An Update from Kenya (feat. Michael Hudson):

Greetings from Kenya! I’m so excited to share another update with you all! Things have been going incredibly well! God has been so faithful to us, despite the enemy's attempts to create obstacles. The Lord is working in me, which was my ultimate prayer before starting this journey. Often, I can have faith without being very faithful. What does that mean? Well, I can believe that God will provide in my life, but am I being faithful with what He has already provided? Since being here, I’ve learned that my faith can be hindered because I have so much. Seeing people here with great faith, despite having so little, has shaken me to my core.

What have I done with the abundance God has blessed me with? Have I used it fully for His glory? What can I do differently? These are questions I continue to ask myself. God has revealed so much truth during my time here. I’ve witnessed people worship with a genuine heart, and it’s both encouraging and refreshing. One thing I’m being careful about is watching my mentality. Just because someone is in ministry or on the mission field doesn’t mean they’ve “arrived” spiritually. In fact, I would argue that intentional worship can be quite difficult for someone who believes they’ve already “arrived.” No one will celebrate the presence of Christ more than the person who has embraced their desperate need for Him every single day.

Things have been going great! We’ve continued our children’s ministry trainings and other activities. A few days ago, I had the chance to spend time with several pastors in the area. It was an encouraging time, as we quickly bonded and shared our common faith in Christ through conversation.

This update is a bit different. Michael Hudson, one of the people I’m serving with, will take over from here. He and his wife, Regina, are also spending time here. It’s been a privilege to serve alongside them. Fun fact: when I was in children’s ministry, they were the ones who taught me! So, I’ll let Michael take it from here!

"Cage asked if I would write an entry for his blog. My wife and I, Regina and Michael Hudson, left Alabama on July 22nd. Having to deal with flight cancellations and moving our departure from Huntsville to Atlanta wasn’t fun. By the time we landed in Zambia on July 24th, we were exhausted.  After a few days of recovery, we hit the ground running.

Over the next month, we preached and taught at multiple conferences.  I was at a different church preaching every Sunday. It was overwhelming to say the least. The spiritual attacks had started before we left home, and they only intensified. During prayer, my flesh would rear its ugly head in the battle in my mind. No matter how many times I prayed Philippians 4:8-9 and 2 Corinthians 10:5, the battle raged. We had left with a feeling of depression and wondering if anyone cared about us. I was standing there everyday feeling like we were alone on an island.

This attack was relentless, and I couldn’t seem to shake it. I don’t remember the exact day, but it was somewhere around our third week in Zambia, God opened my mind and heart. He reminded me that I had only being dealing with this for a month. Missionaries who have surrendered to the call full time deal with this every day. I had a dear friend’s wife pass away; I was angry that I wasn’t able to be there for him. Our missionaries deal with this every year and more. They leave home wondering if they’ll ever see a loved one again. I may have been on the island for a month, but they have been here for years.

Imagine day after day of pouring your heart and life into others while your loved ones are thousands of miles away. When you go to church, there are expectations that are often unattainable. And as they expect you to preach and teach every week, you never get to gather with your church and worship. I was standing on a dirt road in Zambia when God decided I was ready to understand. These men and women have committed their lives to serve and have forsaken all for God’s glory. They deal with these emotions and feelings every day.

As we left Zambia and arrived in Kenya, I had a better understanding than ever before. These men and women need to know that we love them and are praying for them. They need to know that while they may be on the island, that unlike Wilson, we are truly having a relationship with them. Just like on an island, the mission field is a strenuous life. The loneliness that missionaries feel and the frustration of missing loved ones is strong. The demands of those they serve always seem to exceed what they can and in many cases should do. They need to know that we are lifting them up in prayer and hear from us as we encourage them.

We can’t all go on the field full time. But we can love and communicate with those God sends.  

Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Look at the joy Paul expresses from the communication of the church at Philippi. What have I learned over the last months serving with the Hadens and Vances? Yes, they need financial support. Yes, they need people to come and help minister with them in the field. But they also just need people to love them, pray for them, and take the time to communicate with them. If we don’t reach out, the island becomes a very lonely place."

I am so thankful to be able to serve with the Hudsons, they have been super influential in my life, and I am so thankful that I am able to continue learning from them! Below are some pictures! Feel free to click through them!