The Joys In The Desert

The Desert

No, we haven’t actually been in a desert. But over these past few months, we really have felt like the Israelites wandering through the desert waiting to enter the promised land. Even so much as looking back to the past life, longing for the comforts of what we knew, yet the Lord reminds us that what lies ahead is even greater. In the midst of this desert season, God remains faithful. He provides the manna, the water, and the cloud and fire to guide our steps. We are in a season where each step is truly just a step of faith, trusting in the lead of our Father. In this season, the Lord is building our faith, refining our character (an often painful process), and strengthening our relationship with him and each other.

Nomads

This nomadic season has been beautiful, fruitful, and blessed. Though we honestly felt so tired. Our family was really struggling without any routine and consistency, but we trust God to sustain us. We have received so many open doors, and as we continue to journey in faith, even more doors open. It’s been such a cool process to see God guiding us so clearly, so gently, and so lovingly.

An Unexpected Twist

A while ago, we had a call with YWAM Townsville to update them on our fundraising and clarify a few details. As we spoke with them, we discovered that the current waiting period for a visa is much longer than we anticipated. Our thought was that once we applied, we might need to wait a month or so to be accepted and go to Australia. They informed us this was not the case, and that the current waiting period is most likely between 5 to 6 months. Our hearts sank. As we’d been struggling in this nomadic season, we had the hope of being able to step into the next season soon. This news meant we were so much further from exiting this desert season than we thought. As we received this news, we began praying about what to do in this waiting period.

In The Waiting

As we waited on the Lord, we really felt we should find a YWAM Campus in the U.S. to serve at as we wait for our visas. We began looking at different locations that made sense to us and inquiring about the possibility of serving short-term with them. Some doors closed, some remained open, yet we didn’t feel a peace to accept those open doors. We continued our nomadic path as we prayed. As we went to Florida, we couldn’t shake the feeling that we were needing to serve there. We inquired with the only campus we knew of and the door shut. We were confused, and still felt strongly we needed to serve with YWAM in Florida. Upon more research we discovered a campus we’d never heard of before. Their focus is on performing arts, and for those who know Jenna well, this immediately excited her spirit! She has always felt called to use the arts to build the kingdom of God but since having kids it has been a mostly dormant passion. As we’ve researched more about Cairns, Australia we have seen that they love the arts. The government wants to have more initiatives in the arts. This avenue all of a sudden started to click and make sense as a place to come alongside and serve as needed, but as well to learn and prepare more for our ministry to the youth down under!

Visa Expenses

We have been so encouraged to see over half of the visa costs already come in! We are only needing $9,000 more! It has been incredible to see how God has been leading many to partner with us in this crazy wonderful call. There’s so much groundwork being laid and we know God’s timing is perfect. We continue to trust that in his time all the rest will come in!

The Final Leg Of Travel (For Now)

We are so thankful for the release from God to be stationary again! It will be so good for our kids especially to be able to establish good routines (hopefully potty train too!). As we serve here, we will continue to build our partnership team through zoom and in-person meetings. We look forward to serving this team and filling any gaps we can short term, as well as serving in a local church while we wait on our visas.

A Testimony of God's Protection and Provisions

God is still in the miracle business! We bought our 2009 Dodge Caravan from a stranger on Facebook Marketplace, knowing it had some issues, but sensing it was the right one for us. Just three weeks after our son Levente was born, it became our faithful daily driver as we traveled across the country—through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, and back—sharing what God has done in our lives and His vision for youth in Australia. We logged nearly 5,000 miles with almost no problems, living out of the van for months thanks to the generosity of many people who provided food and shelter, all while it served as a vital part of our mission.

On our final leg before settling in Tampa for YWAM, we hit a tire-shredding obstacle, followed by another blowout at Jenna’s brother’s apartment in Georgia. We knew it was time for four new tires. At the shop the next morning, after praying for safe arrival, the mechanics discovered something impossible: one original tire was still holding air even with a pushed-in valve stem and a huge gash in the other, both badly damaged and rotted. Shocked, they asked how the van had been driving at all. I smiled and explained that I had prayed for God to get us there safely, opening the door to share the Gospel—that Jesus is real and desires a personal relationship with them. God turned our stressful situation into a powerful testimony, showing He still does miracles today when we trust Him completely. Thank you to everyone who prayed for and supported us!

Partnersship

We are at 27% of our monthly financial goal. We hope to reach 75% before we head to Australia. Please continue to keep this in prayer, that all those called to partner in this ministry will walk in faith and obedience with us.

Praise Reports

• We have started homeschooling the kids (as James has been missing school), and found an amazing curriculum that fits our family well

• We have over half of all the funds we need to apply for our visas!

• After rescheduling the trip several times, we finally made it to Texas!

• Kids are building friendships

• We have a temporary home where we can begin to build routines

• Jenna is driving! After not having driven since 2019, she was very nervous but has been building confidence through practice

Prayer Points

• Monthly Partners

• Finances for Our Visas

• Wisdom in how to serve well

• Smooth Transition as We Begin Serving With YWAM Tampa in This Waiting Season

• A church that is a good fit for our family as we serve here

Often this season has felt overwhelming, difficult, and impossible. But your prayers and partnership help strengthen us to be able to continue walking in obedience and preparation for what’s next. We are so blessed to serve alongside you all, and we are so thankful God has called us to this vision of serving and loving the brokenhearted together. Please let us know how we can be praying for you as well! We hold you in our prayers and would love to be praying more specifically.

Love and blessings,

The Lasers