However, between the fundraiser, TACO commitments, content creation, home stuff, so many months of anguish, and everything else, I’ve been pushed to my limits and urged by trusted people to take a two week sabbatical.

The official announcement is on the TACO Discord and below, but if this is the first you’re hearing of what’s going on, here are the key updates:

• Family update (Sept 10): “Processing the Goodbye” –
• Family Update (Sept 8): “A Miracle of Provision and the Next Step“
• Why I Quit on Stream Today (Sept 15): “What Happened, What’s Underneath It, and What I Need Right Now“
• Please help my family. We’re very close to the goal: https://www.givesendgo.com/GJNMD

I’m not good at stopping, so please keep me in your prayers. Thank you for your patience and for making this work possible.

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TACO Official Sabbatical Announcement

tl;dr — XtianNinja is taking a sabbatical until October 1st

Many of you are aware of the stresses XtianNinja has been experiencing.

Like all of us, Allan has multiple priorities in his life — God, family, health, finances, work, and ministry. Sometimes one of those voices gets louder than the rest, and we need to honour that. But that can be hard to do when it feels like people are counting on you.

In the TACO training classes, we talk about priorities, and about what God says regarding peace and rest. As leaders, we are called not only to teach God’s ways, but also to live by them and model them for others. It’s very difficult to lead people to strength, health, peace, and confidence if we are not walking in those ourselves.

It is part of God’s design that we need one another, and that we take rest.
So, I am stepping up in my role as co-leader and Board Chair of TACO (The Alliance for Creative Outreach, our 501c3 for supporting Christian content creators through training, resources, and community).

I’ve given Allan (XtianNinja) the encouragement and permission to take a two-week sabbatical from streaming. I’m also asking him to set aside some time when his wife comes home simply to focus on being present with her.

For a long time, Allan has been the “face of TACO,” but he does not carry it alone. We have the TACO Stream Team, amazing volunteers, and our wonderful community. Together we will continue to do what we do — stream, lead classes, shepherd the Discord channels, create resources, raise funds, and be present for all of you.

And I know you will be present for Allan — praying for him and his family, giving him space, and waiting to welcome him back when he is ready.

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A Note from XtianNinja to the TACO Tribe & FamSquad

How many people need to say they’re worried about you before you agree there might be an issue? For me, apparently, it’s eight.

I’ve had friends, supporters, co-leaders, and some of you in the TACO Tribe and FamSquad sound the alarm on my behalf. So, despite my mixed feelings about losing momentum, stepping back from commitments, and not spending time with you on stream, I’m listening.

Starting September 17, I’ll be taking a short sabbatical until October 1.

I don’t step away lightly. Streaming, teaching, and leading TACO are some of the greatest joys of my life. But I also know from past experience with burnout that if I want to serve faithfully, the wisest thing I can do is pause now and practise some self-care.

I’m incredibly grateful for each of you — especially to @Ukulele4Worship, who had the courage to confront me directly. Many of you know my story and having someone in my corner who cares more for me than for the mission is a rare gift.

I’ve been reading your DMs, emails, and GiveSendGo messages, and I want you to know that your encouragement, prayers, and generosity have kept me going this far. Without the TACO Team, volunteers, monthly donors, and special gifts, everything I do would be impossible.

Of course, I won’t be out of the woods after two weeks — the challenges I’ve been sharing won’t magically disappear. But, Lord willing, I’ll be back in October with a clearer head and some renewed energy.

Until then, please keep Anita, our family, and me in your prayers.

See you soon,
Allan (“XtianNinja”)