“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

MATTHEW 10:16

Dear family and friends,

Happy Fall! Praying you all have had a blessed month of September! I know there are some who have recently joined my newsletters, so hello and welcome if you are new. I also want to thank those of you who have been reading my previous newsletters. Your continued love and support means so much to me. It is such a blessing to have you join along this journey the Lord is taking me on and also for your shared heart in reaching the lost and needy with the love and hope of the Gospel.

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As I prepare to go on the field for a 5-month period and to eventually move overseas, I recently had the opportunity to attend a field security training course with a couple of fellow teammates. I am so grateful to have been a part of this seminar as we studied in a classroom setting and participated in live exercises. Over the course of our time, we covered a wide range of topics and situations all pertaining to safety and security. Some of these things included: risk assessment, situational awareness, cybersecurity, stress management, hostage survival, leadership in emergency situations, checkpoints, landmines, etc.

The overall purpose of this intensive training was to equip us for anything we might encounter overseas due to the risk involved when serving in the 10/40 window, but then again, there is risk wherever you go. So, this training was all around valuable from everyday life encounters to even the most unthinkable crisis situations. However, as the title says, this is a serious endeavor and it must not be taken lightly. I have gained more peace of mind knowing I now have more knowledge and tools on how to manage and reduce potential dangers as I seek to be a good steward of the Lord and minister to people in the most effective way. This is also a good reminder as to why we are even going to these dark places. It is because they are lost and need the light of Christ. This is part of counting the cost and being obedient to the Word of God, but Jesus is so worthy!

With that, one of the big takeaways was the importance of living by faith on the mission field. All Christians are called to a life of faith, so it is necessary that we go out to these countries in this exact way. We are not to let ignorance or naivety lead us into foolish, unwise situations, though we also must not allow fear to hold us back from how God wants to use us. Faith is the healthy middle ground! Not foolish or fearful, but faithful! Faithful because we serve a trustworthy and powerful God that goes before and behind us!

“Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God, there is no need for faith.”

HUDSON TAYLOR (MISSIONARY TO CHINA)

Let’s Go on a Journey

As I am writing this, we are just a couple weeks out from hopping on the plane and heading to the other side of the world. Tickets have been booked, visas have been accepted, and with a whole lot of faith in the Lord, we are continuing to walk forward. I am so blessed by our Heavenly Father for the devoted and passionate teams He has allowed me to be a part of for this upcoming season.

If you don’t already know, I will be in South Asia for a little over 3 months, as well as a few other countries in Asia, and lastly the Middle East for a few weeks. My teammate Tori and I will be staying with a family for the majority of the time, then I’ll be with teams in every other place. The focus of the missions I am a part of is in evangelization, church planting, and discipleship through bible schools. I am blessed with so many amazing opportunities to serve over this upcoming period of time, including women’s discipleship, youth events, church work, English classes, and more. Another key element of this trip is in cross-cultural ministry training and seeking the Lord as to which unreached country He would have me to serve Him in full-time as this is the direction He is leading me. Please be praying for safety, strength, and for the Spirit of God to be at work while we are on the field.

While I have been at home preparing to go, the Lord has been so faithful, (as He always is) in providing opportunities for me to meet people from the countries that I am going to. One of the coolest connections has been at this Indonesian restaurant/market I found near my house where I have gotten to spend time with the ladies who work there. They have shared many things from their culture and lives with me, such as food, language, different cities, dances, and even their testimonies as it turns out that most of them are Christians. Maria, pictured below on the right, has a powerful testimony of how she converted from Islam to Christianity after being very sick for 15 days when finally she encountered Christ and was healed. She loves Jesus and knows He is the only way to eternal life. Praise the Lord!

Ladies from a local Indonesian Restaurant/Market

Updates through Photos:

I have also gotten to serve at some sweet events this month, which I have really been cherishing in a different way than before, knowing I won’t always get to be here to be a part of them. Below are pictures from these events.

Praise Reports:

• Our Security Seminar was a valuable and informative experience
• I leave overseas in a couple weeks and preparations have been going well
• Praise God for the connections He has allowed me to make at the Indonesian restaurant/market
• This month has been a sweet time of visiting with family and friends before leaving
• I have been blessed getting to serve at different events and share about missions

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray for the teams I’m a part of and myself as we are on mission
• Please pray for the Lord to be at work while we are gone and that I can be led by the Spirit, as well as for physical and spiritual protection
• Please pray for God to confirm and open doors for a country I can serve Him in full-time
• Please pray for provision and success for the Indonesian ladies businesses
• Please pray for those I have gotten the opportunity to share with about missions that they would heed to the voice of Christ if He is calling them into missions work

Thank you for taking the time to read this update and for joining in on the work that God has called me to! Next time I update you all, I will be in South Asia, so be on the lookout for my next newsletter! It is such a beautiful gift to realize that the Lord doesn’t need our help in fulfilling His plans, but because of His love, He wants us to take part in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth! I would greatly appreciate your continued partnership with me in prayer as the Lord continues to prepare me for cross-cultural ministry, as well as through financial support, if you feel led to give. Any amount of a one-time or monthly donation is an absolute blessing for my upcoming trip expenses, for future mission trips, and eventually for being sent out long-term on the field.

It means so much to me. God bless and thank you all!

For His glory,

Macey