Aheartformissions.org
Next Step: Rwanda 2026 |
INTRODUCTION
How did a single lady from The Villages, Florida end up in Nepal? Before this trip I had absolutely no experience in missions - nothing, nada, zilch! This goes to prove that God can use anyone. But God was laying the groundwork many years prior. As I shared in my testimony in Nepal, God used my very troubled past and my re-commitment to Him in 2025 and a stepping stone to tell my story of the power of His transformation in Central Asia. The wells that we built in Nepal are a symbol of the living water, the love and the care of this missions trip for the people. |
The journey begins... |
My TestimonyI was born in Wisconsin, USA. My parents were still in high school when they had me, and I grew up carrying the label of being a mistake—unwanted and unplanned. That belief followed me throughout much of my life, leaving me with a deep yearning to be loved.
God was part of my life from an early age. I knew of Jesus, but I had not yet received Him as my Lord and Savior. At a tender age, I experienced sexual abuse, which planted seeds of confusion, shame, guilt, anger, and a profound sense of worthlessness. As I entered early adulthood, I was drawn into the world’s vices. Satan gained a foothold through shopping, sexual immorality, drug use, and rock ’n’ roll. These pursuits became idols that overshadowed God’s presence in my life. Caught in lies, deceit, and deception, I slowly drifted farther from who God created me to be. God has given us free will, and for a long time mine was marked by self-centeredness and self-will. I was influenced by the poor company I kept. Deep down, I knew this wasn’t who I truly was, but Satan’s chains held me captive—imprisoned in my own thoughts. In 2014, God intervened when I suffered a brain aneurysm and stroke that nearly took my life. As I questioned why I survived, someone said to me, “God’s not finished with you yet.” Those words stirred my heart and drew me back toward Jesus. Yet without a firm spiritual foundation, the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 and the sudden loss of my mother in 2018 sent me searching for comfort in drugs and alcohol. My physical and spiritual selves battled for control. I failed to turn to God for help and kept trying to run my own life—leading only toward ruin. Everything changed in 2022, when I fully surrendered my life to Christ on a jail cell floor following my arrest for driving under the influence. Part of my sentence required 80 hours of community service, which brought me to the SONshine Café at Village View Community Church. What began as serving a sentence became choosing a mission. God already had His plan in motion. It was through that church that God introduced me to International Logos Ministries and Pastor Rashid during an evening service. That night, I felt God’s gentle nudge to help and serve. Praise God—I have been set free. I am born again, renewed, and refreshed—no longer a slave to sin. I publicly declared my faith through baptism on Father’s Day in June 2025, alongside my earthly father. God continued building upon my salvation, opening doors for me to share my testimony at the International Pastor and Leadership Conference Network in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2025. Throughout that journey, I kept thinking of Esther—knowing this was my moment to step out boldly in faith with IPLC Network and ILM Mission in Nepal. God has transformed my life in countless ways and continues to shape me into a new creation. I have a heart for missions and sharing the good news and hope to those who are lost and suffering. “A drop of water saves lives” is a passion I have. No one should be without fresh water. I’m honored and greatly blessed to be a part of this ministry. I am redeemed. I am loved. I am a child of the Almighty Father. All glory be to God. |
The CallFor a long time, missions to me meant the organizations I saw on television, pamphlets that came in the mail, or outreach opportunities at church.
That began to change when I partnered with Compassion International and sponsored a young boy who was eight years old. Through that relationship, I saw firsthand how supporting a child can enhance education, improve quality of life, and most importantly, share the love of Jesus. Later, I met Pastor Rashid and learned about his ministry. His journey began over 20 years ago at Village View Community Church on a Mission Night. Around that same time, I met his family, who had just relocated from Pakistan. I felt God gently nudging my heart to take an interest—not only in their mission and ministry, but also in walking alongside their family as they adapted to American culture. That obedience opened another door. My heart felt for those who had no freshwater to drink, bathe or cook with. I felt God calling me to step out boldly and for God to use me as a vessel for those without a voice. International logos ministries is involved in education, orphans, medical needs, freshwater wells, and saving souls that are lost that have never heard the good news Of Salvation. Getting to know his mission and heart for the Lord set a fire in my soul and I wanted to do something. |
The invitation...and the experience
In December 2025, I was invited by International Logos Ministry to be part of an International Pastors and Leadership Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal. For one week, I joined pastors and leaders from ten different countries for training, encouragement, and equipping—many of whom serve both in local churches and directly in the mission field.
The final week we traveled from Kathmandu to Pokhara and the outlying area in Chitwan. We were able to see God’s work through your donations and blessings for the “Drop of water saves lives” fresh water well project. What a blessing to see the freshwater pumped out for these lacking communities Giving them new hope, and the news of Jesus, our Lord and Savior who died for us and loves us so much. What began as watching missions from a distance became stepping into God’s global story—and discovering that missions isn’t just something we support… it’s something we live. What I’ve learned through this journey is that missions doesn’t always begin with a plane ticket — it often begins with a simple yes. A yes to sponsoring a child. A yes to building relationships. A yes to listening when God nudges your heart. God doesn’t call us all to go to the same places, but He does call each of us to be willing. Whether it’s across the world or right here in our own community, He invites us to be vessels of His love, hope, and truth. My prayer is that as you hear my story, you’ll ask God what your next yes might be. |
Itinerary
Dec.1-5 IPLC Network Training & speaking Dec.6 - Bhaktapur tour - Attended Anglican Living Hope Church in Kathmandu Dec.7 - Bagmati Province - Lumbini Province/Water Well #66 - Village Bairlya Dec.8 - Lumbini Province/Water well #69 - Village Fenahara/Water well #67 - Chitwan District - ILM Church of Denali Dec.9 - Pokhara/Water well #68 - Village of Gangapur - Mustang Chok area - Pre-Christmas Revival and Healing |
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Pastor Rashid Masih at Village View Community Church
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Birthday: June 1
....Thank you for your ministry |
Nepal's History
Videos: History of Nepal 5 Facts about 2015 Earthquake Persecution in Nepal I Persecution in Nepal II Battle for Souls
My experience in Nepal
Coming home
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Leading "A Heart for Missions"...
PowerPoint presentation to Village View Community Church on Saturday, February 7. Video: Nepal Background Video: Brenda's trip Participant's Guide Brochure Quizlet page - A Heart for Missions Quizlet Nearpod.com - Code 6P819 |
