Adventuring Author: Russia — How Hubby Got On Board

I am in Russia. Yes, right now.

We (hubby and I) landed in Moscow two days ago. I’ll be posting pictures on my Instagram when (if) I can and I’ll resist giving a “full report” until we’ve returned. But while we’re traipsing across the Russian winterside, here’s the story of how hubby went from hating Russia, to wanting to minster there.

I had just met this handsome hunk of a man and — after a few weeks of twitterpation — decided to test the waters of this “potential-husband” material.

Now you have to understand that God placed Russia on my heart back when I was a young teenager. I knew, without a doubt, that the word “Russia” was stamped on my future. It was crucial that my future husband have a similar vision. Only…I hadn’t shared any of this with Daylen yet.

“So,” I asked him during a drive one day. “How do you feel about ministry in other countries? Is that something you’d be open to?”

He shrugged. “Sure! Wherever God calls…”

Phew! He’s a keeper!

“…Well, anywhere but Russia.”

SCREECH! What?! Anywhere but Russia? But…but…I wanted to marry this guy! I couldn’t do that now.

Instead of freaking out and shaking the insanity out of him (I mean, who wouldn’t want to serve in giant, freezing cold country? 😉 ) I remembered Mary who kept everything to herself. So I did that. I realized I couldn’t change Daylen’s heart. God knew my vision and desires (Psalm 37:4, anyone?) He’d change him.

So I prayed and stayed silent. It wasn’t easy. I prayed for clarity, for a change of Daylen’s heart, for perseverance. A month or so later, Daylen was setting up his office at his new job. I was playing around with this new desk, opened a drawer and…

…there sat a Russian Bible.

“What’s this?” I tried to keep my voice from trembling.

He waved it off. “I dunno. I know you studied Russian for a little while. I saw it on a shelf and just,”–shrug–“grabbed it.”

I wanted to do a victory dance right then and there, confess my prayers, and tell him everything. But the Holy Spirit super-glued my lips shut. Not yet.

More praying. But this time, I was energized. A Russian Bible! Even Daylen didn’t know what drew him to it! Another few weeks went by and Daylen and I found ourselves on a drive to the city. We were content. We were silent. Then, out of nowhere, Daylen said, “This might sound a little crazy but…I just keep thinking about…Russia. I can’t get it off my mind and…I think maybe God wants us to do ministry there someday. What do you think?”

And…I word-vomited everything (clearly the Holy Spirit’s super glue worked for only so long) — the waiting, the prayers, my passion, my vision. I’m surprised Daylen didn’t just change his mind right then and there and ditch the psycho girlfriend. 😉 But I’d never been more excited to see God work in such a clear way. He changed a man’s heart.

Now I’m married to that man…and we’re in Russia.

What is a powerful way you’ve seen God work?

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