Australia Bound
While Bruce drove us to a park to meet friends for a BBQ, he nonchalantly glanced over for a second and then stated that his friend Josh, from Australia, had messaged him. Bruce had helped Josh on a short film eight years prior (click here).
Bruce described how Josh had invited him to be the Assistant Director for the film Kimberley Spirit, The Next Chapter. It would be distributed on YouTube as a web series. Each 30-minute chapter will be broken up into smaller episodes. The Next Chapter will focus on three Aboriginal tribes across the Australian Outback. The entire series will inspire Australian Aboriginal youth to turn to Jesus and not suicide. Aboriginals have the highest suicide rate per capita.
As Bruce shared, I instantly knew the timing of this invitation was spot on. Bruce and I sensed the Lord stirring our hearts for several months. It was time for Bruce to get back involved with a media team.
We, however, didn’t believe he was to be a part of any media team. We knew God wanted him to be a part of a team that would share God’s true character and nature. From past experiences with Josh and Cygnet Films, we knew that God would be glorified throughout the entire process of this film. We also knew that the film would circulate and make an impact (click here).
Therefore, the next night, our family sat down to pray. As we waited on the Lord, we all got a resounding yes that Bruce was to help with this film. I assumed Bruce would go for four weeks of the 5.5 months it would take to create this film.
A week later, during homeschooling, the kids and I were praying for the Outback of Australia and for the Spirit of death to be rebuked from this community. As we prayed, the Lord interrupted my thoughts. He asked me, "Kara, why are you ALL not going?"
His question hit my heart.
I hadn't even considered it—not just because it would be costly but also because of the location. The Outback of Australia is hot, there are many poisonous animals, we would be hours away from the nearest hospital or city, and Bruce would be occupied with the film. Therefore, bringing a family to the Outback was not what I would call an ideal place for me to do ministry with the kids while Bruce was on the film set.
After hearing God's voice and speaking to Bruce, I re-read our previous family prayer time notes and other Words we had received from our prayer team. Quickly, I realized that God had already been saying we were ALL to go, but my ears had been deaf.
This means that at the end of March 2025, our entire family will be heading Down Under for six months. Yes, you are reading that correctly. The Sanders Family will be in the Outback of Australia for SIX months. Bruce will be the assistant director and is fully invested in seeing God's story come to life in this film.
To my delight, at least two other families will join this film team, so our children will have some friends to connect with regularly. We will also continue to homeschool, partner with Every Tongue, and find other ministry opportunities in the villages within the Outback. (Every Tongue ministry will partner with the Cygnet Film team to make connections within the tribes that do not have a Bible in their language. Through Bible translation and engagement strategies, Every Tongue launches disciple-making movements among the unreached into every sphere). (Click Here for more details)
We have also learned through all this that bringing families into the Outback opens all kinds of doors. We show the Aboriginals that we trust them because we trust them with our most valued possessions (our family); through this mutual trust, doors open, and relationships are quickly built.
Some may wonder about Esperanza and how she fits into all this. As many of you know, she had to have brain surgery last March (her second brain surgery in 9 years). Well, she is doing fantastic. The tumor is stable, and the hole they drilled in her head six months ago to keep the fluid draining throughout her body is stable. The doctors believe they won't need to do anything else. This means we will have an MRI before leaving and again when we return to Pensacola in September.
Pensacola is our home base. God has planted us here long-term. We have an incredible church family who has committed to covering us in prayers and will send us out when we go. God has also given us profound visions for Pensacola that He will unpack in His timing. We are very thankful to have a place to call home while still having a heartbeat for the nations.
God sure does make life interesting. We are both excited and nervous about what lies ahead. We need to raise several thousand dollars for flights and expenses. But we have seen God’s faithfulness over and over again. And when He speaks, He constantly shows up. We are desperate for you to pray as we embark on this massive journey.
Is there an area in your life where God challenges you to step out of the boat, but it's scary because you've never taken such a leap? Or do the waves seem too big, and it feels utterly impossible? God wants to do something massive through our YES! He wants to use us all radically, so we must step out even when things seem impossible.
Please join us in our yes and be inspired to jump out of your boat. As we each step out in faith, we know we will all see God still the waters so we can walk on top.
Prayer Needs
One-time gift for our mission to the Aboriginals (Click here to partner).
Monthly partners (Click here to partner).
Someone to rent our four-bedroom home in Pensacola.
Someone to watch our dog for six months.
Favor and impact with the film.
Health and safety over the entire Film team.
