Echoes Into Eternity: Living for What Truly Matters | March 2025 Newsletter
- Erik Gonzalez
- Mar 1
- 5 min read
“Lord, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight. Surely everyone stands as a mere breath. Selah.” -Psalms 39:4-5 (NRSV)
Our short visit to the States was a time of deep joy, filled with precious moments spent with family and friends, both old and new. Laughter and tears were shared in equal measure—some from sheer happiness, and others from the weight of heartfelt goodbyes. Over the course of two months, we ate incredible meals (I especially missed my mom’s cooking!), took many photos, and made beautiful memories that'll follow us into eternity. As the years pass and wrinkles form upon my face, and the hair on my head transitions from black to white, I believe I will come to understand even more so, the significance of these moments spent with all of you. It is for this very reason, I am more fully convinced of the calling in our lives: to share Jesus with those who have never heard...
As I reflected on what to share with you all, the Lord reminded me of a profound encounter with a young boy at a small church in Colville, Washington. I was tasked with sharing a sermon and after delivering the message, the lead pastor took a spontaneous offering for Makayla and me. We were both overwhelmed by the generosity of these strangers. One by one, people approached us, offering their gifts when finally, a young boy made his way to me.
"Jesus saw her meager offering and declared that, though it was small in amount, it was great in sacrifice—for she gave everything she had."
From behind his back, he revealed a plastic jar—once home to peanut butter, now carefully cleaned. Inside were twenty or so coins and a few small bills. To this boy, it was more than spare change; it was his treasure. And yet, without hesitation, he gave it freely. I wondered how long it had taken him to save when immediately, my mind turned to the story of the widow’s mite. Jesus saw her meager offering and declared that, though it was small in amount, it was great in sacrifice—for she gave everything she had. At that moment, I saw the same faith in this boy. I hugged him, thanked him, and received his gift with the reverence it deserved.
Makayla and I would spend two more weeks in the States and then return to Thailand on January 20th. We are excited to continue fulfilling our five-year commitment—with 2.5 years left! Lord willing, when that time is complete, we will seek His direction for where to serve next, whether to continue here in Thailand or serve elsewhere in the Neediest Red (nations with less than 2% Christian adherence).
"For Makayla and me, our prayer is to have the faith and trust like the widow—to offer all that we have in honor of the One who gave everything to save us."
Looking back, our time in the States came and went so fast and really, our lives aren’t so different. The truth is, we all face the same reality: the wrinkles will form, the hair will turn white, and our time on earth will come to an end. This realization calls to question: “In light of eternity, how will I spend my life?”
For Makayla and me, our prayer is to have the faith and trust like the widow—to offer all that we have (including our lives) in honor of the One who gave everything to save us. Thank you to all who make this possible, who sacrifice financially so that we can bring the message of Jesus to those who have never heard. This noble effort will transcend our lives and echo into the shores of eternity.
Blessings,
The Gonzalez Family
Current Prayer Requests
Our marriage and that God would continue to deepen our relationship with Him.
Spiritual growth in maturity, humility, discipline, and Christlikeness.
Pray that the Lord would give Erik wisdom in leading the communications ministry and in his training as a future DTS leader.
Please pray for our future DTS and DTS students.
Spiritual awakening in Thailand, that many would come to follow Jesus. Pray for the city of Trang and that people will be transformed by the Gospel.
Grace, wisdom, and understanding in raising Hudson.
Missional communities, friends, and networks. Favor in our neighborhood and opportunities to share the gospel.
That our team would continue to have strong unity and humility.
Please pray against spiritual warfare and the strongholds here in Thailand. ie, apathy, miscommunication, sexual perversion, loneliness.
Promotional videos for upcoming DTS, and that God would use them to minister to potential students and the church.
Updates
YWAM Trang Website
As the leader of the Communications Ministry, Erik presides over a significant role: overseeing the majority of communications from the YWAM base. Whether it's website updates (DTS Application), media, articles, and many more minute details, Erik's voice and tone has become an integral part of it all.
We invite you to check out our base website and media as we are posting on there often. I’m very proud of Erik and the work he has done, especially considering how he's never done most of this before. Give it a look at.. (P.S. If you are someone who's interested in doing the DTS, consider doing ours this year!)
Outreach Teams
Nearly the whole month of February was jam packed with hosting YWAM Louisville! The team was made up of 9 students and 3 staff who served with us for about three weeks. The Team engaged in evangelism, service projects, worship, intercession, and much more. They also taught English at many schools, performed skits at markets, lead worship, prayed at hospitals, and helped us at YWAM Trang with many everyday needs. (Even babysitting!) It was a lot of fun to have them here as they refreshed us with their excitement for serving in Thailand. At one of the night markets where worship was being played by the Louisville team and a gospel message preached, Erik had the opportunity to help lead someone to the Lord. The man was so excited to accept Christ! (All photos were taken by Erik)
Special Message for Our Friends and Family
Hello friends and family, we pray this email finds you well in the Lord!
Makayla and I had a lot of fun writing this month's newsletter and we hope that it has blessed you in some way. We already miss being in the States and spending time with you all. We hope that it won't be another 2 & 1/2 years until we see each other but that maybe you'll be able to visit us here in Thailand!
Thank you for covering us in prayer and for your sacrificial giving, because of your faithfulness, the nation of Thailand will never be the same. Already, the beautiful seed of the Gospel message is being spread throughout the city and beyond, and God is faithfully growing and establishing his dominion. Thank you and God bless, may these words of ours be simple reminders that point to the supreme worthiness of our incredible God and king.
Blessings,
The Gonzalez Family
February Financial Update
Recurring support: $2376.5
Monthly costs: $2,300
One-time donations: $897.25
Have any questions?
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