Imagine this: What if those challenging individuals in your life were not obstacles but instruments of growth? In “Difficult People Reimagined,” we explore how God places these characters in our path not to hinder us but to mold us into reliable servant leaders. Just as Joseph needed his brothers, David needed Saul, and Jesus needed the Pharisees, discover how you, too, can position yourself for God to transform adversity into a divine opportunity for greatness.

Psalms 31 and 33 are among David’s reflections on how God is looking for servant leaders. David’s training underwent a wilderness season of responding to difficult people. He passed tests by refusing an easy power-over takeover, continuing to be the right person by serving as well as possible, and choosing to trust God.

Reflections from Psalms 31 and 33

1. Trust in God’s Timing: David trusted God’s timing rather than seizing control by force (Psalm 31:15).
2. Seek Refuge in the Lord: David repeatedly sought refuge in the Lord (Psalm 31:1-2).
3. Praise God’s Righteousness: David continually declared the faithfulness of God (Psalm 33:1-5).
4. Know God Rules: David reflected on God’s dominion (Psalm 33:6-9).
5. Believe God Provides and Protects: David emphasizes that the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, and He delivers them (Psalm 33:18-19).

Like David, we are called to be servant leaders. We trust in God’s wisdom and timing. We acknowledge and are grateful for His presence and His presents.

We spoke at four well-attended Brazil interest meetings and are leaving feeling that our support team is engaged and praying for us.

Roxy holds Ellis at one of the Brazil Interest meetings.

Roxy is the great person at Xtreme Mercy Canada (XMC) who handles all the donations! If you contact XMC with a donation, Roxy will answer. The email address is xtrememercy.ca@gmail.com .

Ellis held hands with his grandpas at one of the Brazil interest meetings. Steve is Zack’s dad.

These children’s mom was born in Brazil while her parents (Ross and Karin) were missionaries with us.

Ellis at 4 a.m.

The hardest part of leaving this time was our newest family members.

Paul and Lucy are ready for a road trip.

It’s starting! Lucy and Paul are entering the incredible world of books!

Val Reddix published a book! Jerry and Val are long-time mentors and friends. Fifteen years ago, Dr. Jerry counseled us to spend one year with our teenage children in Canada to help them transition. “If you could spend one year together there, they could go to school, experience the weirdness of living in a foreign culture, and laugh and cry together each evening.” So that is what we did, and that is what happened. We have remained friends over the years, and now Val sent her book to our grandchildren! Wow!

It is easier to say goodbye to grandparents than it is to grandchildren.