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If you know me in real life and have had me personally relay the highs and lows of our last 4 years, then you may have heard one of my common phrases I threw around those first couple of years traveling.

"Lord, why didn’t you send someone with fewer kids?!" I’d jokingly plead with my head pointed toward the sky. 

The reality of traveling full time with 8 children in a 32’ Travel Trailer, with in-laws following in their own trailer, was not for the faith of the heart. Here’s a snapshot of what our life looked like:

• Traveling full-time with 8 children, ranging from 18 months to 12 years old (with 2 still in nighttime diapers).
• My husband was still traveling for work while we moved from place to place.
• Stopping to encourage church leadership, help train lay leaders, and share the vision God had given us for ministry.

Some days were tough, but the excitement of what the Lord had in store for His people kept us moving forward.

Getting to minister to leaders in their own churches was a blessing God used to keep us refreshed and full of enthusiasm. 

We had always been homeschoolers, and our family is friendly, so we didn’t lack fellowship or quickly found friendships at campgrounds or parks. 

But it was also crazy difficult. 

An Unexpected Reminder of God's Faithfulness

Fast forward over four years into our journey, and something amazing happened. Our family received a heartfelt thank-you letter from a teenager whose family had stayed on our property.

This sweet teen shared how much she needed the fellowship and encouragement she found with us. She connected with my teens, pre-teens, and younger kids, feeling love and friendship in our home. But it didn’t stop there; being around our family reminded her that the Holy Spirit had plans for her, too. 

The Powerful Role of Children and Families in Ministry

This experience brought a humbling reminder to my heart:

• Children are a blessing.
• Teenagers are amazing.
• God uses families, youth, and children to minister to others.
• Ministry is not limited to adults.

Perhaps God didn’t just choose to use our willing hearts and hands. Maybe, in His infinite wisdom, He chose our family because He had plans for how our children would minister to other young people who needed encouragement, too.

In His grace, He uses us all, even when we feel unprepared or inadequate.

Thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Cedar Creek Ministries is funded by Christians and churches who believe in the call to offer our leaders the double portion!  If you feel the desire to make sure all those men and women called to serve God in missions and ministry have everything they need to personally rest, restore family relationships and revive ministry vision, consider joining us in regular prayer and financial support!

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries.