First, I would like to apologize for my lack of updates, blogs and posting on social media. It ties down to bad WIFI/no service, and laziness. I also have been struggling with the feeling that I need to prove to people what I’m doing out here so in response I just don’t post anything. Finding that balance has been difficult for me. In result I have decided to create a WhatsApp broadcast list where I can send more frequent messages to everyone about what I’m doing in more detail. This will also allow people to see what my days look like and allow me to share with you our prayer requests when we need them. If you would like me to add you to it please leave a comment or send me a message on WhatsApp.
Info is Jewel Macauley +1 2402857602
I’m going to give some quick updates on the last two months and will begin with the WhatsApp broadcast fresh for the month of Oman and forward. Can’t believe it’s already month 5!!
India
Our host called it a spiritual garbage mountain. We were in Varanasi, India. Otherwise known as the Jerusalem for Buddhism. We were there in October when many of their holy festivals occur. There was lot of (g)odly and spiritual worship going on and our host told us Christians go through many spiritual attacks during this time. This was so evident! We were tired all the time, and felt so numb and drained out. It wasn’t until we left Varanasi at the end of the month and went to the city Agra that we were fully able to feel the difference. In addition to this the persecution for Christians in India is really cracking down. The prime minister there is aiming to make India an all Hindu country, and if that passes in the next year things will only become worse. We had to be secretive, walk different routes to ministry and not altogether. We almost were no longer able to continue ministry for drawing to much attention. Despite all of this the people here were BEAUTIFUL! The most warm-hearted people I had ever met. These people were doing so much for the Lord it was insane. Being able to partner with them was such a privilege. We got to work at a widow’s home, clinic, help out in a bakery, help and teach at a Hindu school (run by Christians), do jail ministry and work at a leprosy home. Our schedule was packed but it was absolutely wonderful. I have so many stories I can’t even pick one. All I know is that Varanasi was the longest I was anywhere on the race and I was devastated when we had to leave. I will no doubt be back because these people have my heart and I consider them family.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia we had a team change and seal team 6 (my team for the first 3 months) split up. If you didn’t know, alumni world racers came and were team leaders for the first 3 months of the race. After they left, I was asked to be raised up, along with 2 other of my squad mates to become team leaders. So, in Ethiopia I was team leader of team opal. My first all-girls team and it was absolutely wonderful. Stepping into leading was hard cause things changed and I learned so much from the Lord in this month. He told me early on that I can’t please everyone and to only focus on Him. I didn’t listen and tried to please everyone and things low key went array but He was there through it all. So much healing and affirmation and correction and confidence came from this season. I experienced an increased awareness of my team and was able to ‘see’ so much of what was actually going on. Ethiopia was an open month so we didn’t have any scheduled ministry. However, the Lord put it on all of our hearts that this month was meant to be a month of intimacy with Him, rest and healing. We then got connected to a local church and met a woman who became our dear friend who offered to do free counseling and inner healing for all of us. It was no doubt a divine encounter because the fruit and freedom that began from that was amazing. We made many friends at this church and with people in our neighborhood. We were apart of a youth group and worked with their worship team. This month was such a treat. With friends, family and seeking the Lord. I loved Ethiopia. Not being a minority for once was such peace I can’t explain it. Leaving our friends hurt so bad this month. Ethiopia felt the most like home and I wish I could have stayed another month honestly.
Again, there are so many stories nestled in here. I’m so sorry for not keeping people updated. But I plan on keeping people updated better in my WhatsApp group beginning today. I still plan on writing blogs but only for the longer stories. I am also still fundraising and my final deadline pasted at the end of November. I ask that you all be praying for me and considering helping me hit my last leg of fundraising. I have no worry in the world He will provide. Thank you all:)
