Talitha just returned from Asia, and on January 1st Mart-Jan will be at Schiphol with a group of young people for a Vision Trip to Cambodia.

We’ve been traveling quite a bit! Super fun — and also intense. Why do we do it? Because meeting each other in person makes such an enormous difference.

Talitha traveled in November, together with Jante, one of the board members of Stichting Alongsiders, to Cambodia for the International Leaders Gathering.

Meeting leaders and board members from all over the world, recognising the same heart and DNA despite the very different contexts we live in, and seeking the Lord’s direction together in prayer were incredibly precious moments. 

There was also time to connect with (local) friends: listening to one another’s stories, encouraging each other, and praying for one another.

A lot has happened within the Alongsiders movement over the past year. An international board was formed, and we are grateful for all the things that have been worked on—and are still being worked on—since our leaders’ gathering in 2024. 

There is growth in numbers, but also in depth. Joy and sorrow go hand in hand. Remarkably, several young people within the movement tragically passed away this year.

Our sister Rachel from Malawi is a powerful example of courage and perseverance to us.

In March, she suddenly lost her 16-year-old daughter Rejoice, and shortly after, a young leader named Gift, with whom she worked closely. She was even accused of having sacrificed Rejoice and Gift in order to gain more power, causing a group of Alongsiders to stop and avoid her out of fear.

Yet, in the midst of her grief and the opposition she faces, Rachel continues to lead the movement across a large part of Africa with boldness and deep trust in the Lord. 

During the ILG, she led us in worship, and together we sang: “All to Jesus I surrender” and “It is well with my soul.” It was deeply moving.

After the ILG, Talitha visited two friends in Laos—again, a precious time. We are so thankful for these friendships!