the few days when he doesn’t do it. Because then I have to do it.

Because who leaves their bed unmade, amiright? (Not judging if you do. But seriously, go make your bed.)

But that thought made me consider: what else am I taking for granted? Do I do the same thing with God? Do I just assume His blessings are going to continue? Have I ever even stopped to count all the ways He has blessed my life? Do I make it a habit of regularly thanking God for ANYTHING? And I mean really THANKING Him with my words- not just feeling grateful in my heart.

Because I can feel grateful toward my husband for making the bed, but that doesn’t mean He knows it. He likes to feel appreciated. It is good for me to say it to him. It is a practice in humility, and it trains my heart and mind to look at the blessings in my life.

Perhaps you’ve also heard the phrase “What if you woke up tomorrow with only what you thanked God for today?”

Would you have anything at all?

(Who are these people that come up with these piercing statements?!?)

We become a people of entitlement when we are unthankful. We expect things to continue a certain prosperous way because “that’s just the way things are”. But it really isn’t. We aren’t even promised tomorrow. There is no guarantee the blessing you have today will be there tomorrow. And it’s okay. It really is. God certainly knows what He is doing. It always for our good and His glory. It’s not JUST for our good, or to make our lives easier, or better. Everything always comes back to His glory. 

But how often do we mention the glory of God to others? When we aren't mindful that everything He gives us if a gift, we can easily become complainers when something we enjoy stops, or is gone. When we're only left with the basics, and we don't count those as blessings, because they're 'guaranteed'. (But they aren't.)

I encourage you today to make a list of all the things you are thankful for, and tell God about it. And if they include specific people, tell them too. You just might brighten someone’s day who really needs a boost. The scripture is full of encouragement for us to be thankful.

Psalm 100
(1) A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
(2) Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
(3) Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
(4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
(5) For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 107 says four times about various scenarios “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and his wonderful works to the children of men!”

See, it isn’t even about what God has DONE, so much as it is about who He IS. First we need to be thankful for His character, and then thank Him for the things He has done.

When was the last time you thanked God for who He has been in your life? Do a quick search of the word ‘praise’ or ‘thanksgiving’ or ‘worship’ and see if that might help guide your thoughts in what to say to God in thanksgiving for who He is. I’m sure it won’t take long before you are just pouring out praise to our awesome God!! He is certainly worthy.

Psalm 28:7-8
(7) The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
(8) The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

Psalm 96
(1) O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
(2) Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
(3) Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
(4) For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
(5) For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
(6) Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
(7) Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
(8) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
(9) O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
(10) Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
(11) Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
(12) Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
(13) Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Psalm 115:1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

Giving With Nothing to Give

It is hard to give something if you don´t have anything. When I first started college, I was on the “work scholarship” program. That meant that I slaved for the college for less than minimum wage to get my bill reduced.  It also meant that I never got paid with actual money.  It really bothered me that I could not tithe from my earnings. Since it was a “Christian” college, I asked them if I could apply ten percent of my earnings to the local church at the school.  That was a no-go. I had no money to give. Nothing. Nada.

Hannah, the mom of the amazing prophet Samuel, had nothing. She found herself in the un-Biblical yet common marriage with multiple wives. The other wife had children, making her culturally relevant at the time. She tormented Hannah every day. Their shared husband seemed sincere, but he clearly lacked understanding even telling Hannah that he, himself, was better than having seven sons. Hannah could not even give an offering to the Lord without her husband giving her something to offer. She was barren and had nothing to her name.


What did Hannah do? She went to the Lord and begged for a son. She did not do this with the attitude recorded in James 4:3, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” No, when she asked the Lord for a son, it was so that she could give him back to the Lord.  She really loved God and wanted to be able to offer Him something. But she owned nothing.

When she went to pray, she was misjudged and falsely accused by the priest of being drunk. Here she was pouring her heart out to the Lord when the one person who should be the most compassionate showed her the least amount of understanding. Later he asked God to grant her request, probably feeling badly about how he had treated her.


God answered Hannah´s prayer giving her a son. She did what she had wanted to do all along; she offered the most precious thing that she owned to the Lord. God later blessed her with five more children. She was no longer barren having nothing to her name.


Looking at the beginning of the story, though, Hannah really did give something.  She gave the Lord her heart. She wanted something tangible to demonstrate her love for the Lord, but He was already happy with the love that she was giving Him. Of course, He answered her request for a son and blessed her afterwards anyway.


Even after college, there have been times that I have felt that I had nothing to give. Of course, tithing is a Biblical principle, but it only works if you get money. I need to remember that the Lord does not count tangible stuff like we do. He looks at my heart. Is my desire to give something to Him? If I ask Him for something, is it for selfish reasons? Or am I asking for something so that I can give it to Him, use it for Him, and be a blessing to others?


Hannah is a hero of the faith. Her son Samuel transitioned God´s people from the time of the judges to the time of the kings. In fact, he anointed the first two kings himself. Hannah´s gift of her heart, her son, and her service to the Lord are an inspiration and a comfort.

Patrick and Vicki Weimer in Iceland since 1999

Sourdough English Muffins

Sourdough English Muffins

These are one of the things that we miss the most while on the field! So, of course, we tried to find a recipe that satisfied our craving! 

Super simple directions, and the ingredients are easy to substitute. Both make this recipe a win for me. Plus, they taste amazing!!! 

Dump the ingredients into your stand mixer or bread machine. 

Allow ingredients to come together to a smooth dough. This shouldn't take more than five minutes. 

Put the dough into a large bowl, and put it in the fridge overnight. The dough will almost double in size, so make sure your container is big enough. Cover your bowl with a damp towel so that the top of the dough doesn't dry out. 

The next morning, or 8-10 hours later, roll out the dough to about 3/4 inch thick. Depending on the size you want your muffins, cut out your dough. Dip both sides in corn meal or flour. Let the muffins rise for 30 min to 1 hour. 

Heat a cast iron pan or a skillet and put a little bit of oil on the pan, just to help with the browning. The muffins will rise as they cook. Once the one side is browned, flip the muffins. Once both sides are browned, check the inside, opening with a fork. If done, remove muffins from pan, and continue cooking all of the muffins.

Enjoy warm and with butter or maybe toasted with butter and jam. 

Amber Wells 

Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬