2nd quarter 2026 update

It has been a surprising season. I thought this newsletter would be celebrating all the Lord accomplished during the trip to Nigeria. However, that focus has changed due to recent tragedies.  When I returned from the trip in April, I came home to almost immediate caregiving responsibilities. My mom had broken her knee while I was gone, and my stepdad had a myriad of health challenges that required multiple hospitalizations over the next 2 months. As well, I had a good friend who was diagnosed with cancer.

Within 24 hours in June, I lost that good friend and my stepdad. It was a privilege to get to see Stephanie shortly before she died. I first met her during a short-term trip to Ethiopia many years ago. And she quickly became one of my greatest friends, biggest supporters, and a great encourager in hard times. She was a light to many around her, and she will be greatly missed.

My stepdad had been hospitalized for about a week this time and had just had two toes amputated. Unfortunately, due to a bowel obstruction and other health challenges, his heart just wasn't strong enough. I was with him when he died, and the code team did their best. But the Lord knew it was time for both of them, even when we do not think it is the right time. About two weeks after my stepdad died, we also had to make a really tough decision for Jasmine, one of the 2 dogs my parents had. Jasmine was my stepdad's favorite and his "baby girl." 

Grief is hard. And navigating multiple losses at once compounds it. God, in His goodness, has allowed a trip to the Philippines this next month. Though grieving, this is the right decision as the work is very life-giving for me. And my mom is on board, though we still need your prayers. A lot has happened in the last month, and we are still trying to navigate the suddenness of it all. My mom still has her own health battles she is facing. Her knee is healing nicely. However, there is concern that cancer has returned. She is not eligible for a needle biopsy, so we could take your prayers for wisdom and discernment for the next step. 
 Thank you for your support and prayers. In my next update, I will celebrate with you all that God has done in Nigeria and in the Philippines. 

Grace and peace to you,
Misty

Prayer requests:

• For the health of my mom. The Lord will give wisdom and discernment to her doctors handling her care.   
• For safe travels this quarter to the Philippines. We will be in an area that has been hit hard by earthquakes and typhoons in recent years. 
• Please pray for the two Life Hurts, Love Heals teen trauma trainings we will be doing in the Philippines. 
• Please continue to pray for the Collins and Kirkwood families in the unexpected loss of Dave Collins at the beginning of the year. His celebration of life is this month.
• Please pray for the Valadez family and many friends in Ethiopia who have been impacted by Stephanie's death. 
• Please pray for me, my mom, and my stepbrother as we navigate the unexpected loss of my stepdad, Butch.

Partner Now

There is still time in 2026 to partner with Misty Bodkins and Ministry Care. There are 2 ways you may donate to Misty at Ministry Care. You can make checks payable to “Ministry Care” and send them to:
 
Ministry Care
14934 Pacer Ct.
Carmel, IN 46032
 
Or you can also make an online donation, using Givelify, on our website at www.ministrycareinternational.org
 
Ministry Care is a 501c3 therefore your donation will be tax-deductible.
 
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]