Broadening the Reach: New Apostolic Priorities

April 13, 2026 in Ministry, Missions by Dave | No comments

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.

Northern Triad MKs at the Retreat
Talking about Gospel Access with Scott Hanson

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:

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.

 

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Through Every Change

March 21, 2026 in Day2Day, Events, Mexico, Ministry, Prayer by Dave | No comments

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

  1. Hurricane Melissa tore through eastern Cuba on October 28th, leaving unprecedented flooding and devastating damage in its path.

  2. Volunteers at the A/G Church, Divino Redentor, in Poza Rica, Veracruz, assemble relief packets funded by the AGWM Disaster Relief Fund.

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Doing Our Best to Show Ourselves Approved

October 11, 2025 in Ministry, Missions by Dave | Permalink

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” —2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

This month, we’ve been reminded how much our vocation depends not just on passion, but also on preparation. Across the Northern Triad—and throughout our region—God is calling His workers to do their best as they serve and grow.

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On September 25, we launched an online competency cohort for veteran missionaries serving across the Northern Triad Area. Thirty-seven workers joined the first session of this six-month journey designed to familiarize our area with updated missionary competency language, build out a framework for future training, and strengthen a culture of growth and development for all workers.

Just a few days later, we took part in the regional training for seven new global workers (GWs) headed to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It was a joy to help them understand the structure and resources of AGWM and to teach the Bible in Ministry Competency (BiM) to the entire incoming associate cohort—37 new workers preparing to establish the Church in 21 nations. Seeing their readiness to learn and serve reminded us again that the work of the gospel moves forward through teachable, Spirit-filled hearts.

We also traveled to Argentina for regional leadership meetings, where we engaged in strategic discussions around church planting, advocacy, member care, and training. Between sessions, we had the privilege of visiting several of our GWs on the field and spending time at Instituto Bíblico Río de la Plata, one of the Assemblies of God’s premier ministerial training centers in South America. The commitment of both faculty and students to handle the Word of Truth faithfully deeply inspired us.

Thank you for praying and partnering with us. Because of you, workers across Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic—and beyond—are being equipped to serve with excellence, maturity, and confidence in God’s Word.

Photo Captions:

  1. Dave explains how Bible narrative works during the  BiM competency session for the 37 new AGWM GWs.
  2. Kelly shares with a student from Instituto Bíblico Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  3. New GWs and the LAC Training Team at regional training sessions

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Making Connections That Matter

September 13, 2025 in Ministry, Missions, Support by Dave | Permalink

One of the greatest joys of our ministry is the role we get to play as “connectors.” Being Northern Triad Area Directors, we are uniquely positioned to bring people, ideas, and resources together so that ministry can flourish in Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

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August marked the culmination of months of preparation as we joined our national partners in Mexico for the National Pentecostal Jubilee in Monterrey. We had the privilege of coordinating the visits of two special guests—World Assemblies of God Fellowship (WAGF) Chairman, Dominic Yeo, and church health leader and author, Alton Garrison. Their ministry was powerful, but just as meaningful was the encouragement their presence brought to pastors and leaders from across the nation. Being on hand to help facilitate their stay allowed us to witness how this connection made the Jubilee such a significant moment for so many.

During this season, we’re also walking closely with our global worker colleagues across the Northern Triad. Missionary life can feel isolating, so it’s a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with these friends—listening, offering practical help, and supporting them in both life and ministry.

And then there’s itineration. Every service and conversation is a chance to connect local churches with what God is doing on the field. We love reporting back on the impact of your prayers and giving, and we love inviting new partners to join the story.

At its heart, connecting is about multiplying impact. Whether it’s helping international leaders bless a nation, strengthening fellow global workers, or inviting churches and individuals into more active involvement in missions, none of us are called to do this alone. Thank you for standing with us—together we are making connections that matter.

Photo captions:

  1. Itineration has afforded us opportunities to connect with friends new and old, like Ann Floyd at Brighton Assembly. We first met in 1992!

  2. Connecting with colleagues @ the Jubilee— Dave gathered with (L-R) Carolyn Marton, Mary and Guillermo Landa, Peter, Delia, and Marta Breit.

  3. WAGF Chairman, Dominic Yeo (center), principal speaker at the Pentecostal Jubilee, is pictured here with Superintendent Enrique González.

Note: This post is just a portion of what we share in our quarterly newsletter. If you’d like more information from the Godzwas or would like to print this update, take a look at the full PDF version of our quarterly newsletter or, better still, sign up to receive our newsletters direct to your inbox!

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Serving, Leading, and Advocating for the Northern Triad

August 9, 2025 in Ministry, Missions, Prayer by Dave | Permalink

As Directors for the Northern Triad Area (NTA)—Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic—our role is both broad and deeply personal. We provide member care, ensuring our global workers are spiritually and emotionally healthy. We give administrative oversight, helping ministries function effectively and in alignment with our shared mission. We offer strategic direction, discerning together how best to reach the unreached. And we invest in leadership development, equipping both missionaries and national leaders to serve with strength and vision.

In recent years, one aspect of our role has grown in significance: advocacy. While itinerating, we’ve championed the needs and opportunities of the Northern Triad, but now, with AGWM’s renewed push to increase the number of global workers for the “unfinished task,” that responsibility feels even more urgent.

A key moment for this advocacy came during General Council (GC 25), the biennial gathering of the Assemblies of God. It’s a time when our Fellowship elects key leaders and conducts essential business. But it’s also one of the largest gatherings of our movement’s youth, with thousands participating in the Fine Arts Festival and the National Youth Conference.

Our mission at General Council is not to recruit in the traditional sense, but to remind those we meet—whether in our booth or throughout the venue—of God’s call to go, and to highlight opportunities to serve in the Northern Triad and throughout the Latin America Caribbean (LAC) region.

It’s also a time when teamwork shines. From the setup of the LAC booth to the coordination of workers during the event—skillfully led by Gerritt Kenyon and Adam Quinn—to the countless personal conversations and moments of prayer, we see the body of Christ in motion. We were grateful for the faithful ministry of NTA Global Workers (GWs) like Peter Breit, Loyd and Kelly Cogdill, Shawn and Carolina Sislo, and Bob and Michelle Perez, each helping create space for God to speak to hearts.

In every handshake, conversation, and prayer, we trust the Lord is calling new laborers into His harvest—because the task is still unfinished, and the need is great.

Photo Captions:

  1. On site at the LAC booth at GC 25!
  2. Team Work in Advocacy—NTA GW Kelly Cogdill prays for a guest at the LAC booth.
  3. Council Reunions—Dave’s brother, Mike, and his wife, Jen, also attended GC 25 as representatives of Chi Alpha University Ministries.

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Answering the Call to Grow

July 11, 2025 in Prayer, Progress by Dave | Permalink

Over two decades ago, God stirred our hearts with a deep desire to share the transforming love of Christ. That journey took us to Mexico in 2006 with our three children, where we partnered with the national church to reach the spiritually hungry. Today, we serve as area directors for the Northern Triad Area (NTA)—the Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) fellowships in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

Across these three nations, the need is both great and urgent.


We presented the goals for NTA growth during the AGWM Global Leadership Summit on June 14th in Springfield, MO.

In Cuba, extreme poverty and a crumbling infrastructure are pushing families into survival mode. In the Dominican Republic, Haiti’s collapse has led to waves of displaced people—opening new doors for compassion and church planting. And in Mexico, 35 unreached people groups remain—five of them completely unengaged, with no known churches, workers, or Scripture in their language.

At the same time, the opportunity is immense. 42% of the Triad’s population is under the age of 25. And in over 50 urban centers with populations exceeding 500,000, the gospel has yet to make a significant impact.

In light of these realities, and in response to AGWM Executive Director John Easter’s challenge to see our global workforce grow from 2,569 to 4,000 by the year 2033, we’re believing God for a bold increase. Our prayer? To double the number of global workers in the Northern Triad—recruiting 71 new workers over the next eight years.

We’re inspired—not just by the need, but by what God is already doing. The national churches in the NTA are casting bold visions for church planting and beginning to mobilize missionaries of their own. A missionary force is rising—from within the harvest itself.

But we cannot do it alone.

Would you pray with us—and help send laborers to the field? Let’s answer the call together and take part in the next chapter of God’s story across the Northern Triad.

The harvest is ready. The call is clear. And the time is now.

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