Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: Let them also that hate him flee before him. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Psalm 68:1, 3
If you skipped the scripture above, please read it. The powerful imagery of God arising, His enemies being scattered, seems to describe the victories we witnessed on our journey in faith last year. For those who are new to this journey, OJIF had an exceedingly busy year full of challenges, growth, and celebrations. God blessed His people along our journey. We witnessed the lost saved and baptized. Buildings were raised for His glory. Disciples are being equipped with the gospel message. Praise the Lord! It is no wonder then that we were physically weary, but spiritually rejoicing before God, when we arrived at The Homes of Ethnos 360 in December.
Mulching is our job while here and it provides us with time to spiritually rest.
We listened to preaching, podcasts and music. We read the books that have been piling up all year, and we observed the excitement of the residents as they shared of incoming staff members to help lighten the load of service. We met interns, both recent additions and new, who daily lend their youthful strength and untiring endurance to the many necessary tasks. And we began to “exceedingly rejoice” before God. Not just because of all we had been reflecting on, but also because of all He is doing in this place as well. The new staff and interns are just one of the blessings.
We can’t forget the volunteers. When we arrived for the first time 5 years ago, the rv court had glaringly empty spaces. The concern? Some of the faithful volunteers throughout the years were no longer able to travel and/or complete the jobs they once held. Who would answer the call to serve? The volunteers we met that season were retired as well. We were one of the youngest couples on campus, if not the youngest. While we continue to be amazed at what those in their 70’s can do, heavy lifting and the long hours needed here can be hard with physical limitations.
Volunteers, February 11, 2026
Not only has God provided more staff who serve year-round, but He also answered prayer for volunteers to help in the winter months. Most arrive in January and leave by the end of March. We try to arrive in December. There are fewer volunteers then, and we can get better acquainted with the few who do stay over the holidays. This year, the rv court was over half-way full by December 5th! By January, all was overflowing, many for the first or second season. Combined with the influx of fresh staff and interns, tables had to be added, and break times had to be staggered. There weren’t enough seats for everyone all at once. Praise the Lord! What an answer to prayer!
The Homes is a community for retired tribal missionaries. The staff who care for these amazing missionaries consists of some of those retired missionaries as well as others called to this specific mission field at The Homes of Ethnos 360. It is a community within a community, so Ethnos 360 handles things like the care of and replacement as needed of the concrete roads winding throughout the campus.
Dwight (left) served 24 years in Indonesia and 13 years in the Philippines as a missionary. He now serves as a retired missionary at The Homes.
Also housed on campus are assisted living and nursing home facilities. Staff usually assume the roles of grounds maintenance, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, nurses, and food service managers. The ages of these staff members increase as do the demand for their services. The ensuing gap is helped during the winter months by volunteers (also generally retired and aging out). Perhaps you can already see the need for the stamina and strength of younger staff, and God has been providing these needs.
Our rejoicing continued throughout our time at The Homes. As we sought the Lord’s guidance for the ministry of OJIF this coming year, He answered. The goal has always been to serve AND provide materials when needed. We were left speechless and humbled by the quick response and the way in which God answered. He is truly good—always!
We leave this place to begin our journey north for the spring and summer months. Once again, we go forward renewed in grace through faith looking to our heavenly Father with childlike expectation for all He will do in and through His people in this coming year! Praise be to God!