I honestly didn’t know what to write about this week, but one phrase just kept coming up over and over again: Fix your eyes. I first heard it back when I was learning about missions with Bayside, back when I was still such a “baby Christian,” figuring out what following Jesus even meant. I knew I loved God and wanted to obey Him, but I didn’t totally understand what it looked like to actually have my eyes fixed on Him.

That phrase came back to life for me during the last few days of training camp when I randomly volunteered to lead a Bible study for my squad of thirty people. I was nervous, unprepared, and honestly kind of panicking. I prayed and asked the Lord what I was supposed to talk about, and He brought me right back to that same phrase. I started digging through old notes and the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew jumped out at me like I was reading it for the first time.

In that story, the disciples are in a boat doing exactly what Jesus told them to do, when out of nowhere the wind and waves start hitting them. They were literally in obedience and still ended up in a storm. When Jesus shows up, they don’t even recognize Him because fear makes them misinterpret His presence. That really hit me, fear can make it so hard to see what God is actually doing, especially when life or mission work feels chaotic. Our eyes naturally go straight to the waves.

But the part I love is that Jesus walks toward them in the storm — not once it’s over, not once they’re safe, but right in the middle of it. He doesn’t wait for perfect conditions to come close. The real question becomes: Where will my eyes go when the wind picks up?

Peter asks to come to Jesus, and as long as his eyes are on Him, he literally walks on water. The second he looks at the storm, he sinks. Faith isn’t the absence of fear — it’s deciding what you look at when fear shows up. When Peter looked at Jesus, he did the impossible. When he looked at the waves, he went under. And yet, Jesus immediately reaches out His hand. No disappointment, no shame — just rescue. Peter experiences both his own weakness and Jesus’ faithfulness at the same time.

Once they get back into the boat, the winds finally die down and the disciples worship. I love that the storm ends in worship — the very thing that terrified them becomes the moment that reveals who Jesus really is. Storms don’t just test faith; they sharpen focus. They strip away distractions so we can see Jesus more clearly.

As I enter this next week of mission work, I’m choosing to fix my eyes on Jesus. Whether it’s calm seas or heavy wind, I want my gaze to stay so locked on Him that the “impossible” becomes possible through His strength. And I would love to be praying for everyone who has been reading these posts, supporting me, and interceding for this mission. Please let me know how I can be lifting you up!

A huge praise report: I only have $1,500 left until I am fully funded! Praise God! Watching how He has provided through people’s generosity and obedience has been incredible. If you’ve prayed, shared, given, or encouraged, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m so close to the finish line, and I believe He will carry it all the way through.

If you feel led to support me and the work I am doing, I would appreciate it so much. Every donation, big or small makes a huge difference and helps get the Gospel to people who need to hear it.

See you all next week for another update!!