One of the greatest things as a SEND Leader this year has been watching the growth and the quest for truth with Peter and Patrick. In our process, one of our main goals is to draw closer to God than ever before − to ask, seek, and knock. They have done that! And one of the big quests they have been on is asking the question: "How do you hear God?" They have asked our teachers, pastors, and folks in our network. It has been very inspiring to hear all the different answers, as well as witness Peter and Patrick really giving it their all to answer this question for themselves while on this SEND journey.

This month's mission excursion was a perfect exercise in answering that question. We went to the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, spending a weekend in this monastery. When arriving, we approached this massive structure and then read a sign, "Church Entrance. Silence beyond this point." From then on, it was quiet time mixed with uneasiness of not talking, hearing things and really getting a kick in the butt about how loud, busy, and crazy our lives are.   

No phone. No Facebook. No Internet. No TV. No radio. Those modern-day conveniences and annoyances were replaced with the following words: Silence. Solitude. Contemplative Prayer. Spiritual Reading. Christian Mysticism. Worship. Retreat. Lectio Divina. As Saturday progressed, a peace started to fill me. I devoured 1st and 2nd Corinthians, prayed, went on a 2-mile hike, read the entire book, The Practice of the Presence of God with Spiritual Maxims by Brother Lawrence, went to three worship settings in the church, and spent more time in prayer. I also  learned of one of the most influential monks of the last century, Thomas Merton. He lived there, wrote over 70 books, and traveled the world. I visited his grave and then started reading his classic masterpiece, an autobiography of faith, The Seven Storey Mountain, a book that has sold millions of copies and has been translated into more than 20 languages.   

The lesson for me was how important it is to find that quiet time with God. This weekend was huge on many levels − we can't stress the importance of being quiet, the importance of the words to LISTEN. Is your life so busy and so loud you need to find that secret place? Find it, read, meditate, pray, contemplate. Here is a great verse to get started with − Luke 9:35: "And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!"

This month of March we are thankful and grateful to many involved with SEND North America. To our teachers, you ROCK! Dan S., Josh H., Pastor Scott P., Anita P., Tracee S., Dr. Kent Hunter x2!, Pastor Bob S.

To all the churches and ministries we have worshiped and served with, we thank you. Ark of Avilla, Abbey of   

Gethsemani, Trinity, St. John, Warm A Heart Ministries, The Wreck, Rev. Pam L., Pastor Adam D., Zach H., John Z. Jr., Pastor Bob M.

Special Thanks to the following churches who allowed us to share our SEND story, to share testimony and support our upcoming mission trip to Belize. Destiny Family of Faith, Trinity Kendallville, St. John Kendallville. Thank you for supporting modern day missionaries from your own hometown!