Taking the Light

When the Well Runs Dry

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:14 GMT

Are You Waiting for the Answer or the Lord?

Back in February, I was in a special village where I’ve seen God work in miraculous ways before. This time, I was ready for Him to move again.

We had paid a drilling company to put in a well at the site where a new church had been planted. For hours we waited. People stood watching with hope and anticipation. We prayed. We read Scripture. We asked the Lord to show Himself strong before the people. We longed to be a blessing to the people of Finlande.

But no water came.

It was hard. Disappointment set in, and if I’m honest, discouragement began to creep into my heart. I couldn’t understand why the Lord would let us come this far and then seem silent.

Then this past Saturday, April 11, I got a message from my friend Jason Rishel. It was a video of water shooting out of a pipe like a geyser. Along with it was this simple message: “God never fails. �� ”

And in that moment, the Lord reminded me of something I needed to learn: wait.

So often, I want to make things happen on my timetable. I want answers now. I want results now. I want God to move the way I expect. But the Lord has been teaching me that faith is not about controlling outcomes. It is about trusting His timing.

Psalm 40:1 to 2 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock.”

Waiting on the Lord is not wasted time. It is where He shapes us. It is where we remember who we are: His children, and He is our good Father. Waiting reveals the condition of our hearts. It tests our faith. It teaches us surrender.

Maybe you’re in a season of waiting right now. Maybe you’ve prayed, hoped, and asked God to move, but nothing seems to be happening.

Take heart: God has not forgotten you.

The question is not only, “What am I waiting for?” The deeper question is, “Am I waiting for my answer, or am I waiting for my Lord?”

His timing is perfect. His plans are good. And He never fails.

Robert Canfield

Softened Soil Bears Fruit

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:19:53 GMT

A Tender Heart is the Ground Where Grace Grows

While I was in Burkina Faso in 2025, I was sitting in a prayer meeting when I noticed a Burkinabé friend of mine squinting every time he looked toward the light. Something seemed off. I could tell he was uncomfortable, so I asked him about it.

That’s when I learned he worked as a welder.

In Burkina Faso, many welders do not have access to proper welding masks. Day after day, they are exposed to dangerous light that slowly damages their eyes. The pain is real. The long-term consequences are serious. My friend had simply been enduring it because he had no other option.

That night, I was texting my younger brother, Jared Canfield. Jared has done a lot of welding himself, so he immediately understood the seriousness of what was happening. He knew the danger. He knew the pain. He knew what repeated exposure to that kind of light could do.

While we were talking, Jared went online, bought a welding mask, and sent it to me so I could get it to my friend.

What moved Jared to act?

Compassion.

His heart was stirred because he understood the need. And once his heart was moved, his resources followed.

That simple act became such a clear picture to me of how God often works in this world.

God allows His people to see needs, hear cries, notice pain, and become aware of suffering. Then His Spirit works through softened hearts so that His love can move through His people to meet those needs.

But before God often works through us, He first wants to work in us.

Jesus said in the parable of the sower that good soil is what receives the seed and bears fruit. The issue is not the power of the seed—it is often the condition of the soil.

A hard heart does not bear fruit.

God wants to soften our hearts so His love can flow through us.

Let me ask you something:

Do you understand the danger and destruction of sin?
Do you know there are people all around the world who are spiritually blind and condemned already without Christ?
Do you remember what it was like to live without Jesus?
Has Christ changed your life?

Life in Christ is abundant. It is blessed. It is full of grace and hope.

So what happens when you hear about the need?
What happens when you see the lost?
What happens when God lets you see someone’s pain?

Is your heart soft?
Is God’s love moving through you?
Is your life bearing fruit?

Softened soil bears fruit.

May God soften our hearts so His compassion can flow through us to a world in need.

2026 Kickoff: Thank You for Going With Us

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:12:00 GMT

Working together in 2026 to bring the hope of Christ to villages still waiting to hear.

As we step into 2026, I want to begin by saying thank you. Taking the Light has never been a “one-person” mission. It has always been a team effort. Every prayer, every financial gift, and every word of encouragement helps carry the Gospel further than we could ever go alone. We truly are in this together.

Right Now: Burkina Faso

We are currently on the ground in Burkina Faso, and we are excited and grateful for what the Lord has in front of us.

On this trip we are working to:

Build two new wells in Villages in Burkina Faso — Clean water meets real physical needs, but it also opens doors for ministry and Gospel conversations in these villages.
Identify new villages where the Gospel has not yet reached.
Work on transmitter permissions so we can expand the reach of Bible teaching into areas that are still difficult to access.

Please continue to pray for safety as we travel, for open doors as we meet with village leaders, and for clear communication as we share the purpose of the work.

Ongoing: Peru

We also want to share that there is some exciting new progress in the Peru ministry, especially in Chivay. The Lord has been working in ways that are both encouraging and humbling to watch. Doors are opening that only He could open, and we are prayerfully stepping through them as He leads. We will be sharing more specific details in an upcoming update, but we wanted you to rejoice and pray with us even now.

Thank You for Being Part of It

Whether you give, pray, share updates, or have traveled with us—you are part of this mission. The fruit belongs to the Lord, but you share in the labor.

We’ll continue sending updates as 2026 unfolds. We are praying and believing for more open villages, more provision, and more lives changed through the power of the Gospel.

Thank you for standing with us.

Continuing the Work

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:06:00 GMT

Thankful for your partnership as the gospel continues reaching villages.

As we look back on the past weeks of ministry, we are thankful to the Lord and grateful for your partnership in the work. Your prayers and support continue to make it possible for the gospel to be shared in many places.

The recording studio you helped provide is already being used. Recently we recorded several interviews for the Conexión de Fe podcast, where testimonies and teaching will soon be shared with many listeners. It is encouraging to see this space already being used to record messages that point people to Christ.

We are also thankful for the men being trained in Peru who are now stepping out to share the gospel. One of these graduates recently traveled to Chivay and the surrounding villages to speak with people and share the message of salvation. We are continuing to follow up on contacts there and trust the Lord to open more doors in these communities.

At the same time, we are preparing for a trip to Burkina Faso planned for February. There have been some waves of political tension between Burkina Faso and the United States in recent months, which adds some uncertainty, but we are praying that the Lord will continue to open doors. Our desire is to reach villages where the gospel is not often heard and to build relationships that allow us to keep returning with the message of Christ.

We are thankful for your partnership in all of this. Please continue praying with us. Pray for the editing and release of the recent Conexión de Fe interviews, that these testimonies would clearly communicate the freedom found in Christ. Pray also for the people in Chivay and the surrounding villages who heard the gospel, that the Lord would continue working in their hearts.

Please also pray for wisdom and open doors as we prepare for the February trip to Burkina Faso, especially with the current political tensions. Above all, pray that the Lord would continue opening doors to reach small villages with the gospel and that many would come to know Christ.

Planning a Trip to Burkina Faso

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:20 GMT

Please pray for upcoming trip.

We are currently preparing for a trip to Burkina Faso planned for February. In recent months there have been several waves of political tension affecting the relationship between Burkina Faso and the United States, which has made travel and planning more uncertain. Even with these challenges, we continue to see the Lord opening doors. Thank you for praying and supporting this effort as we prepare and seek to bring the gospel to more villages in Burkina Faso.

Following Up in the Villages of Peru

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:55:44 GMT

Following contacts and sharing the message of salvation in the villages.

One of the graduates from the Bible college in Peru, where missionary David Gardner serves, recently traveled to the town of Chivay to spend time evangelizing and visiting people in the area.

Chivay is surrounded by many small villages where there are few opportunities to hear the clear message of the gospel. During his visit he was able to speak with people, share Christ, and make contacts that we hope to continue following up on in the future.

Our desire is not only to make contact, but to continue returning and building relationships so these communities can hear and understand the gospel. We are thankful to see men who have been trained stepping out to share Christ. Thank you for praying and supporting this work as we seek to reach these villages with the message of salvation.

Your Support Is Giving These Stories a Voice

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:49:22 GMT

Nine testimonies of God’s grace were recorded this month in the studio you helped provide.

During the month of January, we continued producing new programs for the Conexión de Fe podcast. A special encouragement this month is that these interviews were recorded in the studio that you helped make possible. Because of your generosity, this space is now being used to record and share the message of the gospel with many who need to hear it.

In January we recorded nine interviews with pastors and servants of the Lord from different regions. Each of them comes from a different background and context. Many grew up in religious systems that taught that people must earn their way to being right with God through works and religious effort. In these conversations they share their stories and now proclaim the true freedom that comes through Jesus Christ.

These brothers are now helping others understand that salvation is not something we achieve, but a gift of grace. They are pointing people to the joy of a real relationship with their Creator through Christ.

These interviews are currently being edited and will soon be released as future episodes of the podcast. We are thankful to the Lord and grateful for you. The studio you helped provide is already being used to record and send out these testimonies of the gospel, and we pray that many will hear and come to know the freedom that is found in Christ.

Missions, Graduation, Family and Taking the Light

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:55:25 GMT

Last week of May 2024 update

Last week was packed. On Tuesday nights, I taught a class on "Discipleship" at my home church's Bible institute, Lighthouse Baptist Church. It has been wonderful teaching Discipleship. The final lesson I got to teach was "The Disciple's Task." We spoke about World Evangelism; studying and understanding God's word was a great time. I believe that God worked in that class, especially after all my conversations since then. I praise God for His working through His people. His word is truly powerful.

“Hey Bro Robert! Long story short: I think I want to be a missionary and I feel like you’re the person to talk to about that. I obviously know almost nothing about how to do missions but the process has to begin somehow”

-text message I received last week

On Friday, May 26, 2024, Maria graduated from high school. She finished the year with all A's on the honor roll and placed second in merits for LCA. She has done such a great job, and now she is following the Lord, wanting to serve Him and be involved in missions. God is so good; needless to say, this week was emotional for this dad.

Saturday, I got to see my family on my mom's side in Tennessee. God was very kind, and we got to worship the Lord together on Sunday Morning at my Grandpa's church. Sunday Evening, we got to present the ministry in Enville, Tenn.

Please continue to pray for Taking the Light. Programming is still being created and broadcast in Peru and Burkina Faso. I am preparing to take a group of 12 over to Burkina Faso at the end of this year. The solar-powered radio transmitters are being assembled. God is working in this ministry. Please pray that the funds needed to continue this ministry continue to be raised. There is so much work to do, and we are trying to be diligent. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Missions Trip and Mothers Day

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:33:30 GMT

We had the opportunity to take some students from Lighthouse Christian Academy to Peru!

At the start of this month, the Lord allowed me to take about 18 people to Arequipa, Peru. Nine high school-age students, teachers, and some people who love missions (two of them were my parents) went to Arequipa, Peru, for a short trip. I love it when people see what God is doing around the world. I love it when young people get challenged to surrender their lives to take the gospel to places where not a lot of gospel is being preached. I praise the Lord for the decisions that were made on that trip.

While on the trip, I was able to catch up with Luis Alberto, our man on the ground in Peru. I got an update on what is happening with the media side of things, and we were able to go over some ideas and goals. I am excited that the radio broadcasting in Arequipa is producing contacts. The sad part is that there are places where there are no Bible or Gospel-preaching churches to serve these people. Please pray that God will continue to raise more laborers and that we can see more churches planted. We also passed off another radio transmitter for the villages there in the rural areas. This village ministry will take time, and I am praying for wisdom and guidance about returning to Peru this summer and pushing this radio in the pueblos.

This past Mother's Day weekend, we spent in Carlisle, Ohio. Kelli taught many ladies at the Baptist Tabernacle in Carlisle, Ohio, with all our girls, and I preached that Sunday. Thank you so much, Pastor Jeff Brown and Mackenzie; God is so good. Please pray that we continue raising the needed support for Taking the Light. The need is great, and we keep seeing more opportunities.

March and April Newsletter

Wed, 08 May 2024 19:10:16 GMT

Praise the Lord for the work that He is doing in Burkina Faso and Peru

Three Strand Cord

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 17:45:25 GMT

The power of friendship.

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

This past week at Taking the Light, we accomplished a lot while in South America. I will share more about that in upcoming posts, but one of the main highlights is the partnerships we have created. It seemed like God was intertwining cords to send them out to do His work. It was exciting to witness God's men coming together under the banner of His work.

Thanks for reading Taking the Light Ministries! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

During our time in Peru, we collaborated with Luis Alberto, a graduate of Peru Bible College who has a heart to see his country reached with the gospel. Luis is our point person and will assist in the installation of transmitters, oversee the equipment, create new programs in Peru, and be responsible for receiving calls from those impacted by the media outlets created last week.

Additionally, we supported National Pastor and itinerant preacher Daniel Araujo by delivering a radio transmitter. Daniel will use this transmitter in the villages where he works, ministering to believers and reaching new people with the gospel.

On our last full day in the Andes Mountains, we traveled about four hours away from the city to a small town called San Pedro de Querque, Peru. A wonderful couple, believers who aim to reach the small towns surrounding their farm, reside there. Setting up the transmitter in Querque was exciting. Mr. Arce already had a radio antenna, and we feel blessed to provide this part of the world access to the gospel.

Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention David Gardner, my best friend. David found me in a small town while he was on deputation, and he has been a blessing to me and my family ever since. David is already family to us, and I feel incredibly blessed to work with my friend.

God is good and He is making a cord that will be strong. Thank you for your support and your prayers. We are on the move, taking the light to a lost world.

Reaching the Villages of Burkina Faso with the Gospel:

Tue, 30 May 2023 18:56:09 GMT

Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities

In the heart of Burkina Faso lie numerous villages that are in need of the life-transforming power of the Gospel. Bringing the message of hope and salvation to these rural communities poses unique challenges but presents incredible opportunities for spiritual growth. In this article, we will explore the importance of reaching the villages of Burkina Faso with the Gospel, and strategies to overcome obstacles in doing so.

1. The Significance of Village Ministry:

Villages in Burkina Faso often have limited access to resources and infrastructure, including churches and trained ministers. Reaching these villages with the Gospel is crucial, allowing individuals and communities to experience the love of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment, and participate in the body of believers.

2. Building Relationships and Trust:

Establishing relationships and gaining the trust of villagers is essential for effective ministry. Demonstrating genuine care for and assisting in meeting the needs of the community can help overcome barriers and create opportunities for sharing the Gospel.

3. Mobilizing Local Believers:

Equipping and empowering local believers and pastors to share the Gospel with those who share their heart language is a key strategy in village ministry. Helping to train local pastors, providing resources, and fostering a culture of evangelism can help ensure the establishment and growth of the church in these villages.

4. Utilizing Media and Technology:

In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, utilizing media and technology can play a significant role in reaching remote villages. Radio programs, audio Bible translations, and even mobile phone applications can provide access to Scripture, teaching, and worship resources for those who may not have physical access to a church or the ability to read.

Reaching the villages of Burkina Faso with the Gospel is a vital endeavor that requires dedication, and strategic planning. By building relationships, mobilizing local believers, and utilizing media and technology, we can overcome the challenges of reaching remote communities. Let us embrace the call to share the Gospel, extending God's love and grace to the villages of Burkina Faso, bringing transformation, and building a vibrant and thriving church that impacts generations to come.

Who are you walking with?

robertcanfield@gmail.com (Robert Canfield) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:38:39 GMT

What are your relationships prodding you to be and do?

P roverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:

But a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

God makes it clear in His word that who we walk with has an incredible influence on our lives. We are often influenced by those who we spend time with. The world even knows this to be true. There is a great opportunity that we get every day. That opportunity is the people you choose to spend time with.

In the life of William Carey, "The Father of Modern Missions," he chose his friends wisely. While Carey was living in Moulton, England, his friends who were in the ministry, too, helped influence, Carey. Listen to what this writer said: "The group of friends Carey now mixed with fuelled his gospel missionary vision. Into this group of zealous, spiritually hot men, came Carey who turned the temperature up a few degrees. They soon became 'one heart and one soul' in their lives, prayers and longings. They preached in each other's churches and fired each other to serve God better. They read the same authors, especially the works coming from the New England pastor Jonathan Edwards. They would meet together as a foursome to pray, to read, to fast, and to encourage each other in their longing for God to work in their land as well as in distant lands." Pease, Paul. Travel with William Carey: The Missionary to India Who Attempted Great Things for God . Ed. Brian H. Edwards. Leominster: Day One, 2005. Print.

Reading statements like the following get me to think. I begin to question myself. Here are some of the questions I would like you to consider. Who are your closest friends? Are you pushing or encouraging others? Do conversations with these friends help you to be more like Christ and fulfill His mission? Are you praying with your friends? Are you reading with others to help encourage their walk with the Lord? Why not get a map and pray over the world? Why meet up and talk about something other than sports or the latest fade? Finally, is the influence that you are surrounding yourself with beneficial for eternity? For William Carey, these men will prove crucial in his life and what God does throughout his life.

Am I Called?

robertcanfield@gmail.com (Robert Canfield) — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:33:03 GMT

Figure out your place in world evangelism.

Acts 13:47 , the bible states, "For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." Paul knew the reason for his existence. He knew why God put him here on this earth. Paul was sure of his calling. God made Paul to be a light and be for salvation to the Gentiles and unto the ends of the earth. That is pretty incredible, and it must have been an excellent feeling to know exactly why God put you here in this world.

I wonder if you have thought of why God has put you where you are. God wants His saints to take the Light of His gospel and send it to all the world or every creature ( Mark 16:15 ). Your past does not negate your obligation to make the God of the Bible known ( 1 Corinthians 15:34 ). Have you considered why God has given you all the knowledge of His word? Have you found yourself wondering what God has for your life? I believe God has called His saints to be about gospel proclamation.

Taking the gospel to the world. God's word is clear: His church's purpose is to worship Him, build others within the church, and WORLD EVANGELISM . God has called you to be a part of this remarkable undertaking. Consider this fact and take it to heart. Find out where you fit in taking the Light of the gospel to this dark world. The question shouldn't be, am I called, but where should I take the Light to?

Consider this quote from Charles Spurgeon, " Any Christian has a right to disseminate the gospel who has the ability to do so; and more, he not only has the right, but it is his duty so to do as long as he lives. " Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to My Students: A Selection from Addresses Delivered to the Students of the Pastors’ College, Metropolitan Tabernacle. Vol. 1. London: Passmore and Alabaster, 1875. Print.

Who Will Go To Mozambique?

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:19:08 GMT

We must reach the unreached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Missionary Mark Coffey recently return from a survey trip to Mozambique with a young couple who are praying about going there as missionaries.

From the research they have done, they have found few churches that preach a clear gospel witness. The country has a large number of young people, a fairly low cost of living, and many opportunities.

The capital of the country, Maputo, has around 3 million people and only about 10 churches that preach a clear gospel witness, according to one source.

Please pray for labourers to take the gospel to this needy country. Maybe God would lead you to go there? If you are interested, contact us at Vision Baptist Missions.

Freedom is At Stake

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:19:08 GMT

Freedom is at stake for millions.

A recent report from the US State Dep. raised more concern about the situation around the world concerning Religious Freedom. Along with other countries like Burma, China, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Nigeria was added to the list of countries with the worst religious freedom violations. They have seen thousands of churches burned, children massacred, pastors beheaded and properties destroyed simply because of their Christian faith.

The Bible is clear that in the ends times things will get worse and worse. While I am not a gloom and doom type person, I think we can clearly see how the world is getting worse all the time. Even in the US, Christians are quickly becoming the minority, and the only ones that are not considered when it comes to rights. During this time we must realize that we have to stand firm, and true to the Word of God, and who we are as Christians. We must also realize that our hope is not in the government, or any man for that matter, except the Lord Jesus Christ. We must strive to get the gospel to a lost and dying world, otherwise there will be no change. This also alerts us to the fact that the Lord’s return could be any day, and we must do what we can, while we still have time, for the day is coming when no man will work. Lord please set a fire in our souls to do the work you have called us to do.

Shipwrecked from Freedom

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:19:08 GMT

A recent shipwreck off the coast of Libya has taken the lives of 74 migrants with close to 50 survivors having to be rescued. Reports show that there have already been over 900 drownings and more than 11,000 migrants that have been stopped at sea all ready this year, as they attempt to cross the Mediterranean, to make it to Europe. They are willing to risk such great danger, many times, seeking freedom, and in hopes to make it to a better life for them and their families. Although such desperation and sacrifice often turns in to disaster and tragedy, there is a tragedy that is much greater taking place as these people are also in a shipwrecked spiritual condition. Most of Northern Africa would be considered closed to the gospel and often there is very little to no mission’s work allowed.

The tight grasp of Islam makes it even difficult for those who are Christian to live out their faith. So while it truly is a tragedy to hear about these migrants who lost their lives trying to make it to freedom, it is a much grater tragedy that thousands of them die without ever knowing the freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Would you pray for laborers, and open doors, to be able to send a rescue team to reach those who are spiritually shipwrecked without hope and that otherwise will never make it to freedom.

Taking the Light

When the Well Runs Dry

Are You Waiting for the Answer or the Lord?

Softened Soil Bears Fruit

A Tender Heart is the Ground Where Grace Grows

2026 Kickoff: Thank You for Going With Us

Working together in 2026 to bring the hope of Christ to villages still waiting to hear.

Right Now: Burkina Faso

Ongoing: Peru

Thank You for Being Part of It

Continuing the Work

Thankful for your partnership as the gospel continues reaching villages.

Planning a Trip to Burkina Faso

Please pray for upcoming trip.

Following Up in the Villages of Peru

Following contacts and sharing the message of salvation in the villages.

Your Support Is Giving These Stories a Voice

Nine testimonies of God’s grace were recorded this month in the studio you helped provide.

Missions, Graduation, Family and Taking the Light

Last week of May 2024 update

Missions Trip and Mothers Day

We had the opportunity to take some students from Lighthouse Christian Academy to Peru!

March and April Newsletter

Praise the Lord for the work that He is doing in Burkina Faso and Peru

Three Strand Cord

The power of friendship.

Reaching the Villages of Burkina Faso with the Gospel:

Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities

Who are you walking with?

What are your relationships prodding you to be and do?

Am I Called?

Figure out your place in world evangelism.

Who Will Go To Mozambique?

We must reach the unreached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Freedom is At Stake

Freedom is at stake for millions.

Shipwrecked from Freedom

"There is no perfect justice, just as there is no absolute in ethics. But there is perfect injustice, and we know it when we see it."

- Alan Dershowitz