We have shared extensively about the blessings, mercy, and grace that God has showered on Touching Lives Ministry over the past two years. And rightfully so; we know that no individual could have brought us to the extraordinary place we find ourselves in such a short period of time. Our awe and love for God has grown as we have had the privilege of watching Him do what only He can do.

Yet, it would be a disservice to others who are "stepping out of the boat" to follow God's calling if we were to ignore the challenges that He has allowed along the way. You see, the blessings have impacted and changed the lives of those whom we've been called to minister, the difficulties have changed our lives. Some of the trials have been:

• We believed that God had called us initially to India, but He closed that door.
• We then believed that God had called us to a different village in Kenya, but He closed that door.
• On three separate occasions little ones have gone to heaven.
• God has directed us to reschedule missions.

...all in a two year time period! At times we've felt like a robot that has run into a wall. And each time God has whispered, "Turn." Each trial has been a crisis of faith. Each trial has, once again, proven God to be faithful. And by God's grace, each trial has been a faith-building source of growth and learning.