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.
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