Equipping Those Who Will Go

Some months are filled with activity; others remind us why we do what we do. This summer has been both.

As we’re spending a few weeks stateside during our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on the rich spiritual heritage of those who have gone before us and the responsibility we share to carry the gospel to the next generation—both here and around the world.

Our time in the U.S. also gave us the opportunity to gather with family and friends on July 11 to celebrate the life of Kelly’s dad, David. While we miss him greatly, the service wasn’t simply a remembrance of a good man—it was a celebration of the transforming grace of our Heavenly Father that was evident throughout his life. We left encouraged by the testimony of God’s faithfulness across the decades and with renewed confidence in the hope we have in Christ.

That same theme of God’s faithfulness carried into one of the highlights of our summer: participating in Assemblies of God World Missions’ Journey Training and Renewal in Springfield, Missouri. This multiweek gathering prepares new missionaries for the field while providing encouragement, refreshment, and continued development for global workers (GWs) throughout every stage of missionary service. Investing in these global workers is one of the greatest privileges of our ministry as Northern Triad Area Directors.

As members of the Latin America Caribbean (LAC) leadership team, we helped facilitate orientation sessions, welcomed new missionaries preparing to serve throughout the region, and joined in praying over them as they answered God’s call. Together, we taught two Bible in Ministry sessions to 101 new Assemblies of God World Missionaries (AGWM), helping them develop a biblical framework that will shape their ministry for years to come. Later in the month, Dave led two biblical reflection sessions for 98 missionaries returning from their first term of service, with Kelly participating in those sessions as these workers reflected on God’s faithfulness, processed what He had done during their first assignment, and prepared for the next season of ministry.

One especially exciting part of the month was welcoming two new missionary units to the Northern Triad. Isaac and Miriam Tellez are preparing to serve as career missionaries in Mexico, and Tyler and Rebecca Mazer, along with their sons Emerson and Silas, are preparing to serve as missionary associates in Cuba. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside these families as they prepare for God’s calling on their lives.

During the training, however, Miriam unexpectedly required emergency gallbladder surgery. We’re thankful for God’s protection, excellent medical care, and a good recovery. We’d appreciate your prayers for her continued healing and for both the Tellez and Mazer families as they prepare to begin serving in the Northern Triad.

Thank you for partnering with us. Through your prayers, encouragement, and faithful financial support, you’re helping equip, encourage, and shepherd missionaries who will proclaim the gospel around the world. Every worker who is strengthened today will touch countless lives tomorrow. Together, we’re investing in the advance of God’s Kingdom throughout Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and beyond.