Now, Sabrina and Michelle’s hearts have multiplied on a global scale, moving the gospel to another generation of disciplemakers. The two friends moved overseas in 2022 on staff with iEDGE (international EDGE Corps) to boldly step into the unknown and disciple college students abroad — in Budapest, New Zealand, and beyond.

Sabrina: iEDGE in Budapest, Hungary

For Sabrina, it felt natural that she would one day do ministry across the world. With a mother from Thailand, she was always curious to learn more about other cultures, and a trip to the Philippines in college was a defining moment when she decided to go all in for Christ.

After serving on EDGE Corps at the University of California, San Diego for a couple years, she felt that the Lord was calling her to join iEDGE. Though she originally expected to go to Asia because of her background, she was surprised that she felt led to go to Hungary instead.

“I didn’t think Hungary was where I was going to go, but it made more and more sense,” she remembers. “Hungary is predominantly atheist with a deep avoidance of religion, and that’s similar to my background. I felt like the Lord was telling me that this is where I was supposed to go.”

Sabrina started her work in Budapest in November of 2022, and she has spent the past two years organizing student events, growing in her own walk with the Lord, and intentionally meeting students for Life-to-Life^® discipleship.

One student that Sabrina has built a trusting relationship with is Sera*. Sera was invited into The Navigators high school community in Budapest, where she first became a believer after attending a summer camp. When Sabrina arrived at Budapest, the two clicked instantly.

As Sabrina has discipled Sera, she’s been encouraged by how much Sera has grown in her faith. From praying out loud for the first time at a retreat to reading the Bible consistently and memorizing Scripture, Sera has grown into a believer who is ready and willing to share her faith with others.

“She’s continued to invite her brother into the community, and now he’s a big part of the group and is slowly starting to come to faith as well,” Sabrina says. “She’s catching the vision for disciplemaking, which is the first time we’re really seeing that in our unique community.”

Michelle: iEDGE in New Zealand

When Michelle was graduating college, she was dead set on going straight to graduate school to get her degree in speech therapy. However, God had another path for her.

“He was softening my heart to the idea of doing ministry, laying down my plans I had for so long,” she recalls. “Before then, I had realized that I never asked God what He wanted me to do after college, and iEDGE is where He led me.”

As Michelle considered where she wanted to go overseas, she felt called to New Zealand because of what she had learned about its culture — that it is easy for Kiwis to not share their emotions and stay on the surface — and related to that mentality as something she struggled with in the past.

“Growing up, I stuffed my emotions,” she says. “But then I learned how to be open and vulnerable, and when I invited God into that, I experienced gospel transformation in my life. That’s what drew me to New Zealand, feeling like God could use me and my story to impact students here.”

Having lived in New Zealand since December 2022, she can now see how the Lord has used her to impact students’ lives, from hosting Bible studies to cooking for events to discipling other women like Becka*.

Michelle first met Becka through a New Zealand EDGEr. As Michelle met with Becka, she could sense that Becka was curious but hesitant about faith. However, throughout their discussions, Michelle has seen the Lord slowly start to work in Becka’s heart.

“She thought she was beyond salvation,” Michelle says. “We’ve been working through that, and she is starting to realize that she doesn’t have to be all put together in order for God to meet her where she’s at. She’s started to identify that God is the answer to her deepest fears and anxieties.”

Though Becka is still on her journey to knowing Christ, she has come a long way from believing that she doesn’t need God to now considering what it would look like to give her life to Him. For Michelle, Becka’s story and growth is a testament to God’s faithfulness and timing.

“God has been faithful to answer the prayers I had coming in, desiring my girls to be vulnerable with me and seeing the gospel move in their lives,” she says. “Sometimes it feels like I’m stepping off a ledge, and I can’t really see where He’s leading. But instead of a big ravine, His hand is right there, carrying me.”

You can join us in praying for Sabrina and Michelle’s ministries as they continue to further the gospel in Hungary and New Zealand, that the Lord continues to soften hearts and grow up disciplemakers to the ends of the earth.

*Names changed for privacy

Discipleship Tip:

Both Sabrina and Michelle listened carefully to where the Lord was calling them to go, and then they obeyed. Think — how have you been listening to the Lord lately? Do you feel like He is calling you to new places or people, or asking you to be present where you are? Take a moment to be still and intentionally listen to how God may be moving in your life.

The glow of thousands of faces lights up the room, a powerful testament to the spread of the gospel from generation to generation. 

This was one of the many special moments from The Navigators 2023 National Staff Gathering.

Last month, over 1,300 Navigator staff came together in Irving, Texas. The theme of the weekend was Heartbeat: A Vital Movement of the Gospel, focusing on 2 Timothy 2:1-2: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (NIV).

The gathering held five plenary sessions, which were designed to inspire, uplift, and challenge staff attendees to continue the work to which they’ve been called. Staff heard insights on the Lord’s vision for grace, necessary aspects of prayer, and how He works through each and every one of us to reach the nations and spread His mission.  

Staff members also enjoyed times of fun and laughter, along with encouraging ministry stories from new and old friends, breakouts to equip and multiply disciplemakers, precious times of prayer and worship, and motivational messages from fellow Navigators and international leaders. 

For many, the National Staff Gathering was a reminder of why they became Navigators — to be a part of a vital movement of the gospel by connecting, resourcing, and developing everyday disciplemakers. 

Though this conference looked back over the past four years since our last National Staff Gathering, we also took time to look forward to the work that is ahead of us as a ministry. You can partner with us as we continue this work for years to come! 

Pray that the Lord works through The Navigators to reach the unreached and create new disciplemakers. Come alongside us to spread the gospel and disciple those in your circles, from family members to coworkers to neighbors and beyond.

Whether you serve on staff or through your everyday life, we are excited to see how the Lord moves through this next season of ministry!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV).

Discipleship Tip:  

Pull out your phone and find a photo of someone you’re discipling or have discipled. Pray for that person and reach out to offer them encouragement.

While Lou and Xiao Mei stayed in touch, their communication became infrequent. Last year, Xiao Mei reached out to Lou, saying “I have retired from my job at the bank and am praying and asking God to lead and use me in His harvest field. For now, I am staying home and preparing myself so that after the COVID virus shutdown ends, I can share the gospel with more people.”

Recently Xiao Mei texted Lou a specific prayer request. She had an appointment to meet with a former coworker and his wife. “Pray that the Lord will use me as His channel of blessing in this rare opportunity to get together in person. Pray that God will loosen Tong Shi* from Satan’s grip and he will be freed to accept the gospel. Please also pray that his wife will be willing to accept the gospel and will not be a hindrance to his faith. Thanks for your prayer support.”

The very next morning, Xiao Mei sent another text.

“Thank you so much for your prayers. Praise the Lord for His almighty power and guidance last night! Both my colleague and his wife invited Jesus into their hearts and lives! Thank God for preparing his heart so that he has almost no hesitation to accept Christ. His wife literally followed him. Previously he had a strong belief in a traditional religion, and he thought he would have bad luck if he discarded those beliefs and followed Christ.”

Now Xiao Mei is following up with this couple to help them grow. They meet by zoom, because of the continuing COVID restrictions in their city, but Xiao Mei is planning on seeing them in person when possible for closer fellowship and intentional discipling.

Lou continues to pray for Xiao Mei, encourage her in her evangelism and discipling relationships, and provides discipleship materials for her to use with this couple.   

While many miles and years separate Lou from those she discipled in Asia, she and Ken continue to interact with many Christians in their former city. In this season of life, as part of Navigators Encore leadership, they encourage, equip, and pray for those God is still using to bring new life and generations of disciplemakers to an influential closed city and country in Asia. They are also involved in recruiting and preparing new missionaries who want to serve in various countries around the world.

Pray that the Good News will continue to multiply, even in regions where there is limited freedom to share about Jesus. Praise God that the Holy Spirit is active among so many disciplemakers!

*Names changed.

That was also the year doctors diagnosed Jon with bipolar disorder.

Jon says he has experienced bipolar’s extreme highs and lows since his teens.

“I remember believing one day I was the coolest, most likeable guy in my high school, and the next day thinking no one in the world loved me or wanted me,” Jon says. “Eventually, depression became crippling, and I couldn’t get out of bed my freshman year of college for days at a time. I’ve had spiraling breakdowns. I have been suicidal twice in my life. I have also had spiritual and psychological euphoria where I’ve felt God’s love so powerfully and clearly. I am grateful for those times, but also vigilant because I can sometimes lose touch with reality. Structure, routine, and support from loved ones usually keep me grounded. Rehearsing God’s Word also helps me walk through the flames.”

For Jon, and so many who battle the unseen, it can be hard to reach out for relationship or spiritual encouragement.

“The battle is the mind, and Jesus has already won that battle, but it doesn’t always feel that way,” Jon says. “I have experienced both immobilizing depression and dangerous mania. Spiritually, at times I have found a loving Father, patient Teacher, and Comforter who loves me unconditionally and wants the best for me. The problem is I don’t always hear that Voice. At times, I have listened to the other voice that ‘accuses the brethren,’ keeps a record of all my wrongs, and levels anxiety on top of anxiety.”

The stigma attached to seeking counseling and medication for mental illness has dangerous potential for those who truly suffer.

“The main problem is just saying ‘I will pray for you’ and not also exhorting people to get professional help,” Tim says. “I’m here to be a loyal friend and encourage Jon, but it’s not just me that can help him. We need to ask questions, spend time, do our research, love unconditionally. Get to know the person. Ask others to help. We all need people to help us. It’s better to get help now and not just keep on putting it off.”

Tim, who now works with Navigators 20s, says discipling someone with mental illness is the same as discipling any other person.

“We all have struggles,” Tim says. “It’s only different in that we always have to be ready when they need us. I told Jon if he is ever thinking of hurting himself he can call me. At 1:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m.—it doesn’t matter. I’m here for him. Jon is a dear friend, and a part of our family. He is one of the most genuine, real, loving human beings I have ever met.”

Jon says Tim’s intentionality and love has made a vital difference in his life.

“He knocked on my dorm room door every day in college, took me out when I was depressed and socially anxious, and ate Chipotle with me,” Jon says. “He told me about Christ, got me to read my Bible for the first time, helped me see my worth in God’s eyes, and has never stopped being my mentor and friend. I owe my life to him and he owes his life to someone who discipled him, all the way back to Jesus first discipling the apostles. Discipleship means everything. Helping sojourners in this weary world find their way back Home.”

Recently, Jon has been writing devotionals to help others in their times of need—especially those who also combat mental illness.

“I wish the Church would recognize that talking about mental health would not make as many people uncomfortable as it would comfort those who need to know they are loved,” Jon says. “We flourish more when we know we are loved. We can still live exceptional lives for Christ!”

The war waged on the human mind has raged since Eden, but Jon and Tim cling to the One who fights for us all. On good days and bad.

“Successes and failures are part of life, but as I grow older with this illness, I try and cling closer to God each day,” Jon says. “I’ve got to. Where else could I go? Where else do I want to go? Nowhere. I want to be close to God forever.”

Pray for those who are struggling with mental illness to find the care and support they need. Ask God to show you how to be a better support to those dealing with mental illness.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7: 1-800-273-8255

One praying activity that has been a foundation for many Christians as they have pressed into God’s presence over the centuries is attention to the promises He makes in the Scriptures. The list of men and women of faith who believed that God’s promises were for them is long and noteworthy. Some of the names you might recognize are Martin Luther, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, J. O. Fraser, D. L. Moody, Elisabeth Elliot, and the founder of The Navigators, Dawson Trotman.

God’s Word is filled with His promises to His people and to each of His followers who put their trust in Him. Peter speaks of the power and blessing the promises are to those of us in Christ:

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3,4)

Here are a few of the specific lifesaving truths from God that have carried my wife, Pam, and me through difficult seasons:

• I am your strength. (Psalm 18:1,2)
• I am with you and delight and rejoice in you. (Zephaniah 3:17)
• I walk with you through the challenges. (Isaiah 41:13)

To become a person of influence for God’s Kingdom we must first become people who know God and spend time with Him. And as we appeal to God for help, guidance, and protection, we learn more about Him and about ourselves. We can also remind Him of the promises He has made in His Word. As we walk with Him in prayer, we come to know Him more deeply, and the refreshing, abundant life He gives us overflows to others.

In this video Dave Wirgau teaches from Isaiah 49:3-6, examining God’s promise to use your life to reach the nations even in the midst of feeling discouraged.

Doesn’t matter the results or what I see happening. I’m going to trust you. I will trust that you will accomplish your purposes.
-Dave Wirgau

Harvest is a five-part series of short films that will give you a vision for how you can play a part in God accomplishing his purposes. The series features the teaching of Dave Wirgau, longtime campus minister with The Navigators.

As an American serving with The Navigators in France (Les Navigateurs), I am frequently asked about my work—I engage university students in Bible discussions. Usually my “job” doesn’t make sense to people and at times I get discouraged.

On a recent visit to Finland, I went to a well-known church in Helsinki that holds a service called “Thomasmesse.” It’s a service for those who are doubting or discouraged—like Thomas the disciple.

The service was completely in Finnish, so I had some trouble following the flow. But at one point I realized they were inviting people to ask for prayer. I summoned up the courage to share my struggles and found a man who spoke English. I briefly explained that I was a missionary in France and I did weekly Bible studies with students, but I was discouraged in my work.

He cut me off and shook my hand. “I am so glad God put you in France,” he said. “I became a believer during student Bible studies here in Finland led by The Navigators.”

I was flabbergasted. When I had requested prayer, I hadn’t mentioned that I worked with The Navigators. And I knew that The Navigators had not been active in Finland for many years, so I was surprised to hear him mention our ministry. It was inexplicable that he would specifically talk about The Navigators!

I told him that I worked with The Navigators in France. Amazed, he immediately began to point out all the people in the church doing full-time ministry who were discipled by The Navigators two decades ago. Then he prayed with me, asking God to encourage me and bring fruit.

After we prayed, he left me with these words: “Your work is very important,” he said. “Reaching individual students with the Gospel is essential. In 20 or 30 years there will be people all over France following Jesus and doing ministry because of what you are doing!”

Clearly my meeting with this man was God-sent. His words and prayers put courage back in me. I don’t even know his name, but I know that he lifted my head to see the long-term impact of ministry. God is truly faithful!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

• Praise God for the faithfulness of Taylor and those serving with The Navigators around the world.
• Pray that students in France who are invited to read the Bible will encounter Jesus and want to follow Him.
• Pray that those who follow Jesus will invest in the next generation of disciples, so that the more can come to know and serve Jesus.

Jesus taught His disciples that prayer was an essential requisite of the Kingdom life:

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1)

And Paul encouraged the young church at Thessalonica, writing:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

New birth provides us with the opportunity of a close connection with the God of the universe. Yet, many of us connect with God only on Sunday mornings, or when things are really bad—or really good. Prayer is the life-blood of our relationship with God. Amazing, isn’t it, that God chose to invite human beings, His creation, into a vital connection—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

And the results of a prayer-less life are sure. A survey of the life of David shows us that when David prayed and sought God’s presence and guidance things went one way (see 1 Samuel 23:1, 30:6-8). But when he operated out of fear, and deceit, and didn’t seek God, things went horribly and impacted the lives of others (see 1 Samuel 21 and 27).

While I am so grateful for the special rhythms of prayer I’ve established each day early in the mornings, or before I fall asleep, I’m even more grateful for the opportunity I have to pause throughout the day, to check in and share my heart with the Lord Jesus, who says He’ll be with us always (Matthew 28:20).

Having access to God, and being men and women who pray continually, means that we too can have strength of soul because of our intimate and regular fellowship with God. Our lives can be characterized by constant communication with the God of heaven and earth. And we can be like David in the Psalms, a man who celebrated the blessings of God, but also was quick to bring his concerns, gripes, and burdens to God—His stronghold and deliverer.

In His Grip,

Doug Nuenke
U.S. President, The Navigators

One student from a war-torn country said, “I know you are disciples and followers of Jesus. Is there any hope for me to be Jesus’ disciple?”

We affirmed that it was God’s desire that he follow Jesus. We now meet weekly for Bible study with this seeker of truth.

We celebrate God’s answers to our prayers and also reflect on His faithfulness in the past year. Last summer we were able to visit family and friends in the eastern Mediterranean. Even our visit was an answer to prayer, as the embassy opened especially for us on a Saturday and the worker who gave us our visas and passports said, “God answered your prayers!”

While visiting family and friends, we had many opportunities to pray with people and share the gospel of Jesus. God lead us to meet with a couple who had experienced many miscarriages. The wife was 30-weeks pregnant. We prayed together for their pregnancy saying, “Lord, we pray that this boy will be yours and will have life and will be like John the Baptist, a son who will be a crying voice in this family and bring them to you.”

We told them to give their son to Jesus and to call him “John,” or “Yohanna,” in their language. Two days after our prayer, the mom’s water broke. They went to the hospital, expecting the baby to die. Praise God, the baby was born in good health and they called him “Yohanna.” All the praise and glory goes to Jesus. Praying is a vital part of our relationship with God and our ministry!

PRAY for more opportunities for Samy and Eman to share God’s love with those in need of hope.

The story that unfolded is about families, the Gospel, and God’s faithfulness in each of our lives.

John and Peggy met The Navigators through their son Steve. As a freshman at University of Iowa, Steve became involved in Collegiate Navs and joined a Bible study. He was already a Christian, but learned how to grow in his relationship with God. Steve was discipled by a Navigator and this became a pivotal experience in his life.

When he came home from college, immediately John and Peggy began to see positive differences in their son. It was evident in how Steve treated his family, made better life choices, and had a strong desire to follow Jesus. It soon changed their family story.

Steve shared the Gospel with his two younger sisters, Cindy and Becky, and they each made decisions to follow Jesus Christ. They saw a sincere change in their big brother and wanted to know God the way he did.

Later on in his college years, Steve met his future wife, Janine, on a Navigator campus weekend retreat. Medical school followed college, and after he graduated from med school, he and Janine were married. Steve’s career choice for medicine was put on hold while he and Janine served as Nav campus leaders at Iowa State University and then University of Iowa. After a season of campus ministry, they moved to develop a medical practice in a Texas border town.

John shared, “Each of our three kids have followed God’s will for their life. God is using each of their gifts in making a difference: raising a family, working in medicine, the mission field, or in the U.S. Senate! We are blessed to look back at God’s faithfulness and how one encounter with Jesus can be the tipping point for our entire family story.

“That’s why we want to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary at Glen Eyrie Conference Center this year, to remember God’s faithfulness over our family. And The Navigators is a huge part of that blessing.”

John and Peggy wanted to give a gift to The Navigators through a Charitable Gift Annuity. A CGA has two benefits: they will receive a predictable income and give a legacy gift from their family to The Navigators.

If you have any questions about a Charitable Gift Annuity, we are glad to help you walk through the options that work best for your family needs.

I hope the Havener’s story encourages you to take a look at your personal story and see how God’s hand is evident when we walk towards Him in faith.

“How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear You …” Psalm 31:19a (NLT).