A Year Away From Ministry: Important Message to Friends and Family - June Newsletter

Erik Gonzalez
4 days ago
4 min read

“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’” — Mark 5:18–19

“God’s greatest glory is man fully alive.” — Irenaeus

Dear friends and family,

As many of you know, I (Erik) have been away for several months pursuing deeper healing from wounds and trauma that occurred early in my life. I am thankful to share that the Lord has met me in powerful ways during this season. Through His grace I have experienced healing, heart transformation, and the rest for my soul that Jesus so freely offers.

There are many things I could share about what I learned, the tools I gained, the experiences I walked through, and the spiritual fruit that came from this season. But perhaps the greatest thing God has stirred in me is a renewed passion to share the hope of the Gospel with those who have never heard it.

There is a deep desire in my heart to return to Thailand and continue the work God has entrusted to our family. However, that season will need to wait.

After much prayer, conversations with our leaders in Thailand, and the recommendation of the clinical team at Hope Quest, our family has decided to take a year away from ministry responsibilities to focus on our continued health, restoration, and family.

We believe this is an important step toward long-term faithfulness and effectiveness in the calling God has given us: to reach the unreached with the Gospel.

I am reminded that tools must be sharpened and strengthened so they can be used well. In a similar way, we believe this season of rest and rebuilding is necessary for Makayla and me to continue serving faithfully in the years ahead.

This decision did not come easily. It came through many conversations, prayer, and heartfelt tears. But we believe it is the right decision for our family in this season.

Because we will not be actively serving in ministry during this year, we ask that you please consider stopping financial support by September. We are deeply grateful for every person who has faithfully partnered with us through prayer and giving. Your generosity has carried us through many seasons and we do not take that for granted. (Please go to https://giving.ywammontana.org/login and log into your account to discontinue your giving.)

Please know that this does not mean we are leaving YWAM or that we are no longer connected with the work in Thailand. We are still part of YWAM Trang, and we are prayerfully looking ahead to what God may have for our family after this year of restoration.

I pray you receive this update with joy, knowing that our family is genuinely well and walking forward with hope. The Lord often works in ways we do not expect, and while this season looks different than we originally imagined, we trust His wisdom and timing.

During this year, Makayla will have the joy (and challenge!) of managing life with two little ones while I return to work to provide structure and financial stability for our family.

At the end of this year, our hope is to prayerfully evaluate the next steps God has for us — whether that means returning to Thailand or helping pioneer the Home Front ministry here in the United States, both in partnership with YWAM Trang. When the Lord makes the path forward clear, we hope to reach back out and reconnect with you, sharing how God is leading and inviting you to partner with us again if the Lord places that on your heart.

Thank you for standing with our family. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, generosity, and friendship throughout this journey. We are grateful for the ways God has used you to strengthen and encourage us.

We look forward to sharing what He continues to do. If you have any comments or questions, PLEASE feel free to reach out.

Blessings, Erik, Makayla, Hudson, and baby #2

Prayer Requests

Thank you for praying for us!

2027 YWAM Trang Trang DTS – Please begin praying for our next DTS: the right students, speakers, staff, and a God-led schedule.
Rest over the next year – Pray for Erik and I to rest well and lean into Christ over the next year. Pray that this season of our lives is one we intentionally steward and gaurd, and that it would be everything God wants it to be.
Our Marriage – Pray that our relationship with one another, and with the Lord, would continue to deepen in intimacy, maturity, and joy.
Baby # 2 – Makayla is nearly 40 weeks now! Pray for a safe labor, delivery, and a healthy baby.
Spiritual Awakening in Thailand – Pray that many would turn to Jesus. Specifically lift up the city of Trang for transformation and lasting fruit.
Hudson – Pray for grace, wisdom, and patience as we raise Hudson.

Life/Ministry Updates

Baby #2 Update

Baby boy is looking healthy and is in a good position for labor! My due date is just 4 days away, so he could really come any day now. I'm feeling nervous but excited for labor and can't wait to meet our next son. Please pray that labor and my postpartum season would go well and for both myself and baby to be healthy. Also, please pray for Hudson as he experiences the transition of having a little baby in the home. I expect it will be a big shift in our family dynamic and how much attention I'm able to give him. But so far Hudson is very excited to meet his baby brother :)

Email: erik@ywamtrang.org

WhatsApp: Erik +66 098 226 6648

WhatsApp: Makayla +66 092 251 8509

Mobile Phone: Makayla 1(509) 202-5026

Financial Update (Monthly)

Recurring support: $2,000

Monthly costs: $2,300

Have any questions?

We'd love to hear from you. Comment below or reply directly to this email.