Missionary Stories That Will Make You Laugh, Think, and Thank God
If you’ve ever wondered what life is really like for missionaries in West Africa, you might picture dusty roads, gospel preaching under a mango tree, and maybe a few adventures with wild animals. And you wouldn’t be wrong—but that’s only half the picture. Real missionary life is a mix of faith-stretching moments, cultural surprises, and laugh-out-loud experiences you couldn’t make up if you tried. That’s exactly what my new book, That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories, is all about.
It’s a collection of true tales from our years in Ghana and Ivory Coast—stories that are sometimes heart-warming, sometimes hair-raising, and often downright hilarious. The kind of moments that make you say, “You can’t be serious… did that really happen?” And yes, it really did.
Read the full book announcement here.
Ever Had a WAWA Day?
Missionary life has a way of turning ordinary plans into extraordinary chaos. We even had a name for those times—WAWA Days—short for West Africa Wins Again. It’s when nothing goes according to your carefully crafted plan, but somehow you end up with a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
Here’s a small excerpt from one of my favorite stories in the book:
I was minding my own business, practicing my Fante greetings in a quiet courtyard… when a rather determined young woman—still wrapped in a towel—ran out, scooped me up like a sack of potatoes, and took off down the street shouting,
“LOOK AT MY NEW WHITE HUSBAND!”
I was flailing like a cat in a bathtub, yelling, “I already have a wife!”
Someone in the crowd shouted back, “You can have more than one!”
That’s a WAWA Day in a nutshell—unplanned, unexpected, and unforgettable.
Why I Wrote That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories
People often ask what it’s really like to live as a missionary in West Africa. They want to know about the ministry, but they also want to hear about the “other stuff”—the random moments, cultural misunderstandings, and unpredictable situations that you never read about in a mission newsletter.
I realized those stories weren’t just entertaining—they were important. They show the human side of missions, the part where God uses both the serious and the silly to teach lessons, open doors, and build relationships.
Whether it’s surviving political unrest, facing down a black mamba in the garage, or just trying to buy fruit without accidentally offending an entire market, these stories show that missionary life is full of God’s provision and protection… and a whole lot of humor.
Humor Opens Hearts
One of the most powerful things I’ve learned in ministry is that laughter can open doors for the gospel. In Ghana, humor breaks tension and bridges cultural gaps. A shared laugh can turn a stranger into a friend, and a friend into someone who will listen when you share the truth of God’s Word.
In That’s My Goat, the funny stories aren’t just there to make you smile—they’re snapshots of real life that lead to real opportunities for ministry. Even the “towel incident” in the excerpt above became a conversation starter in the community. Once people see you’re not afraid to laugh at yourself, they’re much more willing to trust you.
From Ghana to Your Living Room
When you read That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories, you’ll travel with us down dusty roads, sit in open-air church services, and navigate bustling markets where the sights, sounds, and smells are like nothing you’ve ever experienced. You’ll be in the passenger seat during tense border crossings and surprise wedding ceremonies. You’ll get to meet the friends we’ve made and the people whose lives God has touched.
And you don’t have to pack malaria pills or endure a 14-hour bus ride to experience it—you can enjoy it all from your favorite chair with a cup of coffee (HOTS Coffee, if you want to keep the theme going—you can order online here).
Not Just Laughs—Lessons
While many of the stories will make you laugh, they’re also laced with lessons. Missionary work isn’t a vacation—it’s a calling that takes perseverance, flexibility, and a willingness to step far outside your comfort zone. Every WAWA Day, every misstep, every unexpected challenge has been a reminder that God is in control and His plans are better than ours.
My hope is that these missionary stories will encourage you in your own walk with God. You don’t have to live in Africa to experience His faithfulness. He’s present in your WAWA Days too.
Join the Journey
We’re excited for you to read these stories, not just because they’re fun, but because they’re real. They show the joy and unpredictability of serving God in another culture, and they remind us that every adventure—planned or unplanned—can bring glory to Him.
The book will be available soon, and you can make sure you don’t miss it by visiting the official book announcement page. While you’re there, sign up for our email list so you’ll be the first to know when it launches.
In the meantime, brew yourself a cup of HOTS Coffee, settle in, and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even see your own life a little differently.
Final Thoughts
Missionary stories are more than just funny memories or thrilling adventures—they’re testimonies of God’s goodness. Whether you’re laughing about an unexpected “marriage proposal” in the middle of the street or thanking God for protection during a dangerous moment, each story is a reminder that He’s always at work.
So here’s to the WAWA Days, the ones that don’t go according to plan but end up making the best chapters. I can’t wait to share them with you.
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