Sahara Challenge training in Minnesota

In preparation for serving in a country that is almost 90% Muslim, MAF sent several families to a week-long seminar called the Sahara Challenge, or Crescent Project, in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The goal of the training is to equip us to be able to build bridges in relating to Muslims and sharing the love of Jesus with them.  We spent 6 very intense days sitting through a variety of seminars, from learning about the history of Islam, understanding the basics of how Islam works, learning about the variety of cultures among Muslims, understanding the New Testament in relation to how Muslims interpret it, question and answer times, and a panel of believers who had converted from Islam to Christianity.  It was fascinating and a lot of information to take in.  Our minds were on overload by the end of the week, but we definitely feel more informed and equipped in our understanding of the religious culture we will soon be living in. 

We also were so encouraged and enjoyed spending time with some of our classmates from candidacy in January, as well as meeting a few MAF couples we didn't know who are heading to Indonesia or Central Asia countries.  Here is a snapshot of some of our time.

 We stayed in the dorms at Bethel University, definitely brought back college memories!

 Our classroom all day long

 Footwashing ceremony during our final send-off

 A group of us MAF couples headed to Indonesia

 Enjoying our small group meeting during lunch, yay cafeteria food!

 Tyler must have had a very deep thought going on there....

Deputation Trip and Crescent Project

We have officially "hit the road" on our first LOOOONG deputation trip as missionaries.  On May 23rd we loaded up the van (thankfully it didn't drag under all the weight) and drove 1,000 miles to Rugby, ND, where we have been living for the last several weeks as we visit churches, family, and friends.  We have reconnected with supporters, met with new people, shared at new and old churches, and generally been encouraged and strengthened in the confirmation of our call to serve with MAF.

 yup, that's a full vehicle

 at one of the rest stops.  can't beat western Montana for beauty!

 Overall the kids did really well on the 2-day trip to ND.  I did hang out in the backseat for awhile

 The boys had activity bags to help divide up their time, 3 bags for each day, with some new

and some repeated activities.  Yay for silly putty!

 Aaron and cousin Abigail, 6 weeks apart.

 We have spent LOTS of time at the parks in Rugby, trying to expend the boys energy during the days

 Gotta love the slides!

 Lunch/play date with my high school friend Kayla, who is such a blessing in my life

 I can't get enough of his silliness

She's all grins now and loves talking to us!  Wow, almost 3 months already...

 Family picture time...growing so fast

Right now we are in St. Paul, MN at Crescent Project, which is a week-long seminar about building bridges with Muslims.  We are excited to be here as it helps prepare us to live alongside and build relationship "bridges" to share Jesus with Muslims in our future home in Indonesia.


We look forward to sharing with you how God is working as we continue our travels over the next 6 weeks.  Already we are seeing our contact list grow, new partners in our ministry coming alongside us, and churches that have decided to partner with us.  Thank you for your continued prayers!

The Schmidt's