From Wispher to Echo
Greetings from Chiang Mai, Thailand!
As we wrap up the first half of 2025, our hearts are full of gratitude for the powerful ways God is moving across this region. The past six months have been marked by significant breakthroughs, growing partnerships, and undeniable evidence of God’s faithfulness. We’re thrilled to share some of the exciting things unfolding right here in Chiang Mai!
“A Whisper Becomes an Echo: The Gospel in Lamphun”
Just an hour’s drive south of Chiang Mai lies Lamphun—an industrial province with a population of over 406,000 people, where only 0.04% know Christ. In a place marked by spiritual drought, God is quietly stirring something powerful.
For the past four years, I’ve had the joy of leading the Within Reach Global team in training and equipping a courageous network of local pastors. These leaders—though few—are stepping into remote mountain villages and low-lying communities, bringing Gospel access where it’s never been before.
In April, we completed Phase 2 of their leadership training, focused on equipping them to confidently start and sustain Bible study groups that reflect their cultural context. And now, we’re seeing the first fruits: multiple new groups have taken root, led by these pastors who are boldly applying what they’ve learned.
One unexpected breakthrough came through tragedy. The village of Huay Hom, recently hit by a flash flood that destroyed homes and claimed lives, opened its heart to us through a simple act of compassion—relief packs delivered with love. That act became a bridge for long-term ministry. Since then, we’ve brought in a team from the Philippines, followed by two more teams, to build relationships and minister to the growing spiritual hunger.
Just recently, our reach expanded into Ban Hong, Lamphun’s 4th district. New doors are opening, and the excitement among the local people—and our partner pastors—is real. We’re watching the Gospel gain ground in places once untouched.
These partnerships are deepening, and with that comes the need to navigate cultural nuances and strengthen mutual understanding. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. We believe the humble seeds being sown now will grow into a lasting Kingdom harvest.
So what began as a whispered prayer is becoming an echo of praise across Lamphun.
A Month of Joy, Homecoming, and Generational Impact
The month of May was a breath of fresh air for our whole family. It reminded us that in the middle of the mission field, God knows how to refresh the soul. One of the biggest highlights? Hosting the Jesus Revolution Now (JREV) outreach team—our yearly tradition that has become a lifeline of encouragement for us here in Thailand.
Every year, JREV partners with Within Reach Global to serve both in the mountain villages and in urban ministries. But more than their incredible servant hearts and passion for the Gospel, what blesses us most is the joy of reunion. These aren’t just teammates—they’re friends from our home church in the Philippines, people we’ve cried with, prayed with, and done life with.
For our kids, it’s like home came to visit. They get to do ministry with friends they grew up with—laughing, worshiping, and reaching people together. In a season where distance from loved ones can feel heavy, having the JREV team come felt like a piece of home crashing into our mission field. It reminded us: we’re not alone.
But what moved us even more this year was watching Jethro and Kari, our two older kids, step deeper into the calling we’ve long prayed over them. As missionary parents, one of our biggest prayers has always been that our children would not just observe the mission, but own it. And this May, we saw glimpses of that promise unfolding.
Kari shared the gospel with this old man and led him to the Lord. Afterwards, the man cut off the amulet he was wearing, which he used to ward off bad spirits. He said I don’t need this anymore, I have a more powerful spirit now – Jesus.
They weren’t just tagging along—they were fully engaged. Sharing Jesus with locals. Embracing the discomfort of cross-cultural ministry. Laughing with the team. Serving with joy. It wasn’t forced. It was real. And as we watched them, we whispered prayers of gratitude and awe.
We’ve always declared that the Macs Kids will be children who are mighty in the land—and now we’re starting to see it take shape before our eyes. What a joy to know that this mission isn’t just ours—it’s a family mantle being passed down, one willing heart at a time.
So thank you, JREV family—for coming, for loving, and for reminding us that God’s work is always multigenerational. This May didn’t just give us a full calendar—it gave us full hearts.
Jethro is praying for the Shan children who live in a labor camp near our house. This is during our small family outreach that we organized.
Just a few days after the JREV team left, we were blessed with another wave of joy—our family from Manila came to visit! It was a sweet and refreshing time, but also an opportunity to keep the mission moving.
We organized a small but meaningful outreach among the Shan community near our home, and what made it truly special was seeing our children and their cousins serving side by side. Together, they laughed, played, and shared the love of Jesus with Shan children in the neighborhood.
There’s something powerful about watching the next generation catch the heart of missions—not through a lesson, but through lived-out love. It wasn’t just family bonding; it was Kingdom building.
CAMPUS UPDATE
College Ministry: A New Wave of Hope in Chiang Mai
We can’t help but be thrilled about what’s ahead as we officially launch our college ministry this school year! With all the right pieces now in place, momentum is building, and excitement is overflowing.
This movement is a collaborative effort between the Within Reach Global Campus Team and Victory Church Chiang Mai’s youth ministry. Together, we’re on a mission to bring the Gospel to every major university in Chiang Mai. We’re starting by strengthening and sustaining our work at Chiang Mai University and Rajamangala University, and we’re preparing to expand into Rajabhat University and Payap University soon.
We are praising God for the incredible open doors and divine connections that continue to come our way. Recently, we’ve been connected to individuals and student-led groups that have unlocked new opportunities to engage students in ways we never imagined.
Last July 4th, something exciting ignited in the heart of Chiang Mai—our official campus ministry launch for the new school year! Over 40 students from four major universities came together for a night packed with laughter, connection, and community.
From high-energy games to heartwarming fellowship, the room was buzzing with joy and potential. It wasn’t just an event—it was the start of something we believe will shape the future of this nation.
Our dream? That each student will begin a journey of discipleship, grow in their faith, and eventually be planted in life-giving churches. We’re not just reaching students—we’re raising up leaders, world changers, and Gospel carriers for Thailand.
Would you join us in prayer?
Pray that hearts stay open, relationships deepen, and that this spark turns into a wildfire of revival across Chiang Mai’s campuses!
The harvest is young, eager, and ready—and we’re just getting started.
One unexpected yet powerful tool God is using? Red Panda Café.
Our café is becoming more than just a place for good coffee—it’s becoming a hub for student life and ministry. Students and campus ministries are starting to discover us, and they’re loving the space! At one point, every area—the café floor, game room, glass room, and prayer room—was simultaneously filled with different student groups. Red Panda is becoming a launchpad for Gospel-centered conversations.
As a business, Red Panda is also gaining traction. We’re not quite at the profit margin we aim for yet, but for a café that’s only a year old, we’re doing great. Most recently, Red Panda was included in Google’s list of top-rated cafés in Chiang Mai—a city with over 3,000 cafés. That kind of recognition is nothing short of God’s favor.
We’re honored to see how God is using Red Panda as both a ministry platform and a bridge to reach the next generation. We truly believe that this is just the beginning of something significant on the campuses of Chiang Mai.
– THE MAC FAMILY –
Ministry is both fulfilling and demanding. There are times of exhaustion and challenges, but God’s grace continually strengthens us. We remain grateful, knowing that His faithfulness sustains us each step of the way.
Our greatest blessing is doing ministry as a family. Though our kids communicate in their own way, they share the same passion for God and people.
We thank God for this season of life and the privilege of walking this journey together as a family. Our kids all finished their school year 2024 with medals and awards. It was such a reward to see our kids thrive in their school as well.
THE TRUCK UPDATE
We’re praising God for a breakthrough—the provision of a new ministry truck, made possible through the generosity of our amazing partners!
A few months ago, our faithful minivan finally gave out and could no longer make the tough journeys to the mountain villages. But God, in His perfect timing, stepped in. Thanks to the sacrificial giving of friends and partners, we were able to purchase a reliable, rugged truck that can handle the roughest terrain.
This truck has already been a game-changer, transporting our team to reach remote villages throughout Lamphun—bringing the Gospel, building relationships, and supporting local pastors.
To everyone who prayed, gave, and stood with us, you are part of every mile traveled and every life touched. We are deeply grateful. May the Lord return your generosity a hundredfold.
This truck isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a vessel for the Kingdom. And the journey has only just begun!
PRAYER REQUEST
MINISTRY
The Fusion Center
– Wisdom upon our leadership in building The Fusion Center.
– Continuous provision and funding.
Alpha Courses and Discipleship
– Please pray for continuous expansion, to empower more pastors and leaders in using The Alpha as a tool for evangelism. Pray that the local churches be on fire for discipleship and that the Lord empowers us in this movement.
FAMILY
Constant Covering and Protection
Please continue praying for our family’s protection and good health. John now travels weekly to Lamphun Province, conducting discipleship training for the local pastors. Please include in your prayers our parents’ health and daily protection in the Philippines.
Provision for Finances
Please continue praying for our family’s protection and good health. John now travels weekly to Lamphun Province, conducting discipleship training for the local pastors. Please include in your prayers our parents’ health and daily protection in the Philippines.
- Children’s Education. Jethro, Kari & Reese go to a Christian school here in Chiang Mai (also an A.C.E. school). It has helped much with their adjustment. We are praying for the constant provision of their tuition fees.
- We also need health insurance. This will help us tremendously with our medical needs. lp us tremendously with our medical needs.
Anointing and Godly Wisdom for the Ministry
We rely completely on the Holy Spirit’s power to preach the Gospel and make disciples here. At times, Thailand feels like hard soil, but we believe this is a kairos moment—a season for the Gospel to break through and bring many to Christ. More than ever, we need God’s guidance and anointing to carry out this mission.
Over 2 billion people are yet to hear the name of Jesus globally. A lack of gospel access is the greatest injustice known to humanity. We are on a mission to change that and we invite you to join us.
We’re on a mission to change that and we invite you to join us!
