Born and raised in the UK, Malcolm Mackinnon is a pastor, author, and artist who gave his life to Jesus in his early twenties when his life was headed down a destructive path. He later spent some time working as an artist  as well as a volunteer youth pastor in the country of Tenerife where he faced a financial crisis. But his faith was strengthened and he became emboldened to serve God when He saw God provide for him in miraculous ways.

Malcolm married Donna in 2007 and through a series of divinely orchestrated events, the couple felt led by God to move to the US. In 2011, they emigrated to California where Malcolm began working with a church. 

In this episode, he talks about the cultural differences between the US and the UK and what he likes about living in the US. Malcolm also shares the story of his children’s adoption and how the challenges Donna and he faced have stretched their faith. Toward the end of the episode, we take a deep dive into Malcolm’s artistic process. If you’re an artist, you will enjoy this part of our conversation.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Conversion is not always a one-time experience. Sometimes, God works in people’s hearts over time till they are ready to accept Jesus as their Savior and their eyes are opened to the truth. Malcolm first realized he needed God when he overdosed on drugs. His friend’s born again experience further pushed him toward God. He finally gave his life to Jesus when he spoke to Salvation Army folks.
   
2. God provided for Malcolm when he lacked money in Tenerife. As adoptive parents, He continues to provide resources to help Donna and him cope with parenting challenges. To experience God as our Provider, we must put our trust in Him and take our requests to Him. He always provides, in His way and in His time.
   

Malcolm Mackinnon came to Felton, California in September 2011 from England with his wife Donna to set up various youth and children’s ministries. As an artist and ordained Baptist minister, Malcolm uses his artwork to design and communicate Bible lessons in both churches and schools. He and his wife have adopted two wonderful children, Jonathan and Asiya. Malcolm loves to paint, make movies, and write. He is currently working on a wide variety of writing projects ranging from Theology to sitcom scripts. If you’d like to see Malcolm’s unique teaching videos, check out his YouTube channel @bigmalc63.

An immigrant from India who has lived in seven cities across the U.S. in fourteen years, Mabel navigates between cultures, feeling at home everywhere and nowhere. In her award-winning book, Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth, Mabel draws from her personal experience as an immigrant and examines the lives of biblical heroes to shed light on how we can find purpose and joy as sojourners on earth. Get her FREE digital resource, 7 Reasons Why Heaven Matters.

Download the tip sheet, Love Your Immigrant Neighbor : 5 Action Steps, here.