I recently found myself on a call with a pastor living in an undisclosed Central Asian country. As we got to know each other, he casually mentioned how he’d been imprisoned twice for operating an underground church. Hebrews 11 speaks of those of whom this world is not worthy. I felt that sense deep inside me as we prayed together. Today he hopes to launch a seminary to train pastors. I have the privilege of serving on a mentor’s team working with him and others like him from around the world.

I am grateful to work with such motivated doctoral students and professors, and I’m often reminded that the six feet behind a college lectern is the most valuable real estate in the world.

In March this coming year I will travel to Italy for a set of outreaches featuring American academics. Then in June and again in October my wife and I will lead groups on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Alongside these mission experiences (and my writing), I coach professors and graduate students to live faithfully in their workplaces and communicate their faith to both the students they teach and their peers in the academic ranks. I work with many wonderful people who are trusting the Lord to make a difference though their platform as a professor and instructor.

My wife and I serve around the world because of the faithfulness of many donors. We give thanks for the generosity of those who keep us on the field. On staff with Cru we raise all the funds needed to cover salary, health care, retirement benefits and ministry expenses— everything we receive. Amazingly, we’ve now seen the Lord provide this way for 40 years.

As we look to the coming year with its many opportunities, We need to raise an additional $30,000. Along with international mission trips and other ministry expenses, increases in medical insurance add to the total.

Would you prayerfully consider giving toward this need?

This is best met through on-going giving on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. But a gift of any amount helps us serve for the coming year. If you would like to help, you can do so by making a one-time gift, or joining our team on a regular basis. There are two ways you can give. Either go to give.cru.org/0370900 or use the QR code below.

Thank you for considering this request. As followers of my blog, I appreciate your readership and your interest. At this year ends, I’m looking forward to 2026 and watching how the Lord works!

Dave

Photo by Dawid Zawiła