NOT business as usual

It’s been a long time since I wrote a newsletter from the Texas Coast. The time we had between leaving Mexico and returning to Texas was filled with sharing the goodness and faithfulness of God we saw during our DTS and outreach. We connected with multiple churches, with mission and discipleship groups, and met with many of our supporters. Sharing with others about what God has done AND is doing is such a joy. We look forward to more of those opportunities.

The subject line read “NOT business as usual.” Someone used that phrase to describe reassimilation into our “home” community: the idea of not going back to how things were before DTS. Max and I are trying to be intentional with using tools and skills we learned, and walking with the hearts God transformed. Are some things still hard? Yes! Are we doing it perfectly? No! But we realize quicker when things don’t line up with God and His Word and more easily come back into realignment with Him, each other, our kids, and others. 

Our YWAM Ships team was awaiting our return. What a blessing!! They had us lead the kids worship and we got to share songs we learned during DTS. We’ve started Worship on the Water where we meet on boats and worship God with our voice. Since we’ve been gone more youth/young adults have joined the worship and prayer intercessions. We got to share with them that it is possible to have a family and be in missions, something I think keeps the next generation from stepping into their calling.

The next few months are full of local outreaches - so many opportunities to pour into our local communities and connect with those here who feel called to missions. We have a couple of Fellowship of Christian Athlete Field of Faith events where we will help with alter call. Max and I are spearheading a local park outreach. We also have the Christmas season which comes with lots of opportunities to serve and the lighted boat parades which are a great chance to share in a large setting the reason for the season.

An update on previous prayer requests. First, we needed a vehicle more so than before with diesel prices and long commutes to YWAM Ships. Some dear friends blessed us with a vehicle that fits our family and gets decent gas mileage. Praise GOD!!  Second, we assumed Max would return to his previous employer, one 24-hr shift per week, until we were fully funded by supporters. Because our missionary staff positions with YWAM are full-time, that schedule works really well. Currently, the door to that employer does not seem to be opening. We are in prayer on whether he should look for other PRN work or whether the Lord is asking us to rely solely on people who believe in us and want to partner in taking the gospel to the nations. Continued prayers for the Lord to reveal His plan to us regarding this and for supporters to come alongside us.  

Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your faithful giving. You are part of our team and we wouldn’t be walking in this calling without you.

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Another prayer request: Our dear YWAM family in Mexico was completely devastated by tropical storm Rachel. It caused flash flooding that wiped through the base destroying communal living areas, and 11 leaving only 9 of the 20 cabins/homes and taking a life as the cabin was swept away. The ranch was home to our family, and many others: a place of transformation, reconciliation, and restoration. Please pray for their community as they grieve and seek the Lord in the plans for the base. If you feel led to give to Rancho Abierto you can do so here. 

We thank you again for your support. This year has been life changing as sons as daughters of Christ, as a couple, and as a family.

Love, Salt, and Light

The Massengales