Lesser-Known Facts about the Sowers4Pastors Child Sponsorship Programs

 In our previous post, Sowing Hope, the new public sponsorship program, was officially announced. While that post covered the highlights, there’s more to the story. Allen and Trish wanted to take a moment to pull back the curtain and explain some little-known facts about how Sowers4Pastors sponsorship programs work.

Because what’s happening goes far beyond a single child receiving help.

A child shares her new Bible story book 
with a younger sibling!

Let’s start with something foundational: nutrition.

The meals provided through S4P programs are specifically designed to combat malnutrition — not starvation, but a quieter, more hidden issue that can still have serious long-term effects. Many of the children are eating regularly at home but not receiving the nutrients their growing bodies and brains need. Just two highly enriched, vitamin fortified meals per week can make a measurable difference.

In fact, over time, there’s been a noticeable impact. In communities with long-term feeding programs, children are actually growing taller as they reach adulthood — a small but powerful sign that something is changing at a foundational level.

As Trish explained, “You might think the meals are chosen because they are inexpensive. While the food is provided to us by Food for Kidz for free in the US (we pay the rather large cost of shipping and customs), we wouldn’t use it if it wasn't exactly what the kids need. They are getting what will be the biggest blessing to their health.”

Spiritual nourishment is just as intentional. Every child in the program receives a Bible, and new ones are distributed every three years. In many cases, that means an entire household gains access to Scripture — something that might otherwise be out of reach, as books are expensive and not easily accessible in many parts of Honduras.

S4P also invests heavily in the materials used to teach those children in both the schools and the churches, and provides training to the teachers who will be using them. The Bible curriculum is not chosen at random or applied universally. Secia carefully selects materials that best fit each specific school, community, and church. Pastors are also given the freedom to choose a second curriculum for their Sunday school, (to avoid repetition between what is taught at the school and what is taught at the church) all provided at no cost. It’s a thoughtful, tailored approach that recognizes that each community has unique needs.

Then there’s a part of the program that often requires a bit more explanation.

When S4P enters a new school, they are stepping out in faith, giving every child in the community the opportunity to receive all of the benefits, immediately, even though none of them are yet sponsored. Every registered child receives the same benefits — meals, Bible lessons, backpacks, shoes, and medical care — whether they have an individual sponsor or not. The only difference is the absence of regular correspondence with a sponsor. As Trish put it, “We’re not going to go in and feed some of the kids and not others.” As Allen put it, "It's not like we're going to say: 'Hey kid, hang around. As soon as you're sponsored, we'll give you the supplies so you can go to school.' "

At the start of every school year, S4P holds an informational meeting with the parents of the children in the program. This ensures that the parents know what is required of the children, to remain in the program - basically, that they are attending school, and that they write letters to their sponsors. The parents are encouraged to make their child's education a priority. This is also a time when parents hear about the reason the program exists - and the Gospel is shared with them.

In addition, when a new program is started, the children in the upper grades - who aren't likely to remain more than a year or two in the program, because they're coming close to the end of the available education in their community - are NOT made available for sponsorship. S4P feels it would be sad and discouraging for sponsors to lose a sponsored child so soon after sponsoring them. They like to give the sponsor-child relationship the opportunity to grow over multiple years, when possible. This also makes it less likely that a sponsor will send a backpack for a specific child, only to find out, soon after, that the child isn't going to attend another year of school.

While that may be a difficult reality to process, it does not mean those children miss out on the benefits of the program

Even the backpacks reflect this commitment. Unsponsored children receive the same care and attention, including items that bring joy — not just the essentials. While S4P offers the opportunity for sponsors to send a personalized backpack full of supplies to the child they sponsor, they'd like to affirm that there is no obligation for sponsors to do so. As Allen and Trish frequently remind people, the sponsor-created backpacks are an opportunity for the sponsors to connect with their child - they are NOT a responsibility. Every child will receive a backpack, regardless!

This approach can feel surprising at first, but it reflects something bigger about how S4P operates. Sponsorship is both personal and communal.

When you sponsor one child, you’re helping create a system that lifts an entire community. You’re supporting children without sponsors. You’re helping strengthen local churches. You’re contributing to the possibility of new programs in nearby areas, as the program funds help empower other pastors who may run sponsorship programs in the future.

And those programs don’t appear overnight.

Trish explained that when S4P considers a new location, several factors must align. There must be a genuine need, a strong pastor capable of leading the program, and even practical considerations like road access for deliveries and team visits. Sometimes, it takes years for everything to fall into place. In multiple communities, the educators and pastors have reached out to us, to see if we could start a program in their location. They continue to pray for this, as we look for the needed resources to expand into new areas - specifically more sponsors!

When it all comes together, the impact can ripple outward in unexpected ways.

In most mountain communities, schools are only available through the 6th grade. That’s often where education stops — not by choice, but by limitation. However, S4P has seen a pattern emerge. When more students begin graduating from 6th grade, it can actually influence government decisions to expand the school system and add middle school grades in that location.

It has already happened in some of the communities where we work. It starts with meeting a need, and it grows into something more.

It’s about having both “eagle vision” and “mouse vision.” The eagle sees the big picture — the long-term impact, the growth of communities, the expansion of opportunity. The mouse focuses on what’s right in front of it — the individual child, the daily needs, the small but meaningful details.

Both matter.

S4P carries the responsibility of the big picture. Sponsors step into the privilege of caring for one child in a very personal way.

And together, it works.

Because when everything comes together — nutrition, education, spiritual growth, and community support — it’s not just a program.

It’s transformation, one child at a time… and one community at a time.

- posted by Christi

It's Official: Announcing the new Sowing Hope Sponsorship Program!

Did you know you can actually look up ways to make a grand proclamation online? It’s true. And while we could have gone full royal decree here, we’ll keep it simple:

Sowers4Pastors is officially launching its new public sponsorship program — Sowing Hope! Yay!

If you’ve been following along with the blog, you’ve already heard a bit about this program. But now, it’s live and ready to explore on Sowers4Pastors.com. Unlike the Sister Church programs, Sowing Hope is open to anyone who feels called to sponsor a child — no matter where you live or what church you attend. And while it’s more accessible, it offers the same life-changing benefits to the children it serves - and all for only $20 per month!

So, what exactly does sponsorship through Sowing Hope provide?

First, there’s something foundational: feeding the kids both physically and spiritually.

Let's start with the meals. Twice a week, children in the program receive meals designed to meet the nutritional needs many of them would otherwise go without. These highly enriched, fortified meals are served at school and also made available at the church on Sunday mornings. In regions where malnutrition is a serious concern, this consistency makes a profound difference. Through a partnership with another ministry, Food for Kidz, S4P is able to provide food that supports both physical growth and cognitive development.

The program also includes regular Bible lessons and materials, which are closely tied to the meal program. During the school year, these lessons are taught at both the public schools and the local church, by either the pastor, or a Sunday school teacher. This ensures that every child—regardless of church attendance—has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in a consistent and meaningful way.

Each child also receives something just as essential in a different way: a Bible. Upon entering the program, children are given an age-appropriate Bible, and every three years, they receive a new one. This not only supports their personal spiritual growth, but often ensures that each household has access to Scripture.

Of course, one of the most recognizable parts of the program is the distribution of backpacks and shoes. Every child receives a backpack filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and a few fun extras—along with a sturdy new pair of school shoes. For many families, these items remove barriers that would otherwise keep children from attending school at all.

Another important aspect is medical care. Children receive health screenings through medical teams. If a concern is identified by the medical team, or at other times of the year, S4P helps coordinate follow-up care through partnerships with other ministries. This might include covering the cost of the medical care, transportation, meals, and lodging if a child needs to travel for treatment—such as visiting a clinic that provides eye care. Sometimes, when the costs are high, we reach out to our supporters to help defray the expenses.

And then there’s something less tangible, but just as powerful: positive influence and connection. Through the program, children build relationships with a local church, the pastor, their Sunday school teacher, and their sponsor. These connections can have lasting impact. In one recent example, a visiting sponsor was able to encourage a child’s parents to allow that child to continue in school for another year. Moments like that don’t happen by accident — they grow out of trust, consistency, and care.

Sowers4Pastors has been intentional in launching Sowing Hope in an area led by a strong local pastor — someone equipped to guide and support both the children and the broader community. The need is great, but so is the potential for transformation, and the advancement of the Gospel.

If you’d like to be part of this new chapter, take a look at the children currently available for sponsorship on the website. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, check out the next post: Little-Known Facts about the Sowers4Pastors Sponsorship Programs!

- posted by Christi

Retreat, Take Me Away

Raise your hand if you’re old enough to remember those classic Calgon bubble bath commercials. You know the ones—an overwhelmed mom juggling dinner, noise, chaos, and one last nerve… until she finally cries out, “Calgon, take me away!” and suddenly she’s transported to a peaceful bubble bath, far from the madness.

In the world of missionaries, retreats can feel a little like that.

Retreat, take me away!

Over the past few weeks, most of the Sowers4Pastors staff has had the opportunity to do just that — step away from the constant motion of ministry and spend intentional time being refreshed.

“As Christians, especially as missionaries, it is important to stay close to God,” Brandy shared. “We try to take the chance to attend retreats whenever possible.”

There is an organization that hosts retreats for foreign missionaries twice a year, and S4P’s American staff members usually attend one of them. Mary Faith recently participated in one of these retreats, and another will be held in the coming months for Rachel and Brandy to attend.

At the same time, local churches organize retreats as well. This past weekend, Alejandro, Secia, Brandy, and Rachel traveled to Tegucigalpa for a church retreat, while other Honduran staff members attended one closer to home in Gracias.

Different locations. Same purpose. To pause. To rest. To be filled.

Brandy took a moment to reflect on why that matters so much. “We are always pouring into other people,” he said. “We help more than 2,000 kids. We pour into pastors. We just keep pouring and pouring throughout the year. It’s important for us to also take time to be filled spiritually.”

And this season? It’s been a full one.

Backpack distributions. Coffee harvest. Launching a new program. Starting the Sunday school teacher training. Good work. Meaningful work. But still — work that requires energy, focus, and heart.

Which is exactly why stepping away matters.

After his recent retreat, Brandy summed it up simply: “It was refreshing. I feel like I can keep going now. And I encourage others to remember to take time for God. Take the time to seek the Lord, and He will renew you. He will refresh everything.”

There’s something powerful about that reminder.

We don’t have to wait until we’re completely drained to pause. We don’t have to earn rest by running ourselves into the ground first.

Sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is step away long enough to be refilled.

As Psalm 51:10 reminds us:

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Because unlike a bubble bath commercial, real renewal doesn’t come from escaping life. It comes from returning to the One who sustains it. And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the time? Go ahead — try it. It’s even better than Calgon.

- posted by Christi

Many Hats, One Calling: Mary Faith’s Second Year in Motion

 Guess what? Mary Faith has officially been in Honduras for over a year. Time flies when you’re juggling… well, just about everything.

And that’s exactly how she describes this season of life.

“Last year, when I was brand new, I mostly sat in front of the computer,” she shared. “I went out with teams for a day or two every now and then, but I was usually in the office.”

This year? Completely different story.

Mary Faith has traded in her “newbie at a desk” role for something much more hands-on. During the recent stretch of team visits, she spent nearly three weeks out in the field — driving teams to remote villages, helping with backpack distributions, and connecting with the children and families Sowers4Pastors serves.

And yes, she genuinely enjoyed being behind the wheel. Not everyone can say they relish navigating rugged roads to remote communities, but Mary Faith isn’t exactly aiming for “ordinary.”

One bonus of all that time on the road? Spanish practice.

Mary Faith has continued her online classes twice a week, but real-life conversations took things to another level. She teamed up with Jenny, a Honduran staff member who is working on her English, and the two formed a perfect language-learning partnership — helping each other grow one conversation at a time.

Of course, while she was fully embracing her “team driver/backpack distribution” hat, she knew another one was waiting for her back at the office.

And now… it’s back on.

With team season wrapped up, Mary Faith has returned to her desk to tackle one of the ministry’s biggest behind-the-scenes tasks: updating children’s profiles and uploading new photos. While all the time-sensitive profiles have already been completed, she’s determined to get as many finished as possible before her next big adventure.

Because coming up soon — she’s heading to North Carolina.

Mary Faith will be traveling in May to welcome her very first grandchild (and yes, she is appropriately excited about this promotion to “Grandma”). She plans to spend several weeks soaking in that sweet new role before shifting into a full schedule of stateside responsibilities.

And it’s not exactly a light itinerary.

While in the U.S., she’ll be renewing her passport and driver’s license, attending a reunion in Pennsylvania, celebrating a wedding in California, and traveling to raise ministry support. If you’re in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona, or possibly parts of the Midwest, there may be an opportunity to connect. She would love to speak at churches or even meet one-on-one with anyone interested in learning more about her work.

Meanwhile, back in Honduras — or at least partially — there are still a few moving pieces. A dental team is scheduled to arrive in May, and Mary Faith hopes to be there to help host them at the ministry house. However, as with all things involving babies, the timeline may have its own opinions.

Thankfully, there’s a plan.

With a helpful suggestion from Kirstin, Mary Faith is now scanning child profile information to her Google Drive, allowing her to continue working remotely while she’s in the States. The hats may change locations — but they’re definitely not being set down.

In the middle of all this activity, there was also a much-needed pause.

In March, between team visits, Mary Faith made a six-hour drive to attend a missionary retreat. She described the experience simply as “a lifesaver.” It gave her the chance to rest, reset, and return with renewed energy for everything ahead.

And that’s really the story of this season.

More hats. More movement. More responsibility.

But also more connection, more growth, and more moments of seeing exactly where she’s meant to be.

Because whether she’s behind a desk, behind the wheel, or somewhere in between, Mary Faith is right where she needs to be — faithfully serving, one hat at a time.

- posted by Christi

When Plans Fall Apart . . . and God Steps In

Last week, Sowers4Pastors set out to distribute backpacks at a new school in the Lighthouse program. If everything had gone according to plan, this would be a very short blog post.

But… (go ahead, read this in your best Morgan Freeman voice) everything did not go according to plan.

The day started off smoothly enough. Brandy was behind the wheel of one of the ministry’s largest trucks, loaded down with boxes of shoes and backpacks. On his way to pick up the rest of the team, he heard a strange noise. Being wisely uninterested in becoming an action movie stunt driver, he pulled over to investigate. Seeing nothing obvious, he continued on — until the problem made itself very clear.

The brakes were gone.

Brandy promptly turned the truck around and carefully made his way back to the property. The team unloaded everything and redistributed the supplies into three smaller trucks.

Crisis averted… or so it seemed.

On the way to the school, road construction brought things to a crawl. Two of the trucks were stopped for over an hour, unable to pass. But one truck made it through just in time — meaning Secia arrived at the school well ahead of everyone else.

And this is where things start to get impressive.

Without hesitation, Secia stepped in and delivered the orientation Brandy had planned to give. Since this was a brand-new school in the program, parents and teachers needed a clear understanding of what to expect — what S4P provides and what is required of the students. Secia covered it all like she’d been preparing for it all week.

By the time the other trucks finally arrived — about an hour and a half late — she was already gearing up to begin student registration. (If there isn’t already a superhero named “Orientation Woman,” there should be.)

But the surprises weren’t over yet.

The trucks had been loaded at record speed earlier that morning, thanks to the farm crew back at the property. Now, standing at the school, Brandy realized something important was missing.

The farm crew.

The boxes were heavy. The distance to the classrooms was not short. And suddenly, there wasn’t an obvious way to get everything where it needed to go.

So Brandy did what he’s learned to do in moments like this.

He prayed.

“God, this is Your problem now. You’ve sent me, and I’ve obeyed. Now I need You to provide what we can’t do in our own strength.”

And provide He did.

A pastor from a nearby town — who regularly teaches Bible lessons — was there that day, along with a large group of men from the church. Typically, only mothers come to register their children, but this time was different. As soon as the need became clear, the men stepped in and asked where to help.

Within ten minutes, all three trucks were completely unloaded.

Ten minutes.

And the support didn’t stop there. The pastor remained actively involved, church members helped distribute shoes and backpacks, and others guided the children through the process — including making sure each one made it to the photographer after receiving their items. What could have been a frustrating, disjointed day turned into a beautiful picture of teamwork and service.

Brandy reflected on how seamlessly the school and the church worked together. What started as a series of setbacks became a powerful reminder: God doesn’t need perfect plans to accomplish His purposes.

This new school already shows incredible promise. The elementary school (grades 1–6) serves around 200 students, with a secondary school (grades 7–12) located right next door. The potential for impact is significant — and after a day like this, the foundation feels even stronger.

Because sometimes, the story isn’t about everything going right.

Sometimes, it’s about what happens when everything goes wrong — and God shows up anyway.

And if this day was any indication, He’s already very much at work here.

- posted by Christi

Full or Empty? The Oil that Changes Everything

A few months ago, Brandy discovered something unexpected — he enjoys writing devotionals. When it came time to prepare this week’s blog post and he wasn’t sure what to share, he did what he’s learned to do: he prayed.

The answer came quickly.

God brought to mind a devotional he had written called “Full or Empty?” — a message rooted in two powerful passages of Scripture: one from 2 Kings 4 and the other from Matthew 25. As Brandy shared it, he was also translating it from Spanish to English for the very first time.

“These stories show us something important,” he said. “We all have a need that only God can fill.”

The first story takes us to a place of deep desperation. A widow, already grieving the loss of her husband, is left drowning in debt with no way out. Her situation is so dire that a creditor is preparing to take her two sons as payment. With nowhere else to turn, she cries out to the prophet Elisha.

When he asks what she has in her home, her answer feels almost hopeless: nothing — except a small jar of oil.

Not exactly a solution.

And yet, Elisha tells her to go to her neighbors and collect empty jars. Not just a few, but as many as she can find. Then, with her sons beside her, she is to begin pouring oil from her small jar into the empty ones.

It doesn’t make sense on paper. The math doesn’t add up. But the miracle isn’t in the math.

One by one, every jar is filled. The oil flows until there are no more empty vessels left to receive it. In the end, the widow has enough to pay her debts and provide for her family. What once felt like “nothing” became more than enough in the hands of God.

The second story carries a different kind of urgency.

In Matthew 25, ten young women are waiting for a bridegroom to arrive. Each brings a lamp, but only five bring extra oil. As the night stretches on, all of them grow tired and fall asleep.

When the call finally comes that the bridegroom is near, the difference between them becomes clear. The wise women are ready — their lamps are full. The others are not.

In a moment of panic, the unprepared women ask to borrow oil, but it’s not something that can be shared at the last minute. While they rush out to find what they lack, the bridegroom arrives. The door is closed. The opportunity is missed.

Two stories. Two very different situations. But one common thread.

Oil.

Brandy explains that oil in the Bible represents the presence of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a symbol of strength for the weak, comfort for the hurting, and guidance for those who feel lost. It represents peace, joy, and the sustaining presence of God in a believer’s life.

In both stories, the need is the same: something only God can provide.

“The widow felt empty,” Brandy said. “She was afraid and believed she had nothing of value. The women in the second story were tired of waiting — but only some of them were prepared. The others hadn’t matured enough spiritually to be ready.”

Then comes the question that turns the focus toward us:

“How is your spiritual condition?”

It’s not a question meant to condemn — but to invite reflection.

“What are we filling ourselves with?” Brandy asks. “We are like a jar or a lamp. We can become empty. But if we seek God daily, we will be filled with His presence. When we don’t, we start to feel tired, worried, and burned out.”

Life has a way of draining us. That’s not a surprise.

But where we go to be refilled — that changes everything.

“We need to look for God to fill us,” Brandy said. “To seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God never promised a life without trouble. There will be challenges. But He does promise that we can come to Him and find rest. He can take what feels heavy and make it lighter.”

And that’s the invitation. Not to strive harder. Not to pretend we’re not running low. But to come, empty if needed — and be filled.

“With this, I invite you to look for God,” Brandy said. “Connect with Him. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. With God, you will find peace, joy, and comfort. Even when life is hard, you won’t feel desperate. And you will be ready when the Lord calls you.”

Because in the end, the question isn’t whether life will pour things out of you.

It’s whether you’re making space for God to pour something back in.

 - posted by Christi

From Calling to Classroom: A New Chapter Begins

It was a joyful and meaningful opening day for the new Sunday school teacher training school — one that felt less like a single event and more like the beginning of something much bigger.

The inaugural session began with a small ceremony to mark the launch of the program, but there was nothing small about its significance.

Leaders from the seminary in Tegucigalpa made the journey to Gracias for the occasion, including the dean, a department head, and the instructor for the first module. For them, this was a milestone moment. As Brandy shared, this marks the first time the seminary has ever brought a formal training program to Western Honduras.

But what stood out most wasn’t just the logistics — it was the story behind it all.

The dean shared that the seminary itself was founded about forty years ago after its founder recognized a need in rural villages. Many people had a deep desire to teach the Bible, but little to no formal training. Some could barely read, yet they carried a genuine passion to share God’s Word.

“They had the heart,” Brandy reflected, “but they didn’t have the tools.”

Now, decades later, that same need is being met in a new way — and in a new place.

Thirty-five students attended the first session, representing churches from across the region. A few were unable to be there due to personal circumstances, but there is hope they will join in the months ahead. Even so, the room was filled with energy, purpose, and a shared commitment to grow.

Brandy was able to sit in on part of the training and came away encouraged.

“The teacher leading this module is dynamic,” he said. “She had everyone engaged — learning through play, participating, and fully involved. You could tell the students were enjoying it.”

That joy matters. Because this isn’t just about information — it’s about transformation.

“It’s amazing how God gives us vision,” Brandy said. “We may have different callings, but we share the same purpose. Many ministries are doing different kinds of work, but ultimately, it all points back to spreading the Gospel. The vision of this seminary aligns perfectly with the vision of Sowers4Pastors. Their vision is our vision.”

And this is only the beginning.

As Brandy put it, “This is how big things start — with one small step.”

That step, however, comes with real commitment. Seminary staff are traveling long distances from Tegucigalpa, and students are coming from villages across the region — all connected through S4P sponsorship programs. They are leaving their homes, traveling to Gracias, staying overnight, and returning the next day, all for the opportunity to learn and grow.

That kind of dedication deserves both recognition and support.

So as this program gets underway, there is a clear and meaningful way to be part of it: through prayer.

Pray for perseverance — for both the students and the staff — as they commit to the months ahead. Pray for encouragement when the journey feels long. And pray that what is being learned doesn’t stop in the classroom, but flows outward into churches, communities, and future generations.

Because that’s the goal.

To teach those who will go on to teach others.

And that’s how something small becomes something lasting.

Even Missionaries Get Tired (And God Still Shows Up)

 Breaking news: missionaries get tired, too.

Brandy is sharing a bit more personally this week, pulling back the curtain on what life can really look like on the mission field. It’s easy to imagine something a little more…storybook. Maybe not full-on woodland creatures doing the dishes, but at least a steady soundtrack of joy and a nonstop stream of meaningful, mountaintop moments.

“It sounds nice,” Brandy said, “but sometimes we get tired.”

Over the past couple of weeks, Nathan, Michael, Levi, and Lottie have all been sick. Rachel has been sick. Brandy has been sick. That’s a full house of illness — with no magical helpers stepping in to cook meals or keep things running smoothly. And all of this has been happening right in the middle of team season, when energy, focus, and presence are needed the most.

“I remember thinking, I’m already tired, and now we’re starting a team week,” Brandy said.

He pushed through and went out with the team, but something felt off.

“I wasn’t feeling joy. All the circumstances in life were adding stress.”

Then came an unexpected gift.

“There was one of the older men on the team,” Brandy shared. “He was always happy — dancing around, full of joy. Every day I spent time with him, it felt like he was giving me some of his joy.”

By the end of the week, something had shifted.

“I felt like I had my joy back,” Brandy said. “I told him that, and I really believe God was speaking to me through him.”

The following week, when the Crosspoint team arrived, Brandy could no longer ignore the fact that he was sick, too. One day, instead of heading out with the team, he stayed in town and went to the doctor.

“I had a really sore throat. My sinuses weren’t handling the dust well. And I even had an issue with my eye from all the dust,” he said.

The diagnosis wasn’t surprising. The dry season — better described as the dusty season — had taken its toll.

Even so, Brandy continued going out with the team when he could. During one visit, he spoke with a local pastor serving in one of the poorest communities. The pastor has faithfully led his congregation for eight years, and now they are beginning construction on a sanctuary.

“The building is going to be huge,” Brandy said.

What the pastor shared next left an impression.

“We don’t have a budget to build,” he said, “but God is providing.”

He went on to explain that focusing too much on resources — or the lack of them — can derail what God is calling you to do.

“Focus on God and God’s vision,” the pastor told him. “If you focus on the money or the circumstances, you’ll stop. You’ll start trusting in your own strength instead of God’s.”

That perspective landed exactly where it needed to.

“When we are feeling tired, we need to remember to rest in God and trust in Him,” Brandy said. “He is always taking care of us — in every situation. When you’re sick, when you’re tired, when you’re trying to build something bigger than you… He’s there.”

That was the reminder Brandy wanted to share this week — not just about the hard moments, but about where to turn in the middle of them.

Thank you for continuing to pray for Sowers4Pastors. Those prayers matter more than you know. In a very real way, everyone who prays is part of the ministry — strengthening, encouraging, and helping carry the work forward.

Health Update

There is good news to report. Levi and Lottie have fully recovered, and Nathan and Michael are improving, though still a bit under the weather. Rachel has had the toughest stretch, making multiple trips to the doctor with a serious respiratory infection, but she is finally beginning to feel better.

As for Brandy, he isn’t quite back to 100%, but that hasn’t stopped him from heading out to deliver a second round of backpacks.

Please continue to keep the entire family in your prayers — for healing, for strength, and yes… even for a little extra joy along the way.

  - posted by Christi