by April Jurgensen | Apr 6, 2020 | Prayer
Be Still and Know… Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Some days, the invitation to be still in God’s presence feels comfortable and refreshing, like an empty chair on a gorgeous... 
by April Jurgensen | Mar 2, 2020 | Prayer
Not long ago, Jenna, the daughter of some of our house parents in India, was in Sunday School. The teacher told the children that Jonah was eaten by a fish. “No,” Jenna attempted to correct, “Jonah ate the fish!” The teacher turned to Jenna and patiently explained.... 
by Guest Author | Feb 3, 2020 | Kenya, Prayer
“I Have Hidden Your Word in my Heart…” For me, short-term mission trips have always included being flooded with newness—new sights, new sounds, new tastes, new knowledge about God, others and myself. This newness can make it all so exciting—or devastating—that... 
by April Jurgensen | Jan 6, 2020 | Crossing Cultures, Prayer
Happy Epiphany! You’ve seen the Sunday School nativities, where three children wrapped in satin sheets walk down the center aisle of the sanctuary to greet baby doll Jesus. You’ve undoubtedly sung songs about the star appearing over Bethlehem. And you’ve received (if... 
by April Jurgensen | Dec 2, 2019 | Prayer, Russia
It was perhaps the craziest thing I’d encountered yet. Our life in Russia just after the collapse of the Soviet Union was full of daily confusing experiences. We didn’t understand the fascination with having every document stamped by governing authorities, the system... 
by April Jurgensen | Nov 4, 2019 | Prayer
“We just don’t realize how people in other countries live.” “We don’t think to be grateful for all we have.” “We’re so blessed.” I never hear more grateful comments than after I’ve presented the needs of orphans around the world. It seems human nature to compare our... 
by April Jurgensen | Oct 7, 2019 | Prayer, Short-Term Missions
I’m a big fan of short-term mission trips. In fact, I take multiple trips each year and bring others along with me to meet the children The Boaz Project serves, encourage their caregivers, and discover more of God’s heart for orphans…and the rest of us. I believe that... 
by April Jurgensen | Sep 2, 2019 | Crossing Cultures, India, Prayer
We’ve come to expect it every time we travel to India. It’s usually on day three, though we’ve heard it as early as day two or as late as day four. At some point in this window, one of our new short-termers will comment on the disparity, the contrasts that compose the... 
by April Jurgensen | Aug 26, 2019 | Prayer
This week some of our staff members are in Kenya! As you know, we have launched our Homes Campaign and you have played a huge part in funding the foundation of the home. This week, we are in Kenya, working on some parts of this project and we need your prayers! Would... 
by April Jurgensen | Jul 1, 2019 | Orphan Care Issues, Prayer
Let me start by saying that I’m not anti-Wikipedia. While I recognize it’s become the brunt of a few jokes and probably shouldn’t be relied upon as the most authoritative voice on all topics, it has its place. For example, when you’re in a hurry and just want a quick... 