“Josh and Sara serve in Asia where they pray that God would use them and their team to be a part of strengthening a local church, planting new healthy churches, and training up leaders. Both Josh and Sara have done college ministry and love working with young people as they navigate the most strategic decision-making time of their life. Josh and Sara have three young children that keep them busy in addition to language learning and building relationships with their neighbors. Josh graduated from San Diego State University and is currently working on his M.Div from Southern Seminary. Sara graduated from Oregon State University.”

My name is Sara Jenkins (Smaha). Originally from Nebraska, I grew up attending church weekly. It was what you do on a Sunday! Our family moved to Glide in 1999. By the time I was in middle school our family’s church attendance fell off.

After graduating from Glide High School in 2008, I attended Oregon State University. While at OSU I was invited to a church with a college ministry and the truth of the Gospel of Jesus was clearly explained and demonstrated to me in this community. This was truly the beginning of a personal understanding of who is God, who is Jesus, and why He is worth my whole life. When I graduated, I had obtained so much more than a degree; I had a vibrant relationship with my Savior and a heart burning to share Him with the world He loves and died for.

So, I went to Asia. Suburban Christian Church in Philomath, OR, and North Umpqua Bible Fellowship supported me to move overseas to learn language and pursue long term partnerships. While I was in Asia, God introduced me to Josh, the man who is now my husband!

Josh and I currently live in San Diego, CA. Josh is a youth pastor and we both also work with Challenge, a campus ministry at San Diego State University. Challenge is passionate about sharing Jesus, discipleship, and sending students to join God’s mission in the world. Josh and I co-lead International Friendship Night, a weekly event for international students to come, share a meal, play fun games, and learn about God and the Bible. We also lead Mandarin conversation groups at our Bible night events.

What happened to Asia?  We see staying 3-5 years in San Diego to invest in ministry and pursue further preparation for long term service overseas. God is so good! We know He is using this time to prepare us for what is to come. Join us as the story continues!