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Faith Awakened in Mexico, a Voice Found in the Dominican Republic

August 10, 2026 in DominicanRepublic, Mexico, Ministry by Dave | No comments

When the Northern Triad Area was formed in 2024, bringing together Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, one of the primary goals was to foster greater collaboration between missionaries across national borders. We believed that by strengthening relationships and working together, we could create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. Recently, we witnessed a beautiful example of that vision becoming reality.

*Ismael with Angela and Cory Hogan in Guanajuato, Mexico. What began with a quiet student showing up to Bible study has grown into a life of discipleship and ministry.*

A little over two years ago, a quiet university chemistry student named Ismael began attending social events hosted by Chi Alpha missionaries Angela and Cory Hogan in Guanajuato, Mexico. Over time, he joined their weekly Bible studies. He rarely spoke about his spiritual background, but week after week, he kept coming—even on nights when he was the only student there.

Then an unexpected opportunity arose. Ismael was accepted into a semester-long university exchange program in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Recognizing the opportunity, Angela and Cory connected Ismael with fellow AGWM missionaries Jamie and Berly Bello, who lead a university ministry in Santo Domingo. Although Ismael arrived knowing no one, the students of UConexión welcomed him as family. He began attending church for the first time in his life, joined a discipleship class, and met weekly with a Dominican believer named Victor, who faithfully opened Scripture with him and walked alongside him.

When Ismael returned to Guanajuato, he surprised everyone. Pulling a well-worn discipleship manual from his backpack, he smiled and said, “I’m ready to help lead here.”

A few weeks later, another student asked if he was a believer. Without hesitation, Ismael answered, “Yes, I am.” Later, when Cory asked when he had made that decision, Ismael simply replied, “About a year ago, when we were studying the Bible together.”

You could say faith was awakened in him in Guanajuato and his voice was found in Santo Domingo. Today, he is actively discipling other university students.

Stories like Ismael’s remind us that collaboration is far more than an organizational strategy—it is a means by which God is drawing people to Himself. Thank you for partnering with us as we strengthen relationships across the Northern Triad so that more lives can be transformed through the gospel.

Tags: AGWM, Discipleship, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Missions, Northern Triad, team ministry

Equipping Those Who Will Go

July 14, 2026 in Ministry, Missions by Dave | No comments

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.

From Puppet Shows to Gospel Access

June 16, 2026 in DominicanRepublic, Ministry, Prayer by Dave | No comments

The first time Kelly and I traveled to the Dominican Republic (DR), we were teenagers. Because of our group’s size, airport officials directed us through the diplomatic line at immigration. It felt ironic. We had come to perform puppet shows and help with work projects—and we didn’t even speak Spanish.

Never could we have imagined that decades later we would return to sit around the table with national church leaders, discussing the future of ministry in the Dominican Republic.

Our meeting with national leaders: Julio Morales (R), Jonathan Herrera (C), and Jamie Bello (L)

This spring, we returned as Northern Triad Area Directors to collaborate with church leaders and missionaries regarding Gospel Access. Together, we explored ways to strengthen the national church’s vision while expanding gospel witness among those with little or no access to Christ.

We were encouraged by our meetings with church leadership. They expressed a desire for greater missionary involvement in underserved regions, as well as assistance in missions training, children’s ministries, and missions awareness initiatives. These discussions strengthened our partnership and shared commitment to Christ’s kingdom.

We also spent time encouraging the missionary fellowship and discussing opportunities and challenges across the field. We were encouraged by their dedication to the mission and their desire to serve well together.

Gathering with the DR Missionary Fellowship

A highlight was participating in a farewell gathering honoring Zach and Johanna Welsh, who concluded their service in the DR. The day was filled with gratitude, celebration, and reminders of God’s faithfulness.

As we reflect on this trip, we are reminded that God’s work spans generations. From teenagers carrying puppets to leaders discussing gospel strategy, from seasoned missionaries to young workers answering God’s call, the Lord continues to invite His people into His mission.

One of those young workers was Andrew Willey, a 21-year-old intern serving in the Dominican Republic whom we met on our trip. Tragically, Andrew passed away just weeks after our visit due to complications related to myocarditis. Please join us in praying for his family, the Dominican Republic missionary team, and the many lives touched by his faithful service. Though his years were few, his example reminds us that a life surrendered to Christ is never wasted.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership. Together, we are helping bring the hope of Christ to the nations.

Note: If you’d like to print this update, take a look at the PDF version of our quarterly newsletter or, better still, sign up to receive our newsletters direct to your inbox!

Tags: Gospel Access, Newsletter, Prayer, team ministry

Rooted in Love, Serving in Mexico City

May 11, 2026 in Mexico, Ministry, Missions by Dave | Permalink

We hope you had a meaningful Mother’s Day weekend. As we celebrated here, our hearts were full of gratitude for the incredible women who shaped our lives. We especially want to honor our own mothers: Joy, who worked so arduously as a single mom to give Dave a firm foundation during his teen years, and Kim, who has been a consistent model of love and faithfulness for Kelly.

On special days like these, we certainly feel the distance from those we love more acutely. However, we are constantly reminded of the compelling nature of Christ’s love. It is that love which moves us toward the work of proclaiming the gospel, and we are truly honored to labor throughout the Northern Triad—Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico—as well as right here in the heart of Mexico City.

April was a month marked by deep local engagement and the joy of new life. On Easter Sunday, April 5th, we joined our mentors, Paul and Sandy Kazim, at Iglesia Reto a la Juventud. It was a profound highlight for Dave to participate in the service where six new believers were baptized, a powerful testament to the hope found in the resurrection.

Our Sundays continued with a focus on partnering with vibrant local congregations:

April 12: We visited Jesús en Samaria, where we were warmly hosted by Pastor Javier Canales and his wife, Claudia. Dave shared the message “Bajo la luz correcta,” challenging us to see our circumstances through the lens of Christ.
April 19: At Monte de los Olivos, Pastor Joel Ortiz and his wife, Suzy, welcomed us as Dave preached on “El Aliento de Dios,” exploring how the Holy Spirit brings the life and peace necessary for mission.
April 26: We concluded the month at Iglesia Emanuel for a special missions service. Following an invitation from Patricia Zamora, Dave shared the message “Enviado,” focusing on our collective call to be “sent” ones. We were deeply moved as Pastor Miqueas Bustos and his wife, Donna, led the congregation in praying for our ministry.

As we continue serving throughout the Northern Triad and here in Mexico City, we invite you to keep standing with us in prayer. Pray for open hearts, strengthened pastors, and the continued work of the Holy Spirit in these churches and communities. And if you feel led to deepen your partnership—whether through financial support, sharing our ministry with others, or simply reaching out to encourage us—please know how deeply meaningful that is to us and to the work God is doing here.

Together, we are proclaiming Christ where hope is desperately needed, and we are grateful to labor alongside you in the gospel.

Tags: Holy Spirit, Missions, Mother's Day

Broadening the Reach: New Apostolic Priorities

April 13, 2026 in Ministry, Missions by Dave | Permalink

Two weeks ago in Panama City was one of those rare moments where strategy and genuine ministry happened side by side. From March 30th to April 3rd, we were part of the Latin America Caribbean Strategic Leadership Team Meetings, which ran alongside the Missionary Kid (MK) Retreat. One of the real highlights was joining the MKs on Wednesday evening for a time of celebration and prayer — a beautiful reminder that the next generation of missions was right there in the room with us.

What is Gospel Access?

The heart of the leadership meetings was working through what the global emphasis on Gospel Access actually looks like on the ground. During the week, Dave sat down with Scott Hanson, AGWM’s Strategic Initiatives Director, to talk through what this means for our work. Scott framed Gospel Access as a continuum — from people who won’t say yes to Jesus all the way to those who genuinely can’t, because of real physical, cultural, or spiritual barriers standing in the way.

Three Things Driving the Initiative

The shift is built around three key ideas:

Every missionary has a role. This isn’t an either-or conversation. We keep doing the vital work in the Northern Triad while also asking how we can press further into places the Gospel hasn’t yet reached.
Reaching the unreached. There’s a concrete goal: 2,085 unengaged, unreached people groups engaged by 2033, through partnerships across the global church.
Mobilizing workers. The vision includes seeing 4,000 missionaries worldwide, each one using their unique role to open doors for those who currently have no witness at all.

One House

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was the idea of a “one-house culture.” Rather than each region working in its own corner, the vision calls us to stand shoulder to shoulder and own the global mission together. That means when something breakthrough happens in Africa or Europe, we in Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic get to celebrate it as if it were our own win — because in a real sense, it is.

Hear the Full Conversation

We’d love for you to watch or listen to Dave’s full conversation with Scott:

Watch: Gospel Access Conversation
Listen: Gospel Access on YouTube Music

Thank you for partnering with us in this — every gift, every prayer is part of making sure people everywhere have a real chance to say yes to Jesus.

Tags: Area Director, Gospel Access, Missionary Kids

Through Every Change

March 21, 2026 in Day2Day, Events, Mexico, Ministry, Prayer by Dave | Permalink

It was an unexpected week.

We boarded our flight expecting a week of prayer, planning, and encouragement with fellow missionaries.

Kelly and I were headed to Santiago, Chile, for the Church Planters’ Dialogue, where leaders from across the Latin America Caribbean Region were gathering to consider an important question: How might God help us increase Gospel Access across the region?

As conversations unfolded, the shared commitment became clear—together, we would pursue the planting of 247 new churches in the years ahead.

But before we even arrived, the situation back in Mexico had suddenly changed.

While we were traveling, messages and news alerts began appearing on our phones. Reports were coming in that parts of Puerto Vallarta were burning after organized crime groups reacted violently to a major security operation. For the next several minutes, we worked to ensure our colleagues working in the area were safe. In the days that followed, we tried to understand what was actually happening on the ground.

Moments like these remind us that ministry in our region often unfolds in complicated environments. The headlines can be unsettling, yet the church continues to move forward.

Then, another call came.

In the middle of that already uncertain week, another call came—this time from home.

Kelly’s father, David, whom she had said goodbye to only days earlier, had passed away.

Just like that, our plans changed again. We packed our bags, cut the trip short, and flew back to the United States to be with family during those difficult days. It was a sobering week.

But the mission continues.

And yet, even in moments like these, we are reminded of something: God’s work continues.

Across the Northern Triad Area (NTA), we see that reality every day:

In Cuba: NTA Global Workers are serving alongside local pastors as they persevere through fuel shortages and logistical challenges to strengthen believers.
In the Dominican Republic: Following the completion of the Creole Fire Bible by Life Publishers, the NTA recently facilitated a strategic meeting with DR church leaders to plan its distribution to Haitian pastors across the island.
In Mexico: Missionaries continue taking thoughtful steps to keep the door open for ministry collaboration. Leaders carefully monitor conditions and work closely with local churches so teams can still participate in what God is doing.

At the same time, God continues calling new workers. Last week, I had the privilege of helping train 23 newly approved associate global workers who will serve in 16 nations around the world. One of them, Sally Zielke, is preparing to serve in Oaxaca, Mexico, strengthening the church in a region full of opportunity for the gospel.

Through every challenge and every change of plans, the mission moves forward.

Thank you for standing with us in this work. Your prayers and partnership help strengthen the church across Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

Note: If you’d like to print this update, take a look at the PDF version of our quarterly newsletter or, better still, sign up to receive our newsletters direct to your inbox!

Tags: Family, Gospel Access, Missionary Training, Puerto Vallarta

Serving in the Tension — and Seeing God at Work

February 11, 2026 in Ministry, Missions, Progress by Dave | Permalink

The past several weeks have reminded us that missionary leadership is both deeply rewarding and quietly demanding.

We are now back in Mexico City (CDMX), settling into the missions house in Coyoacán. Returning has felt significant. This move represents more than geography; it reflects a deepening commitment to walk closely with national leaders and missionary teams in this season. We are grateful for the trust that allows us to sit at tables where important conversations are happening about church planting, leadership development, and the future of ministry in Mexico.

At the same time, leadership in cross-cultural settings always carries complexity. Different expectations, communication styles, and organizational cultures can create tension even among people who share the same mission. We are learning again that much of our work involves listening carefully, building bridges, clarifying misunderstandings, and keeping everyone centered on the larger purpose of advancing the gospel. This work is often unseen, but it is essential.

Training continues to be one of our greatest joys. In January we facilitated multiple “Bible in Ministry” cohorts for veteran and new missionaries across the Latin America Caribbean region. Watching seasoned workers re-engage Scripture as the foundation for decision-making and ministry practice encourages us deeply. Healthy missionaries lead to healthy teams, and healthy teams strengthen the national church.

Our time with the Cuba team was another reminder of both challenge and impact. We heard reports of churches now helping provide meals for 6,000 children multiple times each week. That kind of fruit is humbling. At the same time, several team members are navigating surgeries, aging parents, and personal strain. Vision and vulnerability often coexist.

We, too, are experiencing that tension personally. On January 24, Kelly’s father, David, was hospitalized, and doctors have confirmed that cancer has invaded his spine. Kelly traveled to Erie to support her parents and help determine next steps. Walking through family crisis while carrying regional responsibility stretches us in ways we did not anticipate. Yet we sense the Lord’s grace meeting us in both places.

Missionary leadership is rarely dramatic; more often it is steady, relational, and prayerful. It involves long conversations, careful decisions, cultural humility, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. We are grateful for the privilege of serving in this role and for partners who pray with us.

Please pray for wisdom in cross-cultural leadership, unity among teams, strength for our missionaries, and comfort for Kelly’s family in this tender season.

We are deeply thankful to serve together in the Northern Triad.

Tags: Family, missions leadership, team ministry

From Family Joy to Missions in the Dominican Republic

January 12, 2026 in Ministry, Prayer by Dave | Permalink

As we look back on the close of 2025 and the beginning of this new year, our hearts are still full of gratitude. On December 6, our family welcomed a beautiful new gift—our granddaughter, Mabel Ruth. Celebrating Christmas with our entire family was especially meaningful this year, as we gathered with a fresh reminder of God’s faithfulness and blessing across generations.

Soon after the holidays, we were back on the road and had the privilege of traveling to the Dominican Republic. From January 6–9, we attended the National Convention of the Dominican Assemblies of God, and we were also grateful for dedicated time meeting with our DR missionary team—listening, encouraging, and praying together as we look ahead.

While at the convention, we had the opportunity to connect with Assemblies of God General Superintendent Doug Clay, who was a featured speaker at the event. We talked with him about the significance of his trip to the DR and why global missions continue to matter so deeply to the church today. His words and presence were a strong encouragement to leaders and missionaries alike.

We’re thankful for all God did during this trip and are excited to share a short video from our conversation with Doug with you below.

Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership—we couldn’t do this without you.

Tags: Church planting, Dominican Republic, Doug Clay, team ministry

Our Thanksgiving to You: Celebrating a Year of Partnership

November 19, 2025 in Missions, Progress, Support, Thanks by Dave | Permalink

In this season of Thanksgiving, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for your incredible partnership over the past year. We look back and see clear evidence of how your prayers, generosity, and commitment have truly been a blessing, strengthening the advance of the gospel across the Northern Triad (Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic) and around the world.

Your faithful support has made the following work possible:

Responding to Urgent Needs with Compassion

Your giving has allowed us to move quickly in the face of crisis, enabling a compassionate, Christ-centered response to urgent needs. Following the devastating floods in northern Veracruz, Mexico, and the impact of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, your contributions through the AGWM Disaster Relief Fund provided essential assistance. This meant volunteers could assemble relief packets, bringing both practical help and eternal hope to those who are suffering.

Equipping Global Workers and National Leaders

Every step we take in our role as Northern Triad Area Directors is possible because of your prayers, generosity, and heart for missions. Your support empowers us to lead effectively, serve faithfully, and invest in the potential of our team. This year, your partnership allowed us to:

Invest in Training: We were able to launch an online competency cohort for veteran missionaries and collaborate on a complete redesign of the global worker training process.
Mobilize New Workers: We have been able to champion the need for more global workers for the “unfinished task”. We are working toward a bold goal to double the number of global workers in the Northern Triad over the next eight years, and we are already seeing new candidates for Mexico commissioned to the field.

Making Connections That Matter

One of the greatest joys of our ministry is the role we get to play as “connectors,” and your backing is what makes this possible. We are uniquely positioned to bring people, ideas, and resources together so that ministry can flourish in Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

Strengthening the Church: Your support helped us facilitate the visits of special guests for significant events, such as the National Pentecostal Jubilee in Monterrey, Mexico, which brought powerful encouragement to pastors and leaders across the nation.
Multiplying Impact: At its heart, this connecting is about multiplying impact—strengthening fellow global workers, and inviting churches and individuals into more active involvement in missions.

From strengthening workers and serving national leaders to coordinating compassionate response and steering strategic direction, every aspect of our ministry is a testament to your faithfulness. Thank you for standing with us, we are honored to serve the Lord alongside you.

Tags: Missions, Support, Thanksgiving

Flooding in Northern Veracruz & Hurricane Melissa Relief

November 8, 2025 in Mexico, Missions, Nature by Dave | Permalink

In recent weeks, communities across northern Veracruz, Mexico, have faced devastating floods following relentless rains that caused rivers to overflow their banks. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, crops and livestock lost, and families forced to evacuate their homes. Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa swept through portions of the Caribbean, affecting several islands, including the Northern Triad nations of Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In Cuba in particular, the storm — a dangerous Category 3 when it struck — dumped over 15 inches of rain, causing rivers to overflow and cutting off a principal east-west highway. Emergency crews were forced to wade through waist-deep water and deploy boats and military vehicles to rescue stranded residents.

In the face of these twin crises, Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) has moved quickly to respond. Partnering with Convoy of Hope, funds have been released to assist affected churches and families, and teams are already on the ground bringing emergency supplies, clean water, essential equipment, and hope to those in need. Local pastors and believers are serving courageously—turning their churches into centers of refuge and outreach, showing the compassion of Christ in tangible ways.

You can also make a lasting difference by giving to the AGWM Disaster Relief Fund. Your contribution ensures that our missionaries and local churches can continue providing compassionate, Christ-centered aid—not only in this crisis, but in the inevitable disasters yet to come.

Together, we can help communities recover and rebuild, bringing both practical help and eternal hope to those who are suffering. Thank you for standing with us as we respond to urgent needs in Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic—demonstrating the love of Jesus when it matters most.

Photo captions:

Hurricane Melissa tore through eastern Cuba on October 28th, leaving unprecedented flooding and devastating damage in its path.
Volunteers at the A/G Church, Divino Redentor, in Poza Rica, Veracruz, assemble relief packets funded by the AGWM Disaster Relief Fund.

Tags: disaster, relief

Articles by Dave

Responding to Urgent Needs with Compassion

Equipping Global Workers and National Leaders

Making Connections That Matter