The Adventure of Following Jesus

Well friends, it's been a quite a long time since this blog was last updated.  Not for lack of having anything to say, but life gets busy as you all well know!  But I've decided to get back to the blog to share with you the journey the Lord has been taking me on these past few years...

These past 10 months have been a whirlwind of waiting, searching, seeking, having doors close and truly seeing God move in ways I never would have imagined.  At times, it has been a lot to take in, but I can say with complete confidence, “My God is a good and faithful God!”

As many of you know, God has been stirring in my heart a passion for the foreign mission field since I first stepped onto foreign soil back in 2001.  Over the years, I have had more opportunities than I would have ever dreamt possible to go with God across the globe discovering His heart for people and gaining new eyes to truly see and love them.  Through all of these experiences one thing has become very clear: my heart is for the Outcast – the marginalized, those discriminated against, the unknown, unclean, uncared for, unloved and underwritten.

Years ago, back in 2009, God gave me a verse that resonated so deeply in my heart: “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” (Isaiah 42:6-7).  This verse has become my heart for the outcast – to see them recognize their worth as sons and daughters of the High King, to see them free and empowered to embrace their Heavenly Father and recognize the incredible gifts He’s placed inside of them, and to see His light shine through their lives!

I have searched, hoped, and prayed for the Lord to lead me to the places I can best use these gifts and passions He has placed within me to bring Him glory.  And I have been amazed by how the Lord has answered!

I am excited to share with you that this Fall I will be packing up my bags and moving to MaeSot, Thailand to partner with Outpour Movement founded by Ray & Candace Ward.  More than an organization, Outpour is a movement that “exists to transform, disciple, employ and empower the children and young adults of oppressed people groups who transcend the Thai and Burma border.”  If the name Outpour Movement sounds familiar to you, it’s likely because you’ve heard of Kayla Koontz, an NMC Student Ministries alumna, who joined Outpour and moved to MaeSot back in January 2014.  I am beyond excited for the opportunity, not only to serve with Outpour but, to partner and learn from Kayla as we will finally get to serve together on the foreign mission field – something we’ve talked and dreamed of!  I will be joining her to assist her in expanding and building structure within Braverly (formerly Famous Rays Bike Shop), help with Outpour Admin & Finances, as well as help with SEEds youth nights and Muslim Community Outreaches (women and children’s ministry).

“My God is a good and faithful God!”

In case you missed it, this is all happening very quickly as I am looking to fly out in early August (hopefully the 4^th) to be able to join Outpour on their staff retreat.  I will travel on a 3-month visa and then will seek to apply for my one year visa after serving my interim time.

Of course, one of the first questions asked is "how long are you going for?"  To be honest, it's not decided - something which is both exciting and terrifying!  I am stepping out in faith, trusting God to lead and staying open to however long He calls me to serve.

As I prepare to step out, I’d love to invite you to come along on this incredible journey!  There are several ways you can do just that: 

I need faithful prayer warriors.  Nothing moves the heart of God quite like prayer, and as I head out, I am desperate to see every inch of this journey covered in prayer!  Will you consider being a part of my prayer team and joining me in asking the Father to completely take the lead, guiding me by His Spirit and opening doors that only He can open?  I am convinced that without the move of His Spirit all my efforts will quickly fail.

My financial goal is no small task, yet we serve a God of endless resources, and I am trusting as God has called He will provide!  For my first three months of ministry, I am raising a total of $6,000, which will cover several one-time travel/visa costs, as well as daily living expenses.  My projected total for the full year is $14,500.  If you would like to be a part of helping me reach this financial goal with a one time or monthly gift, you can give online at www.nmc.church and click on "Giving."  Under "Missionary Support" you can enter my name and designate the total to be given.  I will also be setting up a link at www.simplykingdom.org/kristy-mikel

I would love for you to follow along on the journey!  If you would like to receive updates of what the Lord is doing and how you can continue to pray, send me a message directly at kristyjmikel@gmail.com.  You can also follow along on this blog as I will regularly share updates here!

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share my heart with you, and I am unbelievably grateful for the many ways God has used such amazing people to bless my life!  Thank you for your continued prayers and investment!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

-Romans 15:13