July 25, 2024
What is going on?
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
I have found this verse to be especially true in my life these past couple of months. Throughout the month of June and into the beginning of July I, had been working with my pastor, the director of Ethnos360 MK Care, and a staff member from the Ethnos360 Training Center in Missouri to try to figure out a way for me to move to Missouri this month. The goal was for me to be able to work in childcare on the Center, do some training and be involved with things in MK Care, and try to continue raising support in Iowa, while being in Missouri. This was a complicated task that presented many different things to be considered including time, finances, housing, and resources. As I worked through this scenario with others and sought counsel from trusted friends, family, and mentors I believed I had worked it out where I could go to Missouri. However, through several things that were thought through and communicated to me, the Lord made it clear that I will not be going to Missouri this fall. I am so thankful that He has continued to guide and direct me in this area, and this also means that I am currently going through a massive shift in my plans. I am going to be staying in Iowa for at least the next six months and will be continuing to build relationships and make partnerships with others so that I have a team of supporters as I seek to walk forward into what the Lord has for me.
Looking Forward…
For at least the next six months I will be in Iowa building relationships and establishing a base of supporters. I am hoping to get a part time job while in Iowa to build my savings. For those of you wondering, I am still joining Ethnos360 MK Care! I am hoping to be involved in some events and meetings in this coming year to get to know the team better and to better understand my role. With that being said, Ethnos360 requires their members to be at 75% support before they can begin full time ministry, and so I will not be working full time in MK Care. I am working towards cultivating partnerships with churches and individuals so that I can work towards beginning full time ministry. Thank you so much for all of you who have been praying for me and encouraging me!
I had the opportunity to be a part of the Annual Ethnos360 MK Retreat this summer! It took place from June 14th through the 25th. I was on staff and helped to set up and clean up from the retreat, as well as being a part of it and spending time with the missionary kids who are attending. I also got to connect with team members from Ethnos360 MK Care. I got to interact with some really awesome kids and got to share my story as well as hear some impactful and fun stories from them. One of my favorite devotionals that was shared during the two camps I got to be a part of, was from a missionary kid who shared about a difficult transition that they had and the amazing way the Lord worked through it! I also loved being a part of an escape room where I was a guard who gave clues. My favorite events to participate in was the glow nights and the slip-and-slide. I also really enjoyed the international meals that were prepared by missionaries from all over the world. The food was delicious!
A conversation I was a part of that really helped me to realize the impact of the MK Retreats was when one MK said, “I love hanging out with other MK’s.”
To which another MK responded, “It always encourages me. I find it energizing. Like realizing that I have been translating everything I do and say for the last couple months and suddenly I can speak my native tongue again.”
“It always encourages me. I find it energizing. Like realizing that I have been translating everything I do and say for the last couple months and suddenly I can speak my native tongue again.”
Prayer Requests and Praises
Prayer Requests:
- Wisdom and endurance as I figure out how to best connect with people as I do support raising
- Continued guidance from the Lord in where to go next
- That my team of financial and prayer partners would grow so that I am able to move forward with what the Lord has called me to
- For friendships
Praise:
- For support and encouragement from friends, family, and church family
- Being able to be a part of the MK retreat this summer
- For places to stay while I’m in Iowa
- For clear guidance from the Lord in a decision
I am currently at 9% of my monthly support without one time gifts.This month I am at 16% of my monthly support with one time gifts.
I am so thankful for those who have partnered with me financially and I am overwhelmed by the amount of people who are keeping me in their prayers. Thank you for partnering with me in prayer! I know that without those who are a part of my team, both in prayer and finance, I could not be moving forward with what the Lord has for me.
If you are interested in giving, you can scan the QR code or click the button at the bottom of this letter and it will take you to where you can partner financially. If you have questions or would like to know more about what I’m doing, I would love to meet with you! Ways to connect with me through email or phone are at the bottom of the letter and I would love the opportunity to get to share with you what the Lord is doing and how you can be involved!
Other ways you can be involved:
- Prayer! I appreciate and treasure the fact that I have people praying for me.
- Opening your home as a place where I can present my ministry. I would love to share with you and others about what the Lord is doing!
- Interested in my prayer card? I would be happy to send you one, email or text me your mailing address.
- Invite your friends or family to subscribe to this newsletter.
- If you go to a different church than I do, and they are looking to take on a missionary, reach out to me and I would love to connect with you about that!
- If you have other ideas I would love to hear them!
I am new here… who are you?
If I have not had the opportunity to meet you or interact with you, welcome! My name is Avalon Luse and I am serving with Ethnos360 as a part of MK Care, which serves missionary kids and their families so that the gospel can go out to all people.
I grew up as a missionary kid overseas in Papua New Guinea. Starting when I was one-year old until I graduated high school when I was nineteen. This experience gave me a passion for missions and a heart for missionary kids. If you are interested in more of my story checkout my website using this link https://linktr.ee/avalon.4him.
Connect with Me
My email is:
avalon_luse@ntm.org
My phone number is:
+1 (262) 765-6624
My mailing address is:
Avalon Luse
4602 DeRocher Path
Sioux City, IA 51106
