A Leap of Faith...

As many of you know, I am stepping into a new season of life—one where my focus is primarily on encouraging and strengthening faith, especially among missionaries. I’m incredibly excited and eager to witness all that God will do through this journey.

Honestly, I feel a bit like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade—specifically the scene where he takes a leap of faith into what appears to be a bottomless chasm, only to discover an invisible bridge guiding him safely to the other side. (If you're curious, search "Indiana Jones leap of faith" on YouTube to see what I mean.)

As I mentioned in my last email, much of my work with missionary women will be through an organization called Azmera. Azmera’s mission is to help global workers (missionaries) remain strong and steadfast, holding tightly to God through the many challenges and difficulties of serving Him overseas.

Azmera primarily fulfills this mission by hosting “Haven Retreats” throughout the year. These retreats provide global workers with a safe space to process life, deepen their walk with Jesus, and build meaningful connections. After the retreat, they return to their places of service reignited and re-energized to continue the work God has called them to.

These retreats wouldn’t happen without volunteers like me. I’m excited to offer spiritual direction through Azmera—both at Haven Retreats and through virtual one-on-one sessions throughout the year.

My goal is to serve on at least three Haven Retreats each year, and I already sense God leading me to join the Northern Ireland trip, October 27–November 5. It’s a meaningful opportunity to begin this work in person and continue supporting these women year-round.

I know that’s coming up quickly, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to begin offering spiritual direction in person through Azmera and to gain a deeper understanding of Azmera’s ministry in action.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the Haven Retreats God leads me to serve in 2026.

So, I am in need of your prayers and financial support. Specifically, the total cost of the upcoming trip is $3,950. I'm excited to see how Azmera impacts the lives of missionary women—and how God might use me to play a part in that mission.

If you feel led to support me, donations can be made through Paraclete, the wonderful organization I’m affiliated with as an Associate. You can give at this link:

👉 https://www.paraclete.net/associate/christie-smith/

Paraclete is where all of my support is processed. It covers the many ways I serve—whether that’s offering spiritual direction to individuals, missionaries, and those with disabilities, or participating in retreats and ministry events.

To support me in my upcoming trips with Azmera and my ongoing work in spiritual direction across various settings, monthly support would be deeply appreciated.

I’m incredibly grateful to those who have already supported me—thank you. Regular support would go a long way in helping sustain the ministry work I’m doing, especially as I supplement my income by working at a local coffee shop.

That said, I truly thank God for every bit of support, in whatever form it comes.

Thank you so much for prayerfully considering partnering with me in this ministry—whether through prayer or financial support. Again, through the upcoming Azmera trip to Northern Ireland, we have the opportunity to impact missionary women around the world, helping them stay strong in their faith and continue the work God has called them to do.

*If you didn’t receive or read my last email explaining the transition I’m on right now, go to www.ourwalkwithhim.com/post/a-brand-new-step

**If you would like to understand spiritual direction and my connection with it, go to www.ourwalkwithhim.com/