Back

December 22, 2020

20 Questions to End 2020 - Part 1

Welcome to the end of 2020. You made it. We know you’re curious, and you want to know how your missionaries handled 2020. Just how did they stay on mission? You want to hear about all the ups and downs, the lock-downs, the show-downs protesting against mask wearing, and, quite frankly, the low-down on it all.

Fear not, we’ve compiled a list of 20 questions to end 2020 and asked some of our missionaries serious questions . . . some not-so-serious. Enjoy getting a snapshot from 20 different missionaries in 14 different countries to end 2020.

1) What was one of the moments you were most proud of this year?
“I am most proud of the moment I realized that my support raising coaching had finally paid off in the lives of two staff members—who dealt with issues of spiritual calling and needed to make huge leaps in their support raising [one person even hit 100% for the next year]!”—Josh Nelson, Czech Republic

2) When were you genuinely surprised this last year?
“My most surprising moment was when Johnny scared me in the shower and I screamed as if I were about to die. On a more serious note, when we met in March as the Training Team, our opening question was, “What would you do if you were quarantined for two weeks?” I had no idea this would be our reality 4 days later. Let’s just say I didn’t play darts once!”—Brooke Stevens, Slovenia

3) What did you learn from something that didn’t go well this year?
“I didn’t learn anything because I was stuck inside all year. But actually, as time went on, I realized that I really didn’t know how to communicate with my family. Quarantine helped me learn how to improve my communications skills with the people I live with.”—Asher Hartman, JVK, Czech Republic

4) What was your most overrated success (i.e. something you thought would feel great that was sort of a let down)?
“During the pandemic, I brought my team together as much as possible with the goal of relational growth through extended time together. I thought being all together was great; however, because I didn’t have a plan for their relational growth, the result was more tension than growth. Now, I am repairing it!”—Juljan Muhameti, Albania

5) What conversation was most memorable in 2020? What made it stick with you so powerfully?
“There was some tension on our youth group team due to a conflict. But through being honest about it, willingness to listen, and open hearts submitted to God, in the end, both sides apologized and rebuilt their relationship. God reminded me that in his family there is always hope for brokenness to be mended.”—Denisa Harcarova, Slovakia

6) If you had to articulate a mantra for 2020, what would it be?
“The toughest challenges bring the most needed changes. Only when we lose what we ‘love’ most are we forced to look in the mirror and make the changes we truly need.”—Scott Molvar, Croatia

7) What is one question that you found yourself asking over and over again this year?
“During this year as things have been in a constant state of change and uncertainty, I’ve continued to ask the question, ‘What is God doing in this?’ I’ve wondered what things look like from his perspective and how my responses to constant change in 2020 would bring him the most glory.”—Melissa Hillman, Bulgaria 

8) What recently reminded you of how fast time flies?
“In Leipzig, we graduated our second full cycle of teens from our youth group.  It seems like only yesterday they were short, skinny freshmen with braces.  Now, tall, muscular young men and beautiful young ladies will launch out into the world taking a gap year to invest in ministry; they are leading another youth group, volunteering in after school programs, and serving in a minimal confinement Christian prison ministry.”—Jim Miller, Germany

9) If you could quarantine anywhere, where would it be and why?
“I would quarantine with my parents in their cozy home in Charleston, SC. First of all, my mom is a really good cook and creates delicious delicacies. Secondly, I love watching movies with my parents (Star Wars with my dad and Hallmark with my mom), and, lastly, I would read books to my mom out loud because of her low vision. In reality, I had to quarantine by myself this year because I live alone, so the thought of being with family during lockdown brings joy to my heart.”—Gwynne Gardner, Czech Republic

10) What habit has the pandemic caused you to strengthen this year (ie . . habit of prayer, love, submission to suffering, guarding the good trust, or friendship)?
“During the pandemic, my wife and I made a habit of praying together on a regular basis before going to bed. It’s been really good for me to go to bed thanking God for how he is working, lifting up to God those who are hurting, and trusting that God is listening, at work, and loving amidst everything going on.”—Eric Meland, Hungary

To read the second part of this article, click here. 

Amy Hartman

Related Posts

Read Story

Discipleship, Events, Stories

The Unseen War

Three years of conflict and still no peace. The war in Ukraine has returned to the forefront of the news as world leaders clash in a spin cycle of opinions. Those in the country feel the weight of years of exhausting conflict, with no clear end in sight. But behind the scenes, another battle is raging for the spiritual soul of the nation.  Amidst pain, hardship, and struggle, God is still at work and our JV team of 27 staff are pressing forward to take ground in the fight. During the last weekend of February, they gathered 450 young people from local churches across Ukraine for an innovative “Spring Fest.” Good Bible teaching, powerful worship, and personal testimonies were woven together to point people to the resources they have in Christ. He is the only firm anchor for our souls in the midst of a raging storm. The storm is particularly fierce for these young people. Some of the youth groups meet close enough to the front lines to hear the sound of bombing all day and live with the constant threat of evacuation and displacement.   One youth group from Kharkiv, en route to the fest, had their main youth leader forcefully conscripted into the military. Can you imagine if that happened to a youth group from your church?  Yet, our sovereign God is always working to accomplish his purposes despite the evil and failures of man. In fact, he often uses these unwelcome trials to accelerate his work. Our team is experiencing an unprecedented response to the gospel and a passionate hunger in young people to grow deep in their walks with God. With the exodus of leaders out of the country or into the military, there is a huge need to equip a new generation of leaders, and our training events are packed. Other JV countries are using the crisis to mobilize their young people into mission. Recently, our JV team in Slovakia held a series of events for 250 youth leaders called “Glow and Go.” Their goal was to inspire, mobilize, and energize young leaders into personal transformation and bold outreach.  As a result, 12 Slovaks traveled into war-torn Ukraine to serve at the Spring Fest.  They led worship, organized eight workshops, and served in numerous practical ways. But most of all, they told these young people that they were not forgotten and not alone. More teams from Slovakia and the Czech Republic will be assisting with evangelistic camps. When under pressure from the enemy, the best strategy is forward motion. Thank you for joining us in the spiritual battle for Ukraine.       
Read Story

Evangelism, Stories

When we say “Yes”

Dear Friends, What happens when we say “yes”? Ermal was obsessed with soccer as a child and headed to university in his home country of Albania with the dream to become a famous professional player. He never quite made the top level of performance required and was deeply discouraged. At the same time, he was growing in his relationship with God under the disciplemaking care of a local pastor. Hearing God’s call into ministry, he said “yes” to a major life change and returned to his small village to shepherd a local congregation of just 35 believers. But his passion for young people–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and for soccer–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠never left. So, when our JV Albania team approached him four years ago with the invitation to join JV and develop a sports ministry in his church and throughout his valley, he heard the call of God and said “yes.” In just a few years, Ermal had started Edge Soccer teams in six villages with no prior evangelical witness, reaching over 60 young people every week. A part of every practice was a short Bible study, and the young boys were relationally shepherded to faith in Christ. After a time of prayer in early November of 2024, Ermal came to his wife Nertila with an outlandish vision. “I believe God is calling us to share the gospel with 1000 young people before Christmas.” “Are you kidding me?” his wife replied. “I was thinking like a human,” she later shared. “How can we reach 1000 kids in such a short period of time?” “I don’t have any ideas,” Ermal said, “but I think God is calling us.” “I was very challenged,” Nertila reflected later, “and didn’t know how to handle that pressure. But then I said, ‘Here I am God, if you want to use us. Let your will be done.’” Then, out of the blue, a call came from Operation Mobilization, who wanted to send 6 people from Moldova to help with whatever they wanted. Ermal said “yes.” Next, Ermal had an idea to request 1000 Shoebox gift packages from Samaritan’s purse. It was an unusual request, but they said “yes.” He contacted six schools and asked if he could share the story of Jesus at Christmas.  Albania is historically Muslim, and the directors are not allowed to do anything religious in the school building. “Would you be willing to talk to our students outside?” they asked. He said “yes.” It was a simple program. Two songs, a 15-minute message about Jesus, and heartfelt testimonies from the Moldovans. And, of course, some shoebox gifts. But the students were very open, and many asked to hear more about Jesus. Others gave their addresses and wanted to join the youth activities. The director of the largest school is now meeting regularly with Ermal for Bible study.  When Christmas came, they counted the numbers and realized that over 1000 young people had heard a clear gospel message in just a few short weeks. A simple “yes” to the call of God brought miraculous fruit. This month, you also said “yes” through your gifts and prayers. Thank you.
Read Story

Discipleship, Stories

Fruit in Hard Soil

Dear Friends, How does the gospel bear fruit in hard soil? Montenegro is one of the most beautiful countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Sandwiched between Croatia and Albania on the Adriatic Sea, it combines stunning beaches with soaring 8000 ft mountains, rushing rivers, and the deepest canyon in Europe. But this hidden gem has very few evangelical believers. Out of a population of 600,000, less than 300 believers attend a few tiny evangelical churches. How do you make progress in such a difficult place? When Josiah Venture staff Noah and Jill Ellenwood moved to Montenegro in 2020, they immersed themselves in the local language and culture and took every opportunity to build natural relationships. Following the instructions of Jesus in Luke 10:6, they prayed that one of these new friends would be a “person of peace,” a trusted insider who would open the door to others. Noah met Slavo while playing soccer with a group of guys and invited him over to their apartment for board games. Slavo asked if he could bring his friends, and what began as a small gathering quickly grew into a weekly tradition with more than ten people attending. Slavo was always the catalyst, inviting new people while consistently building relationships. During this time, Slavo was on a personal spiritual journey. He openly shared his exploration of various paths for inner peace, including Hinduism, Buddhism, individualism, and Christianity. Noah and Jill had many candid conversations with him, sharing their own stories of God’s transformation in their lives. Still searching, Slavo embarked on a six-month backpacking trip through Europe. Along the way, he encountered people from all walks of life—Muslims who invited him to join their mosque, those who dismissed Christianity as fake, and others who loved him unconditionally. Throughout the trip, Slavo sensed that God was calling him, though he wasn’t sure what it meant at the time. When he returned, Noah spent 10 months studying the Bible with him, focusing on themes such as identity in Christ, being adopted into God’s family, and understanding sin and how it separates us from God. During this period, Slavo began experiencing dreams that seemed to be God speaking directly to him. One day, Noah received a call asking to meet on a hill where they often walked and talked. There he was greeted by a joyful Slavo, who exclaimed, “I want to do it—I want to follow Jesus!” Sitting down together, he prayed to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Slavo quickly became passionate about studying the Bible. He would often cancel plans just to keep reading, feeling unable to put the Word down. His transformation impacted his family so much that they started joining him for church services. This fall Noah had the privilege of baptizing Slavo as he publicly proclaimed his faith in Christ. Perseverance, prayer, relationships, God’s Word, time, sacrifice, and commitment—each of these is needed to bear gospel fruit in difficult soil. But then the transformation is real and spreads to others. Thank you for your part in this movement of God.