Finding a lost friend.

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. –Psalm 73:28 ESV

The Spirit has constantly brought this verse to mind over the last three weeks. I have run it through my mind again and again, praying each line would be true in my life. That I would know and be glad in being near, turning to, and trusting God. That he would be my refuge, peace, and rock in the midst of heartache and chaos, and that no matter what happens over the next weeks and months that I would see and be able to tell of all his good works as he leads us through this specific season. 

Our doctor recently diagnosed our twins with a serious medical condition. I was quickly transferred to another hospital in the city where God provided for us the only doctor in the west part of the country to do the procedure that could save the boys’ lives. After one night at home and a beautiful reunion with our girls, we were on our way to this second hospital. In an unfamiliar crowded new place, we fumbled our way through check-in and tried to settle in for the long wait ahead of us. We were overwhelmed and concerned by the diagnosis of our boys, the girls were hungry, I was in considerable pain, and even with the rows and rows of people sitting in chairs and kids squealing all around, we felt alone and unsure—of the processes at this hospital and our ability to communicate what had already been communicated to us. 

As Isaac walked out in hunt for a snack, the Spirit brought to mind a friend of his. The Spirit pressed upon his heart to call him. This is a friend that Isaac had spent a lot of time with, one of his closest friends here. But recently, every time Isaac had tried to connect, he’d been met with excuses on why he couldn’t. We have found that 2-3 excuses in a row typically means people are no longer interested in a relationship. It’s been a hard part of ministry the last couple years, as many seem resistant to any connection deeper than surface level. Yet we continue to pursue people and their hearts, doing life and proclaiming Christ. That is what we are here for. 

Isaac called and his friend picked up! After a brief conversation he showed up to the hospital. I was honestly amazed! This man arrived at the hospital to be with our family on a whim. A man that Isaac has prayed for and spent time with. A friend who we thought had distanced himself for any number of reasons showed up at the hospital to be with us. This was huge!

As our friend sat down, he explained to us that just five months ago his wife was whisked away in an ambulance to this very same hospital after significant issues postpartum with their second baby. Five months ago, he had sat in these same chairs scared because someone he loved was in danger. Five months ago, he walked a very similar path that in that moment we were currently in. 

And so for the next couple hours he stayed with us. He was present to help in whatever way possible. Truly a provision from God.

We see this as not only God meeting our needs on that specific day, but we see how God brought someone we deeply care about back into our lives. God was working these last months so that when our paths crossed, our friendship would grow stronger than ever. We praise him for this! 

This man does not know Christ. We pray for his heart to soften to the seeds that Isaac has already planted and pray for more opportunities to come in the future not only with him but also his family. Praise God for this man and how God has brought him back into our lives. Pray that we would be faithful to love and pursue him and his family. Pray for a softened heart that he may know and experience joy in our Father. 

God has put us here to persistently and patiently pursue people and families who do not know him so that they might hear and believe. God showed his kindness to us, displaying his works in how he not only sustains us, but also how he is providing and sustaining relationships with the people he would have for us in this place.

– Isaac + Christa Torres

Happenings at AIRO.

We’ve had hundreds of conversations with our community trying to answer a big question: how do we make our generosity count for eternity? 

Through those discussions, we’ve seen generous believers put their money to work for the Kingdom in all sorts of ways. Today, we’re excited to announce a workshop focused on one option that is both impactful and personal: helping you create your own executable will, for FREE! 

You read that right. We’re partnering with Christian Foundation of America to host a 90-minute virtual workshop that will walk you through building an executable will at no cost—no matter your age or stage of life. Join us on April 29th from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT) to build your will for free and make your generosity count for eternity!

We send with great joy.

It’s our greatest privilege to help send missionary partners like Garrett + Lily to the field and to keep them there long-term! We don’t want you to miss out on it.

Want to get in on the action? Make a gift today and advance the gospel to the unreached!