LIVING HOPE

What do you live for and hope for? 

We are often taught by the cultures we grow up in to live for ourselves. We’re taught to hope for and aim for a certain picture of what our lives should look like.  What equals success and holds value in many places is often related to status, comfort and position. If you have money, a job, marriage, a family, and a position of influence … you may feel like what you hoped for has been achieved.

When I was in college, I remember hoping for a good job, a good husband and children, good health and a long life. I wanted to contribute something to earth and I wanted my name to be remembered.  I hoped to ultimately achieve these things by my own hard work.  American culture teaches you to make your own way.

Some of these were not bad to “hope for.” But very easily, if we’re not careful, we can lose sight of what life is really all about; especially what to hope for and hope in.

The past months here in Ethiopia we’ve been studying 1 Peter, focusing on the “Hope of the Kingdom.” How can we see this hope, live this hope, then witness this hope to the world?  How can we encourage the generations behind us to not lose hope?  There is a Savior, a Merciful High Priest, a Good Shepherd, a Faithful Friend, a Risen and Returning King- Jesus- to live for and hope in!

What is it that you hope for and hope in?

“Hope” is defined as “an optimistic state of mind characterized by a desire for a specific outcome combined with the expectation that is it possible.”  

“Biblical hope” is defined as “confident, sure expectation of receiving what God has promised. A living hope is given to us and is based on Jesus, He is our hope! 

Which kind of hope do have?

Here are just some of the promises from God’s Word….

I have gone to prepare a place for you, and if I have gone, I will come back and take you to be with me …John 14:3

I will dry every tear, and death will be no more, neither will there be anguish or grief or pain … Revelation 21:4

One day, the trumpet of God will sound, the dead in Christ will rise, and we will meet Him in the air…1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17

We will live in the new city and reign with God forever … Revelation 21: 2-3

We will be raised with an imperishable body… 1 Corinthians 15: 42-44

Outwardly, we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day … 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive what God has in store for those who love Him … 1 Corinthians 2:9

If these are just some of the promises we have and they are FOR SURE, do we live like we believe they are true and are coming?

Do we show this hope and confidence and surety in what we say, what we do, and what we focus on?

Unfortunately, we can easily lose focus and then lose hope. We can start to hope for the wrong things and hope in the wrong things. We can become discouraged and overwhelmed thinking that because we don’t see change or movement…. that nothing is happening. Satan is there to rob us of our joy, our peace and our hope.  What we have is certain because it’s based on what Jesus did for us!  We must stand on and in that hope by faith!

Check your hope today. What are you looking at, living for?

Make sure your hope is on and in Jesus!

There is so much to celebrate and look forward to!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable …. 1 Peter 3: 3-4

My soul finds rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken … Psalm 62: 5-6

May we keep our eyes on Jesus, May we see Him, live Him and witness Him to the world!  He is good news!

Praises

-We had amazing EvaSUE National Mission Summit a few weeks ago. This five-day summit hosted over 600 college student leaders from all over the country. Our theme was Hope of the Kingdom from 1 Peter. I led an Art Team of graduates and students and we created an amazing art exhibition to support the theme, missions and unreached people groups. I also had the privilege to teach a three-day seminar about Youth Culture. God did a great work among all attending. Please pray God will water and grow these seeds and will mobilize these students to reach their campuses, cities, and the world for Jesus!

Prayer Requests

-Please pray for our two remaining big events for this rainy season: Our National Leadership Summit in mid-August, where we plan to host over 1000 student leaders for one week. 

-This will be followed by our EvaSUE National Staff Retreat where our team of 125 staff will come together to debrief our national events and celebrate the year behind and look forward to the new school year ahead.

-I do plan to travel to the US in late August and need to raise funds for that.  If you feel led to give, you can do so through this link:

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett          

God is at work here and I’m so humbled to continue to be part of it.

Thank you so much for your support and continued prayers!

Blessed summer to you as it continues and winds down for many!

Life in the Sun

Many years ago, on a mission trip to Jamaica, I remember creating a journal of devotions titled: Life in the SUN (Son). Little did I know, years later, I would live as a missionary in a land of so much sun (Ethiopia).  

But now, in Ethiopia, we are waiting for the rain. It’s been too hot and rainy season seems late to arrive this year. The sun burns and the skies feel like they’re on fire. 

The air feels dusty and smoky.  Lord have mercy!  Let it rain soon!

The devos I crafted tied in life in the sun to life in the “Son” – Jesus.  And I was remembering some of those thoughts this past week as the sun was burning.

TRANSFORMATION

If we are in the sun, you usually see impact that you’re living in that sun and heat. Despite sunscreen and sunglasses, your skin will probably become red or brown or dry, your hair blonder.  I definitely try to wear longer sleeves so I don’t burn here, but sometimes even my feet in sandals are marked with sun. 

IF we are REALLY following in the footsteps of Jesus- it’s also a way marked by transformation. We should be changing as result of activating God’s Word in our lives and should be “dusted” by following in the footsteps of our Rabbi. Can people tell you’ve been in God’s presence?  The Holy Spirit should be growing fruit in you. Does your life, does mine, reflect transformation … of God at work in you and through you? 

We reflect the Lord’s glory more and more … 2 Corinthians 3:18

Moses’s face was radiant … Exodus 34: 29-35

When the religious leaders saw the boldness of Peter and John, they took note that they had been with Jesus … Acts 4:13

I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in Him produces much fruit… John 15:5

A good tree is recognized by its fruit … Matthew 7:17

SWEAT

In the sun and heat, you are poured out.  Last week at our National Staff Meeting for EvaSUE, you had to fan yourself to keep cool.  The sweat would come. Ugh.

If you’re really following Jesus, there should also be a natural “pouring out” of your life. You are to pour out your life for those around you.  It’s hard work and it requires intentionality.  Are you working for others? Or working more for yourself? Are you serving others? Or serving yourself? If you’re in the “Son”, you will learn to lay down your life for those around you and serve others before yourself.

He (Jesus) poured out His life unto death … Isaiah 53:12

For I (Paul) am already being poured out like a drink offering … 2 Timothy 4:6

Have the same mindset of Christ, who made Himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant, … He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on the cross Philippians 2:5-8 

THIRST

Life in the sun requires staying hydrated. You get thirsty. You need water or you will collapse.  The same is true for following Jesus. Thankfully, Jesus says He is the living water. We can drink freely and be refreshed. Are you thirsty for Him or have you, have I, looked to other things to satisfy? We must keep letting Him pour into us, only then will we have strength to go on and “water” to share with others who are thirsty.

My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns… Jeremiah 2:13

If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water … John 4:10

Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink … John 7:37

My soul thirsts for God … Psalm 42:2

I thirst for you … in a dry and parched land where there is no water … Psalm 63:1

SHADE

You also need “shade” in the sun.  Here in Ethiopia, many people bust out the umbrellas to give shade from the sun. Big for me, is sunglasses to shade my eyes.  Last week, at our staff meeting, our team tried to find shade to sit under outside so we wouldn't burn. 

We are living in a fallen world and as we follow Jesus, we need refuge. God says He is our hiding place, our shade and our shield. Are you staying with Him? Resting in Him?  Sometimes we move out from Him to go our own way. We get tired of waiting for Him. He says to stay in His presence.  He has all we need!

The Lord watches over you- He is your shade at your right hand … Psalm 121: 5-6

DIRT

In the sun, the dirt cakes on.  The dust and dirt sticks.  It’s in the hair and in the clothes.  It’s on the floor. If you don’t keep clean or mop often, a cough comes and illnesses.  Even breathing issues.

Also, in the Son- as we follow Jesus, we need to watch our lives closely. When sin comes, when wrong thoughts get into our minds, bad habits, we need to get rid of those immediately. Our sin can’t separate us from God for eternity, thanks to Jesus, but we need to live holy and right before God. We must stay in His light. There are consequences for sin, and our witness can be impacted.

Confess your sins one to another and pray for each other so that you may be healed … James 5:16

If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with each other and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin … 1 John 1:7

Be holy because I am holy … I Peter 1: 15-16

COMMUNITY

What I’ve also learned about life in the sun is it’s hot and not easy. It’s good to have family and neighbors and teammates who can check on you- making sure you’re not blinded by something or falling down without getting up. The same is true of running a good race for God and keeping on the narrow way. You can’t be isolated. You can’t grow by yourself. You need people around you. It’s essential for deep roots.  Life in Jesus Christ requires staying in community. Only then do you have accountability and can you grow.

Don’t give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching … Hebrews 10:25

Love one another as I have loved you; they will know you’re my disciples if you love one another… John 34-35

How is your life in the “Son?” Is there evidence of transformation, of fruit? Are you thirsting for the right thing and going to the right source? Are you drinking from living water? Are you getting in the shade to rest? Are you being serious about sin? Are you pouring out your life for others? Are you staying in community? 

May God help us stay in the SON.  For in Him only- is LIFE!

Praises / Prayer Requests

-Praise God for a big Youth Ministry Leadership Summit at ETC that EvaSUE participated in

-Praise God for a peaceful election on June 1st for Ethiopia

-Praise God for a successful EvaSUE National Staff meeting

-Pray for the end of the school year for staff and students

-Pray for our two big EvaSUE national events: the National Mission Summit in July and the National Mission Summit in August, that God will pour out His Spirit on the next generation and mobilize them for His Kingdom!

Happy Fathers Day to all Dads on June 21^st- this weekend. A special shout out to the world’s best Dad, the amazing, handsome, and charming Jim Garrett. We love you so much Dad!

Thank you to all who continue to pray for me and support the work here. If you’d like to make a one-time donation for my ministry funds for this summer, I am needing to raise funds for my account. You can make a donation through this link: 

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett          

Thanks so much and Blessed Summer to you all as it continues!

SEASONS and INTENTIONALITY

Life has seasons.  

Growing up in the US, these helped you keep track of the time of year. April was spring- you could see it arriving. Rains would fall. Temperatures would warm. Green would explode everywhere. Trees and flowers would bloom. Windows would be opened. Blue skies and sun would increase. You'd hear birds and lawn mowers going. It was so pretty after months of darkness and cold.

May was the countdown to summer. The temperatures would warm even more. The AC would come on, iced coffee would become more the beverage of choice. Shorts, sandals, sunglasses, pool time started arriving.  School was finishing and it was hard to stay still. The lazy days of summer would beckon to you. 

You had to change your clothes and you had to adapt to the changing seasons ... or you'd look funny or out of place. If you wore a winter coat in summer you would melt.  If you didn't have an umbrella when rains fell, you'd get drenched. 

Here in Ethiopia, the "seasons" are less noticeable so time flies and you can lose track of days. One day looks the same as the next. Is it already May? I was just shocked by that here this morning.  When I took a picture of the sun rising, I noticed my backyard grass looked a little greener and bit taller.  When I checked my calendar, I had a small shock.  How was it already May?  Weren't we just in February?

I'm so thankful for the seasons God has given me, both in the US and here in Ethiopia. Life is a gift and so is passing time. 

I've been thinking this past week about intentionality through the seasons.  We really do have to be intentional with our lives or we can lose them or spend them in ways that don't honor God. 

Intentional means purposeful. If you're not intentional, your life can finish before you actually begin even living it.

The Bible tells us, our lives are not our own. They are gifts to us from God to steward, to care for , and to give back to Him. Being intentional means "aligning our plans with God's will. It involves seeking His guidance and surrendering to His purpose." How am doing with that? How are you?

It can be easy to forget to live with intentionality.  If there's free time, we can waste it. If there's extra money, we can spend it, not give it. If we have a free evening, we can easily choose a mindless activity just to give ourselves what we think is "rest".  If we have the privilege to meet someone to listen or to encourage that person, we can easily forget to focus on that person. We scroll while they sit there, which communicates some very negative messages.  It could communicate: I don't see you, I don't care about you. You're not important. Which is probably NOT what we want to communicate. People need our undivided attention.  God wants our undivided attention as well. Do we really give that to Him?  Do we really give that to people that Jesus died to save?

So what can we do when we get distracted?  Or we lose intentionality?

God's been reminding me of the value of creating space ... margins you put in your life where and when you can get before God. These spaces and times can clear your head and help you breathe. God, in these moments, can meet you and show you Himself and also your life, your time spent, your money spent, your focus. God wants us to get before Him and be REAL.  Don't just talk, really be still and listen.  Lay your plans before Him and ask for direction. Lay yourself before Him and ask Him to do what needs done. Cut what needs cut. Rip out what needs ripped. Tear down any altars or destroy any idols we've made.  One of them being pride.  Do you, do I, really pray like that? We have to be very intentional to keep God first and put Him as the top priority in our lives.

Social media is one area where we need big and wise intentionality.  On it, we can lose time. We can lose real people around us. We can focus on image bearing ourselves to the world.  I can't tell you how much time I sometimes can waste trying to take a good picture of myself.  To what end? Usually none.  God always reminds me after I waste that time .... am I to be a promotor of myself or a promotor of Him? Uhhhh. Gut check. We have to check what we message, what we promote.  Is it really all about God and witnessing for Him- about Him?,  or is it really about us, just wrapped in what looks spiritual or like spiritual activity?

May God help us.

Social media is a huge platform. Messages are communicated there. People are there, alot of youth are there, looking for content. What are you messaging? What are you liking? Sharing? Promoting?  It needs intentionality by us all, and again, big wisdom.

May we live through every season God gives us with intentionality.  This is my prayer for myself and for the church!  May we see people and not miss them. May we see God and really BE with Him!

As spring turns to summer, may this next season be lived with true intentionality in honor of God!

Teach us to number our days, so we gain a heart of wisdom  ... Psalm 90:12

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord ... Colossians 3: 24-25

Set your mind on things above  ... Philippians 4:8

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind .. Hebrews 12:2

Walk wisely , making the most of every opportunity ... Ephesians 5:15-16

Praises / Prayer Requests

Praise God for a wonderful Student Ministry team retreat. This was for families as well. We enjoyed the rest and reflection as we shift from one season to the next.

Please pray for our staff and students as schools finish and we move into summer national programs; pray God gives us wisdom with planning

Pray for Ethiopia- a national election is in June

Pray for the fuel crisis, it's making things a mess here

If you'd like to make a one time donation for the work here or join my monthly support team, please message me or just join through the link below.  I'm trying to build back up my ministry funds. Thank you for whatever God might lead you to give:

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett          

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!  I couldn't be here still without your faithful giving and prayers!

Blessed spring finishing and summer starting to you all. May we honor God through seasons and live for Him always with intentionality!

And Happy Mother's Day this weekend to all Moms.  A special shout out to the amazing and beautiful and fit and classy Rosie Garrett. We love her so much!  Happy Mother's Day Mom! We love you and are celebrating you globally!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

"POV" (Point of View)

What is your "POV"- point of view?

I've been thinking about that the past few weeks. What do you believe about yourself?  About what you see?

There are always differing points of view. People have opinions and we also have them. We can easily label people or situations based on our past experiences or biases.  Other people can look at our lives and can do the same. They can label us or tell us we're too late, we're too old, we're too young, we're too inexperienced. Everyone has a point of view and they can give it.  

Anyone can influence the narrative of our lives if we're not careful.  We can live into an identity and a reality that is not the truth or the one God has for us, or one that is temporary and not eternal.

Who is influencing your POV?  Is it God's POV of your life?  

Our "point of view" can easily become what our culture says our lives should be or look like. Satan also likes us to focus on what we don't have versus what we do.  He wants us to focus on what we haven't done versus what we have done. He wants to remind us of past mistakes instead of who are in Christ and all we can be thanks to Jesus. We can become insecure, anxious, negative and hopeless and off track if we're not careful.

God has been reminding me that His POV- His point of view of my life- is the right one. It's the truth and it's for eternity. He has me and each of us where we are for a reason and for His perfect timing. If we are letting Him and His Word and His Spirit lead us, we can rest in Him and trust Him to lead us on, one step at a time. And what journey that is!

It's easy in this life at times to feel alone, forgotten, lost, not seen, not heard, abandoned, rejected, not able to recover, and not enough.  We can easily long for what we think we want or need versus what God says and sees.

Yet, God's tells us in His Word His POV of us. He designed us and has plans for each of us. We are chosen, redeemed, and greatly loved. Our bodies are already dying and will return to dust, but our spirits will live on. We are young in eternity and in all that God has ahead. When pressure comes, we can endure. When sin comes, we can escape. It's not over until God says. If doors are closed, He can open them. All of heaven's armies are with us. The Lion of Judah is beside us.  Jesus died to save us and lead us as a Good Shepherd and King. If we fall, God can help us back up. He is merciful. He can redeem any life. Renew any mind. He can break any addiction and break any chains. He can heal any illness. This world is not our home, we're only passing through. If God allows things to be crushed or scattered, even if that is our bodies or things we love, we can trust Him. If He asks us to let something go, we can trust Him. He has another plan.  If He calls us to do something, we can trust Him. If He tells us to hold on, to stay in place, until His time is right, He can help us endure and even become more like Him through the darkest of nights and fiercest of storms.  We are on our way home and it's not easy, but we have a Good Shepherd and a Friend who sticks closer than a brother. We have global family going the same way and we have this way and the King to tell about to the nations. One day, we get new bodies and will be at peace with God and each other for all time, praising God in perfect fellowship where there will be no more pain and sorrow. What a day that will be, when Jesus we shall see! My Dad always says .... "one of these days."  His POV is on heaven. May we all look forward to "home."  

God might not show you His whole POV for your life, but He can help you walk into it.

If your point of view needs adjusted, spend time with God. Let Him remind you of what He says about you and all He has for you. He has all you need and goes with you!

If God is for us, who can be against us... Romans 8:31

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has planned for those who love Him ... 1 Corinthians 2:9

Let's keep the right POV (point of view)!  

I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand, You guide me with your counsel and afterward, you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:23-26

Praises

-I had a great Fasika (Easter) with my family here.  A deeply touching moment was when my home church on Good Friday evening gave a long standing ovation of clapping to Jesus, our Risen King, for finishing what He came to do for us.  May we continue to live in gratitude of what Jesus did!

Loved Fasika with two of my favorite sisters

-I praise God for the chance to speak for Bingham Academy students this past week here in Addis and share at their middle school and high school chapels. To visit some of their youngest students was also a blessing.  May God bless these students, staff, and the school.

Prayer Requests

-Pray for EvaSUE as we now turn towards national event planning in the summer, pray that God will lead us. Pray for us as we finalize curriculum and choose the annual theme and book to study.

-Pray for our staff as we finish the school year and that our staff will stay encouraged and have good endurance, also for all students as they move into exams and finish their school year.

Thank You again for your prayers and partnership!

May God bless your continued spring season!

Faith to Rise

I've been thinking about life's "race" these past weeks.  

There have been such great seasons and memories on life's run so far. There has been laughter.  Growth.  Deep friendships and global family that I can't imagine life without. There have been breathtaking views of God and His creation.  There have been moments when God did what I couldn't do. He helped me. He fought for me. He taught me. He held me.  While running, I've felt His hand in mine. He has helped me to stand on heights and to run with courage. In my weakness, He's proven strong!  I'm so grateful for Him with me!

Sometimes life's run has also been VERY hard.  You go up hills that are too steep. Paths suddenly become dark. There are deserts and valleys that bring fatigue, loss and sorrow.  There are times when I have felt very alone. There have been times when I've tripped and have fallen hard.  Some of my biggest falls have been my own fault.  You can go down a wrong path.  You can be unwise with your heart. You can get pushed by those you thought were with you.  Sometimes those closest to you can bring the biggest disappointment and pain.  Sin in yourself or in the people you know might show itself and the sight of it can be so disturbing that you fall in shock.  When you fall down from these hard times and seasons, how can you get up?  How can you have faith to rise and keep going?

The past weeks of "the race and running" here in Ethiopia so far in 2026 has held so many blessings. Water at long last has been "fixed" at my compound. It's ON after over a year of almost nothing. I really have no words for how much of a difference that has made in life here.  A smile comes to my face still when the water flows.  Am I living a dream? :-)

For over a year, filling these saved my life

At EvaSUE- nine of our ten regions successfully hosted events for students the past month, serving thousands around the country. What a huge blessing for me to continue running with this humble and impactful EvaSUE team of brothers and sisters in Christ!  One highlight for me was giving a "Youth Culture" training at one of our Addis regional events.  I felt God's Spirit throughout this seminar and saw on students faces the stirring of Him in them.  What a blessing!

Youth Culture Seminar - One of the three days at Central 1 Leadership Summit 

I also had the privilege last week to travel to Zeway, two hours south of Addis, to give training for over 50 youth at a church.  I taught on Discipleship, SHAPE and Youth Culture.  I again felt God with me and was so honored for this opportunity.  A boat ride on a nearby lake while there refreshed me. As the boat sped along the water and hippos popped their heads up - I felt like nothing was impossible for our big God!

Hippo in the water

Last week, a big group of EvaSUE staff worked on a curriculum draft that will be used for years to come.  What an honor to be part of this time!

EvaSUE Curriculum Writing workshop

At the end of last week, my work permit cleared the Labor Office, in record time. I felt quite a bit dazed as my EvaSUE teammate and I left the Labor office location. WHAT had just happened? How did I have a work permit in my hand in less than two hours when in years past it had taken days and even weeks. God is good!

All of these blessings were just some of the highlights of these past weeks here, but there was also a big shock back in my home area of Ohio that also brought hard days and hard running. News came of a death that brought horror, it hit my church and so many that I know, many of you probably reading this were impacted. How could this happen? You just wanted to stop, fall down, and have a hard cry.  That shouldn't have happened.  But it does on life's run. Sin is still there.  If unchecked and hidden, it can ruin and is still ruining lives. It's devastating. Lord have mercy!

What gives us faith to rise up and continue, when sadness and sorrow and tragedy overwhelms?  How can we continue? Why should we?  

God keeps bringing Hebrews 12: 1-3 to my mind.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

God's been reminding me that ...

We have a cloud of witnesses. All of those listed in Hebrews 11 and so many others have already run life's race and finished well for Jesus. They are witnesses for us. None were perfect, but they stayed faithful!  They kept going! So can we! And Jesus is our supreme example! 

-We must keep throwing off what trips us up and the sin that can entangle us. Very easily we can fall or go the wrong way.   We have to be intentional to check our lives often. How is my run looking? How is yours?  We have to stay vigilant.  We have to also stay in community to check each other.  God's Spirit is there to help us, teach us, convict us, comfort us, and give us guidance and boldness. We have armor to put on and to fight with as Satan tries to hit us.  We can run a good race and finish!  Is anything in your way now, making you stumble? Throw it off quickly!

-We must fix our eyes on Jesus and keep our eyes on Him. Our run is to Him and for Him.  He's our Good Shepherd. When we keep our eyes on Him, He shows us the way. In our weakness, He gives us His strength. He carries us if needed. We are not alone ever!  Our gaze must stay FIXED on Him.  Is He who you are looking at and living for?  Is He what and who you're seeking more than anything or anyone else?  We have to check our eyes and our hearts.  How can we keep focused on Jesus?  We have to make time to BE with Him.  Prayer, worship, Bible study, serving, witnessing.  Listening to Him, obeying what He says. He is with us.  He's a good leader, the best, He can be trusted! He can lead us home and help us run a good race!  Are your eyes fixed on Him?

-If we feel discouraged, we can be encouraged as we "consider Him" (Jesus)  and all He went through to give us life and the chance to know Him, love Him, represent Him, and be with Him forever.  This can give us courage and faith to rise!  What love He had for us to give us everything so we could live! He believes in us!

Why keep running? It's for Jesus! To live is Christ, to die is gain.  People are watching our lives. They need to see us get up and keep running. Jesus Himself is our reward!  Our Savior and King awaits!  We can't take anything to heaven with us except people.  Let's show the world our King is worth running for and towards!

Wherever God places us and however long He gives us, may we run the race well and may we all one day hear Him say- "Well done good and faithful servant!"  And may we also be able to say, " I have  fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"

Please pray this for me. May we all have faith to rise and keep running!

Prayer Requests

-Please pray my residence ID clears immigration this coming week, for a smooth and easy process.  God can do it again!

-EvaSUE is busy this month, we are listening to God for our new annual theme and book from the Bible that will be our focus of study- please pray God leads us.  We will continue working on the curriculum draft for students. And we have a Regional Coordinator Consultation meeting at the end of March.  Pray for God to lead us. 

-Pray for Tipp City and the church and community impacted by a great loss. May God help all get up and keep running. Ashley is now part of the "great cloud of witnesses"! I look forward to meeting her in heaven one day!

-Please join me in wishing my amazing parents, Jim and Rosie, a very blessed anniversary on March 26th. They are the very best!  They are heroes of faith for me and so many of us!  We love you!

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom on March 26th!

Many are fasting here for the countdown to Easter- may this time of repentance and reflection bring deep devotion and renewed commitments to follow Jesus.  May many awaken to the truth of who He is!

Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership!

If you'd like to give to the work here, you can do so through this link below:

 https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett         

Thank you again and may God bless the month of March for you and this countdown to Easter.

May God give us all faith to rise and courage to keep running the race!

Room to Breathe ... Thoughts for A New Year

Sometimes in life, you can feel out of breath.  You may feel squeezed and under pressure, unable to move. Maybe you don't have time or space to even come up for air. 

If you do have room to breathe, maybe your environment is toxic and negative.  What can you do?  

Right before I traveled to the US for the holidays,  I couldn't catch my breath in my home. It felt like asthma.  Was I allergic to something?  It's scary when you can't breathe.

This was on my mind as I traveled home for Christmas.

Now, back in Ethiopia, I took a ton of time this past week to REALLY deep clean my house. I called in help.  I hope this will remedy things in my house. It had me thinking again about the importance of making sure we have room to breathe and good air. 

Deep cleaning my house

Many people, I believe, are living with little room to breathe. Time is tight. Money is tight. Schedules are too busy. This lack of room to breathe can make you feel sick and can lead to so many problems. When you don't have time and space to breathe, it's easy to lose your life,  your health, your peace, your joy, your perspective, your family, your friends, your courage, your hope. You can also overreact, or not react as quickly as you need to. You can make poor decisions.  

Also, what we breathe into our lives can also be toxic if we are not careful. If we do have room to breathe or come up to get a breath, we can breathe in negativity. We can also breathe in nothing that really helps us get renewed.   Breathing in wrong things can also cause big health issues.

The Bible tells us that  ...

God created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone  .... Isaiah 42:5

God gives life ...Romans 4:17 

we are stewards of life and what's He's given us... Psalm 24:1; 1 Peter 4:10

God can help us ...

He is the sustainer of life ... Psalm 54:4

We also read that...

In Him, we live and move and have our being...Acts 17:28

and that 

Jesus came to give us life, life in abundance  ... John 10:10

I believe most of us want to honor God with what He's given us.  We want to move as He leads us. But sometimes I think we get off pace and quickly lose our room to breathe and this can be dangerous.

If you're struggling already in this new year, here are some easy steps God has been challenging me with that I wanted to share:

Check your breathing.  Are you struggling?  When people ask us often if we are good, we usually say we are, but are you REALLY? Look at your life. Look in the mirror. Are you taking care of what God has given you? Is your relationship with Him growing and prioritized? What does your life look like? How is your family? Your work? Your finances? Your quiet time with God?  If you're not sure how you're really doing, ask those around you.  They can usually tell you. God's Spirit and His Word can also help us really see how we are and what we are becoming. God wants to have wisdom with our life and to live it well, in honor of Him.  Thankfully, He can help us!

Teach me to number my days, that we might have a heart of wisdom ... Psalm 90:12

Check your "spaces." Do you have space to breathe?  Do you have time and space DAILY where and when you can just "be" with God?  We can't make it without Him.  We see Jesus getting up early in the morning to be with His Father.  We see Him making space for his disciples to get away for awhile. He modeled what we need to do. Relationships are built when time is spent together.  If you only meet God in church on Sunday or a few times a week, it's NOT ENOUGH. He is our life, our breath.  The more intentional time you spend with Him, the more He breathes into you the ability to go on. 

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus went away to a solitary place where He prayed ... Mark 1:35

Come away with me to a quiet place (Jesus to his disciples) ... Mark 6:31

If you seek me, you will find me if you seek me with your whole heart ... Jeremiah 29:13

Remain in me ... John 15

Check your air. What are you breathing into your life? What are you looking at? What are you watching? Listening to? What are you spending time doing and who are you spending time with? Input leads to output. What you put into your mind and heart will come out of you. Is God first and most? Are you breathing in His Word, His promises, His truth? What you breathe in matters.  Many times we try to rest and what we end up putting inside of us actually makes things worse. We look at things just to divert our attention.  Other times we can empty our minds without letting God reset us with His truth and refresh us in His presence. When we come back from the vacation or time away, we almost need another vacation from our vacation. We're not better or ready to face what is still there.  When you are squeezed, what is deep inside of you comes out.  God wants us to put His Word and His truth inside of us. It has power to change us with the help of His Spirit.  We can be renewed, cleaned, restored, refreshed... if we're plugged into the right thing. If we're breathing in God's Presence and Word and truth into our lives all the time, what comes out of us, even under pressure, will be His truth, His love, His perspective, His character.  What are you breathing in? If it's negativity, hatred, lies... those will come out of you.  If it's nothing, you will stay downcast and without energy. No change will come.

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen to me and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fares ... Isaiah 55:2

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be ... Matthew 6:21

Set your thoughts on things above ... Colossians 3:2

What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth ... Matthew 15:11

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path ... Psalm 119:105

Seek first my kingdom ... Matthew 6:33

Change anything that God leads you to. That might mean deep cleaning. It might mean quitting some things. It might mean big decluttering. It might mean adding some things in. It will probably involve reprioritizing things in your life as the Spirit leads. Do you need air? Space to breathe? God Himself? He's ready to be all you need and to fill you with His presence!  

I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you ... Ezekiel 36: 26-27

Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives. And humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls ... James 1:21

Mary has chosen the better thing and what she has will not be taken from her ...(story of Mary and Martha)... Luke 10:38-42

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me ... Psalm 51:10-12

If you purify me from my sins, I will be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow ... Psalm 51:7

Let God check your breathing, your spaces, what you're breathing in.  Let Him show you changes you can make so you can know Him more and be more healthier with Him in the new year. 

He is ready to walk you and me into a new chapter!  Let's trust Him!

Praises

-I had an amazing but busy December in Ethiopia.   I was privileged to give training to our 1st and 2nd year EvaSUE staff. We also had our Regional Coordinator Consultation training.  I love my EvaSUE teammates so much and feel humbled to be with them in the work here.

Most of our EvaSUE National Service Center team based in Addis

-I was able to travel to the US for Christmas and had an amazing time with my family. I praise God for this time.  I was able to breathe and reflect!  God did so much in 2025! I'm so grateful!

-I was able to attend the Urbana Conference in Phoenix, Arizona- with my sister and some of my EvaSUE teammates in late December. This conference was a breath of fresh air for us all. The missional teachings and worship by over 7000 college students was deeply moving. The interviews, testimonies, all were huge blessings. I'm so thankful I was able to attend.  I will be sharing more in another blog post soon about Urbana.  I'm still processing and reflecting on it all!  

Some of our EvaSUE teammates at Urbana in Phoenix

I returned to Ethiopia a week ago and have been settling in for the year ahead.

Some other praises / prayer requests for the new year: 

-for EvaSUE- pray for us as prepare for regional events that begin in one week and continue into March, that God will bless these events. We pray an outpouring of God's Spirit on young people that will push out from here to the ends of the earth! 

-I was short on fundraising goals for this year. If you'd like to make a one-time donation to help cover my time at home or to help with my ministry expenses for 2026, it's not too late to give, you can make a donation through this link:

 https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett         

Thank you for those of you who have given and continue to give. I'm so grateful to get to continue to represent God here!!!

Pray for EvaSUE again- that God will unify us and give us wisdom to serve God and students with excellence in every way.  May this be EvaSUE's greatest chapter yet!

Please join me in praising God for my amazing Dad, the handsome and charming -Jim Garrett. We are so thankful for his leadership of our family! He's a role model for us all and for so many others.  We wish him a very happy birthday on January 23rd. We love him so much! He loves us all so well!  

Happy B-day Dad on January 23rd

How can I pray for you in the new year?  I'd be honored to pray for you.

Again, may this new year be a new chance for us all to know God more deeply and share Him with the world! 

Blessed New Year to You All!

Gratitude Under Pressure

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  The house filled with warm and spicy smells of turkey cooking and pies baking. Through the years, I remember Thanksgiving eve activities of stuffing the turkey and candlelight services at church where there would be time for pause and reflection of God and His goodness over the past year.  Then came the holiday feasting. Fellowship with family and friends. Maybe a "turkey trot" and definitely good football. Often came a big hike to walk off the food. Then came big shopping on Black Friday into the weekend.   Many good memories.

But mostly I remember being so thankful for the chance to pause and give thanks to God for His many blessings.  

I've been reflecting this past week on when and why I show gratitude. It's definitely at Thanksgiving or holiday times. Often when life is good or breakthroughs come, gratitude is easy. It's much more difficult in the pressure times of life. When you feel you're stuck. Maybe you're in a job you don't like. A relationship is going bad. You're in a situation that is overwhelming you and God seems silent. Doors are shut. Bills are due. Your body is malfunctioning.  Does God really want and expect us to still thank Him at these times? 

Yes, but it's not easy.

Almost everyone I know here in Ethiopia and almost everyone I talk to globally has some kind of pressure happening in life. There is pressure from work- to meet deadlines and achieve goals. There is financial pressure to raise money or pay bills. There is pressure from family and relationships. There is ministry pressure and team pressure.  There is physical and mental pressure.  The demands of life remain and can grow big. We don't like to feel pressure. We want rescued when the pressure gets to be too much. We look for an escape.  What do you do when under pressure? 

Life on earth is filled with pressure and no one is immune. How we respond to pressure and what it can teach us is important to consider.  Do we praise God for the pressure and let Him help us and lead us, or do we collapse, complain and compromise?  Unfortunately, the latter is much more common.

The Bible tells us some interesting things about pressure and actually good news about it ...

Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1: 2-4

My strength is made perfect in weakness   2 Corinthians 12:9

You are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed. 2 Corinthians 4:8

As I think about the year behind and the way ahead, there were times of big pressure. I didn't think I could do what God wanted me to do, I complained at times. I freaked out at other times.   I want to do better under pressure because what happened in those pressure points was what He has done all my life... He held me and helped me through pressure and I became better with Him and because of Him through those times.

What God has been teaching me and reminding me about pressure is ...

-Pressure can push what's inside of you - out.  It can show you things you try to hide. This can bring great humility which can lead to needed repentance.  What comes of us under pressure can be doubt, insecurity, fear, blame, shame, regret, complaining, anger.  God can show us these to help us address these things. They can destroy us from the inside out.  God wants to address what we try to hide.

-Satan works big in our pressure. He wants us to look at the load and not at God.  He wants us to compromise and complain and panic under the pressure. He distorts the reality of what is happening.  He makes us curse the storm or think the enemy is one thing or person or group when the reality is actually different. Satan makes us cynical and pessimistic, he divides us. He works to ruin our witness and diminish and distort our light. He robs us of peace and joy and hope that actually is ours to claim and stand on and in. He messes with us when we are under pressure, but we don't have to let him!

-God stays with us in the pressure. He might not take the pressure off, but He helps us hold in place. He meets us in the pressure and calms us. We learn about Him when we're with Him in the darkest of nights and hottest of fires.  He doesn't leave us.  

-God molds us in the pressure. The greatest work in our character can be done under the greatest pressure. As we learn and see His power, His love, His mercy, His provision, we learn to trust Him. Our faith increases. Our trust in Him increases. We grow and are transformed in the fire!

-In the pressure, can come the times of greatest ministry. In our weakness, He proves strong. Anointed ministry can happen when He's leading us, even when we are suffering. What starts to come out of us is actually worship and thanksgiving and gratitude ... it's shocking to see this in a life. Hope, joy, peace, courage, gratitude spills out... as you hold the Hand of the One who gives you Himself.  Others see us in the pressure and they see our gratitude and worship and our witness shines brightly!  It makes no sense and is a powerful testimony of God in us and with us!

Are you under pressure today? This Thanksgiving and holiday season?  How are you doing?

Jesus knew pressure. He had to also hold in place.  He did so for us. He now is our Merciful High Priest and Good Shepherd.  We can trust Him to help us.

Spend time with Him this Thanksgiving and holiday season. Let Him remind you of all the reasons why you have to be thankful.  As you see Him, the gratitude will come!

May we keep giving Him our gratitude in all seasons! May He shape us in the pressure to be more and more like Him!  Please pray this for me!

He is worthy of all our thanks!

Praises and Prayer Requests for the way ahead...

-Praise God for many weeks of training with our new staff and our second year staff.  We are so grateful for the amazing staff God has given us at EvaSUE! Please keep them in prayer as they launch into their regions.

Newest EvaSUE staff

-Praise God for many trainings we've given in the volatile north regions of Ethiopia, may God water these seeds.  Please pray for the remaining trainings we still have to give.

-Praise God for the Introduction to Missions Course I was able to give to church and ministry leaders in the Tigray area in the north.  This eight day intensive course was a blessing for me to give.  Please pray for this school and the students and this area of the country- that they will be encouraged and represent Jesus well!

Tigray Class, Mekelle

-Please pray for our Regional Coordinator consultation week the first week in December, that as our lead staff come in from their regions, that we can encourage them and give them wisdom in every area.

-Please pray for me as I think through my time in USA and travel home for the holidays.  I do need to raise support to come home.  I also need to build up my ministry fund for 2026. If you'd like to make a one-time donation for that or for my holiday travel or to join my monthly support team ... you can give through this link:  

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett          

Thank you for whatever God puts on our hearts to give. And thank you for your prayers and partnership so much! God is doing amazing things here!

I wish you and your family and friends and churches a very blessed Thanksgiving!

With Gratitude to you All and Love,

Holly