From Athiest to Adventist

New Team Members Join Jesus for Asia

Michael and Lindie Macé

Written by Julie Mesa

Earlier this year Jesus For Asia welcomed two new employees, Michael and Lindie Macé. This week I sat down with them to hear the story of how God equipped them to work for Him.

Michael grew up in France, the son of parents with Russian and Spanish heritage (his grandfather, an officer for the Russian Tsar, had fled when communism came into power). But though his grandfather had fled communism, atheistic ideas were part of young Michael’s education, and by the time he reached college he was a confirmed atheist. His extensive reading led him to conclude that the exploitation of the planet, and other conflicts he saw, were the cause of much of the world’s problems. His goal was to find truth and since he wasn’t achieving this in college, he dropped out. But when anyone invited him to consider the Bible, his atheistic knowledge rose to the surface and he presented all sorts of scientific evidence “proving” God did not exist. Then one day, he asked himself, “Michael, why are you so against Christianity?” His answer– “Because all Christians worship statues.” But he had never before judged a religion without studying it. He became convinced to at least read the Bible. Not long afterwards an opportunity arose, and he opened the Bible. As he did so, it was as if he heard, “It’s not what men say, it’s not what churches say, but it’s this book that is the Truth.” So began a journey that led Michael to the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Lindie was born to a mission-minded family in the Philippines. As a young person she was active in church and enjoyed doing missionary work with her mother. After college, Lindie grew rich in this world’s goods, but poor spiritually.

“God didn’t forsake me during that time,” Lindie recalls, “He was just waiting for me to fully surrender to Him. Finally I prayed, 'Lord, if the Seventh-day Adventist Church is true, please show it to me.'” She knew this decision would change her life. That night, while driving home in a jeepney, a very bright light caught her eye. She asked the driver to pull over. Climbing out, she followed the light. It led her to a sign that read, “Seventh-day Adventist Church this way.” Heading in that direction she discovered and entered an SDA church. They were having a prayer meeting and warmly invited her to join. This was her first time in church in nine years.

A few years later Michael and Lindie met. It didn’t take long for them to see that God was leading them together. After marriage, they looked for ministry opportunities. Initially they served in Chad, but Lindie struggled with her health and both she and Michael had to return home. In the intervening years they served in different ministry areas such as radio work & nursing school projects, but after those doors closed, they returned to the regular workforce. Still their love for missions did not die, both longed to serve in some capacity.

Last year they began watching “Jesus for Asia Now” on YouTube. The vision JFA had was the same as their own, reaching people in unreached areas. After much prayer they decided to apply at Jesus For Asia, asking God to open the door as He saw fit. The call soon came, with the caveat that they would need to find a place to stay, which is a challenge in this area. Leaving it in God’s hands, they moved forward. The day before they were to leave God found them a place – but only for a month.

Michael began work in the video editing department (he now does translation too) and Lindie helped wherever needed (she now works in accounting). As the month drew to a close both began to wonder where God would move them next. Laying it before the Lord in prayer, they tried not to worry. Just a few days before the end of the month, Lindie & Michael were impressed to visit a friend. While there, her friend said, “We have an apartment in our basement that you can use if you need it.” Lindie hadn’t even asked for help! This answered prayer confirmed in her mind that God wanted them here at JFA. And we at JFA are very happy their journey has led them here. All things certainly do work together for good to them that love the Lord (Romans 8:28).

If you have ever considered being a missionary, we encourage you to move forward prayerfully. And don’t hesitate to contact us if God so directs. “Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.” Christs Object Lessons, p. 326

Michael and Lindie in Chad