The Massive Updates of Updates

Summary

A lot has happened since I last wrote! Just to list some of the major events: the MK Retreat, an engagement, loss of my supporting church, changing “jobs”, moving, a crazy Christmas break with family, a wedding, a new way to serve, a graduation, and a second move!

How did the MK Retreat go?

Last time I wrote I was telling all of you that my next letter I would update you on the Ethnos360 2025 MK Retreat. So here is an update! The retreat was amazing! I got to serve as a leader for both the high school retreat and the young adult retreat. I got to engage and interact with missionary kids that were attending the retreat for the first time, as well as reconnect with some of the MKs from past retreats. It is always so good to see missionary kids who have connected with other missionary kids and the MK Care team, come back to retreats either to serve or simply to engage once again with everything the retreats provide.

Did I hear wedding bells?

Gabriel and I got married! January 5, 2026 was a beautiful day in Florida. I got to say “I do” surrounded family and friends. I am so grateful to all who helped Gabriel and I with all the preparations for our wedding and all who helped make our wedding a beautiful and God-honoring day!

I cannot fit all of the pictures of that day here, so if you would like to see more, here are the links for my Facebook post about that day. First post and second post

If you would like to see the ceremony, click here

Are you still doing ministry?

I am still doing ministry! What ministry looks like at the moment has changed for this season of life, but I am so grateful to still be serving the Lord as I continue to follow His direction. Things are a little complicated on whether I’m considered a missionary through Ethnos360 for MK Care. The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is that, since Gabriel and I both want to do missions, which he is currently in the process of going through the training for. I was volunteering at Ethnos360 Bible Institute in childcare while Gabriel was attending. Once Gabriel has completed his missionary training, we can both serve in the mission field together through Ethnos360. So, yes I am still a missionary with Ethnos360, however, my status does not fall under MK Care, but rather is in a transition phase while I continue to serve the Lord in different areas of ministry wherever He leads Gabriel and I on our journey to serve the Lord together with Ethnos360.

Where am I going now?

This May, Gabriel graduated from the Ethnos360 Bible Institute in Wisconsin. The two of us want to

move forward in ministry by serving the Lord as missionaries with Ethnos360. I have already completed all the training necessary for this; however, for us to move forward as a couple, we need to return to the Ethnos360 Training Center so that Gabriel can finish his training and I can retake some important classes with him. Lord willing, we will be able to apply and attend the Ethnos360 Training Center in the fall of 2027.

Once we have completed a portion of the training for Gabriel and me, I will be able to rejoin the Ethnos360 MK Care Team formally, and he will be able to serve as a member of Ethnos360.

For right now, Gabriel and I are currently building our savings so that we can afford to go to the Training Center next fall by living in Florida, where we are connecting with his home church. Gabriel is working a job; we are staying with his family and reconnecting with them, and I am looking to continue serving in ministry wherever the Lord directs me.

As always, if you have any questions or want to know more about anything, please do not hesitate to ask! You can email me here.

“ It is not uncommon for me to clarify what containers or food items can be put into a microwave when speaking with an MK. I have known so many instances of metal, whole eggs/potatoes, non-microwavable plastic, etc. to be placed into a microwave by an unsuspecting MK who does not know any better. The results can be hilarious, but also quite embarrassing, especially when the microwave used can no longer function after the MK’s attempted use.”

-Avalon

Prayer Requests and Praises

Prayer Requests:

For a new sending church for me
Encouragement and opportunities to engage well and serve Gabriel’s home church
Gabriel and I’s continued growth in love for one another and the Lord
Rest and encouragement during a time of uncertainty because of many new transitions
Wisdom for Gabriel and I as we navigate next steps and logistics
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
Courage and boldness to speak up for my needs and ministry
The ability to encourage and communicate well with the local body of believers

Praise:

For support and encouragement from friends, family, and church family
For time with Gabriel’s family
For time with my family before they went back to PNG this June
For the Lord’s continued provision and direction
For a beautiful and God-honoring wedding
For the ability to adapt to new places, jobs, opportunities, and communities
For a job for Gabriel

Share how I can pray for you here.

I am currently at 57% of my monthly support!

75% is the goal that Ethnos360 has set for me. 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 click here, 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. CLICK HERE!
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 or blog here.