Renewing My Focus for 2026: Cultivate Disciples--All In for the Gospel

I turn 55 this year. With heart disease always in the background, I’m acutely aware that I’m not getting any younger. I’ve lived more years than I likely have left. That reality doesn’t discourage me—it clarifies me.

If the Lord allows me to keep walking, I want to walk with intention. I want to go out with a bang—not for my name, but for His.
Over the years, I’ve distilled my life down to four overriding goals. I call it my personal life mission statement:

• Delight in Christ.
• Embody Scripture.
• Cultivate Disciples.
• Persevere to the End.
  

These aren’t slogans to me. They are anchors—guardrails that help me decide how I spend my time, energy, and remaining years. I’m not perfect, and I struggle with sin just like the next person, but I’m deeply thankful for God’s redeeming grace that sustains me, restores me, and keeps me moving forward in Christ.

Looking Back: Delighting in Christ 
In 2025, my primary focus was Delighting in Christ. I wanted to slow down, re-calibrate my heart, and remember that ministry flows from intimacy, not activity. That focus was needed—and it will remain needed. And yet, if I’m honest, I fell far short of where I wanted to be. At least in my own mind.

But the Christian life isn’t about flawless execution; it’s about faithful pursuit. I will continue to pursue delighting in Him—not because I’ve mastered it, but because Christ Himself is worthy of my affection, attention, and obedience. As the apostle Paul writes, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus… I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12–14).

Looking Ahead: Cultivating Disciples
As I step into 2026, I sense a clear sharpening of focus—Cultivating Disciples. Not just evangelism in the abstract. Not just conversations that begin and end with words. But evangelism that results in discipleship—people who hear the gospel, respond to Christ, and begin walking with Him in real, visible ways. I want to tell as many people about Jesus Christ as possible.

This already happens almost daily through my work as a workplace chaplain. God has placed me in spaces where people are open, hurting, searching, and often unguarded. Those are sacred moments, and I don’t take them lightly. But that calling doesn’t stop at the workplace.

Missions as a Family Calling
Together, as a family—and alongside our church and like-minded believers—we’ve been given opportunities to serve in places where the need for the gospel is staggering. In the Dominican Republic, we’ve seen communities hungry for biblical teaching, discipleship, and encouragement. In New York City, particularly Queens, the spiritual need is vast, complex, and often hidden behind busy streets and crowded buildings. And in Alaska, including outreach connected to events like the Iditarod, the isolation and spiritual darkness can be overwhelming. 

The need in these places isn’t theoretical. It’s mind-boggling. People need Christ. They need truth. They need hope that isn’t rooted in circumstances but in the finished work of Jesus. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied,” but because Christ has been raised, our hope is sure and secure (1 Corinthians 15:19).

Why 2026 Matters
I don’t know how many years the Lord has for me—but I know this: I want the years I do have to count.

• I want to delight in Christ, not merely know about Him.
• I want to embody Scripture, not just quote it.
• I want to cultivate disciples, not just make converts.
• I want to persevere to the end, faithful and obedient, by God’s grace.

Missions isn’t a side project for us. It’s an overflow of a life centered on Christ. It’s how we live out the gospel we proclaim. As the Bible reminds us: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19) That command wasn’t given to professionals or missionaries alone—it was given to followers of Jesus—Christians just like you and me.

An Invitation
Throughout this site, you’ll find opportunities to pray, give, and participate in the mission work the Lord has placed before us. These aren’t our missions—they are His. If the Lord leads you to walk alongside us in 2026—through prayer, partnership, or participation—I would be honored.

Let’s make the remaining years count.
Let’s tell people about Jesus.
Let’s go all in for the gospel.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Click here to learn more about how you can can partner with us on mission.