Support

You are currently browsing the archive for the Support category.

Our Thanksgiving to You: Celebrating a Year of Partnership

November 19, 2025 in Missions, Progress, Support, Thanks by Dave | No comments

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: , ,

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.

1
2
3

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!

Tags: , ,

Stepping into Our Most Pivotal Role—With Your Help!

June 7, 2025 in Ministry, Missions, Progress, Support by Dave | Permalink

This month marks one year since we returned to the U.S. for itineration—and what a year it’s been! With 96 meetings and 15,655 miles added to our faithful Chevy Malibu, we’ve been actively engaging churches and individuals to respond to the Great Commission through praying, giving, and going. But this advocacy hasn’t happened in a vacuum.

1
2
3

In October, a significant shift took place as our leadership role expanded from overseeing AGWM efforts in Mexico alone to directing the Northern Triad Area (NTA): Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. In response, we’ve spent recent months building relationships with national church leaders, visiting missionary teams on the ground, and working to bring clarity and unity to this larger and more diverse area.

We’ve also continued serving on the Global Resource Training Team, collaborating on a complete redesign of AGWM’s global worker (GW) training. This year’s overhaul reduced redundancies, introduced fresh resources, and laid a stronger foundation for lifelong development. This month, 91 new GWs will begin their formation journey through a two-week intensive, while 101 veterans return to participate in a brand-new debrief and resourcing experience. This investment is crucial for long-term fruitfulness and sustainability.

But even as we step into what may be the most pivotal role of our missionary career, we still face a significant financial gap:
78% of our operational fund—about $55,000
The remainder of our monthly support—$2,139/month

We’re asking: Would you help us meet this moment?

Your partnership—through giving, prayer, or connecting us with others—empowers us to lead effectively, serve faithfully, and strengthen the advance of the gospel across the Northern Triad and around the world.

We value your continued collaboration. Thank you!

Photo Captions:

  1. Off to advocate in Scott City, MO! We’ve had dozens of similar moments in our Malibu since June 2024.

  2. On the ground in the Dominican Republic (DR)— We joined Jamie and Berly Bello, leaders of the DR GW team, during their national convention.

  3. We support a team of 69 missionaries in the NTA while we train the next generation of GWs like these going into all the world!

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!

Tags: , , ,

Report from the Road: MT/MR and Itineration

July 13, 2024 in Ministry, Missions, Support, Thanks by Dave | Permalink

Greetings from I-90 in Pennsylvania. We wanted to safely update you (no typing and driving!) on our last month’s activity in the US. Our main responsibility centered around Missionary Training (MT) in Springfield, MO. 191 global workers, preparing to serve in over 80 countries, gathered to begin their formation process in 6 key areas: Culture and Language, Life and Work, Spiritual Formation, Theology of Mission, Ministry in Context, and the area we facilitate, Bible in Ministry (BiM).

1
2
3

Our BiM session, titled “The Key to the Story of the Scriptures,” taught together with fellow team member, Daryl Jump, featured interactive elements designed to help the new global worker understand not only what the Scriptures say but also how they work together around the person of Jesus to relate God’s big story of salvation. This understanding is foundational as they seek to cooperate with and carry forward that story in their countries of service.

A highlight of these two weeks of MT was receiving several new workers for Mexico. Danny and Kayla De Los Reyes (Mexico City), Micah and Laura Reed (Aguascalientes), Lizette Salazar (Mexico City), and Giuliana Acevedo (Guadalajara) were commissioned as Missionary Associates, while Aldo and Jennifer Wajajay (Oaxaca) were commissioned as fully-appointed missionaries one week later during Missionary Renewal (MR). We’re excited for them as they advocate for Mexico now and prepare for their ministry there in the near future.

Veteran Mexico Global Workers returning for MR were Noah and Melanie Lane and Ernie and Sandra Peacock. We’re thankful for the opportunity we had to encourage each other during that event.

Speaking of advocacy, our itineration was appropriately kicked off on July 7th in Independence, MO. We’re thankful for the tremendous hospitality of pastors Jerry and Tracy Hildebrand and the opportunities to connect with adults and children alike during Sunday services at Central Assembly.

As you read this message, we should be safely at our destination.  Nevertheless, we deeply appreciate your prayers and support as we continue our journey to raise workers and resources to complete the unfinished task of Mexico’s redemption. 

Photo captions:

  1. Dave displays Caravaggio’s depiction of the Supper at Emaus during our BiM Training, emphasizing the need to look at the Scriptures through the lens of Jesus.
  2. Kelly takes new Global Workers through the letter of James, tracing how the Sermon on the Mount profoundly influenced apostolic thought.
  3. We celebrated our first itineration service in Independence, MO with the Hildebrands.

Tags: , , , ,

Hurricane Otis: Meeting the Need

November 11, 2023 in Support by Dave | Permalink

On October 25th at 1:25 AM, Acapulco was impacted by Hurricane Otis, an unprecedented category 5 cyclone. In its wake of devastation, there was damage to 80% of the city’s commercial buildings and more than 270,000 homes. Officials state that 47 lives were lost due to the storm and 59 more are still missing.

1
2
3

Since the storm’s passing, we have not been idle. In addition to our fervent prayer for the victims of the storm, we have been in communication with local emergency response coordinators and the national leadership of the Assemblies of God of Mexico to assess the need and convey it to both Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) and Convoy of Hope (COH). These organizations have combined to send $50,000 to purchase relief supplies to help thousands. We have also been helping with logistics as COH looks to send relief supplies directly from the US to the needy of the area.

Victor Olivares, a leader of the local response team, has expressed his gratitude. He told us that his volunteers are distributing relief kits daily because of this generous response and support from neighboring communities. Still, a major need remains.

There are 75 Assemblies of God churches in addition to several parsonages that have been damaged or destroyed in the region affected by the storm. The cost to repair or reconstruct these buildings will be staggering–a burden too heavy for the residents of Acapulco to bear alone, especially since the economy from which they made their livelihood literally collapsed overnight. That’s why we’re making an appeal. Can you take a moment to consider what you might do to help them rebuild?

AGWM has set up a fund for reconstruction. By following this link, you can donate to help speed the recovery in Acapulco. In this moment of their desperate need would you respond with your generosity toward our brothers and sisters in Mexico? Thank you in advance for your help.

Photo Captions:

  1. Hurricane Otis surprised forecasters and shocked the residents of Acapulco as it moved from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in twelve hours’ time.
  2. Otis not only took the roof off of A/G church “La Amistad” but its heavy rains also undermined the foundation, threatening to collapse its walls.
  3. The response to the need has been swift. Thanks to gifts from AGWM and COH supplies such as these are being distributed daily. Relief has arrived, rebuilding remains.

Tags: , , ,

AGWM and Convoy of Hope are responding to the disaster in Acapulco

October 30, 2023 in Mexico, Support by Dave | Permalink

Hurricane Otis, which made landfall last week as a category 5 hurricane, has devastated the city of Acapulco and the surrounding area. We ask you to pray for its victims, for their safety, security, and recovery.

We also want you to know that AGWM and Convoy of Hope are responding. To make a donation to help relief efforts, follow the links below:

AGWM Disaster Relief
Convoy of Hope

(Photo Credits: “Otis 2023-10-25 300Z.jpg” ABI imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 Satellite accessed on wikipedia.org)

Tags:

They’re Planting in the Middle of a Pandemic!

July 10, 2021 in Ministry, Prayer, Progress, Support by Dave | 1 comment

It’s been a full and rewarding month of ministry. We started things off by participating in the virtual Missionary Training program, where two new missionary units destined for Mexico joined the dozens readying themselves for global ministry. Later, we took part in our LAC Leadership Meetings, where we discussed initiatives to encourage resilience in our missionaries during these difficult times. We also had the chance to encourage some itinerating missionaries headed to Mexico City (see photo) and finished off the month advocating for Mexico and missions at Northland Cathedral in Kansas City, MO. However, one of our more surprising activities was a guest question and response session with students from Instituto Bíblico Bethel in Merida.

Encouraging and having fun with missionaries, Crag and Natalia Baumtrog and their kiddos!

When I (Dave) received the message from Fernando Diaz, pastor and Bible School administrator, I had feared the worst. The coronavirus pandemic has entered a third wave in the state of Yucatan, and I was concerned that he was reaching out with bad news. Instead, I was pleased to learn that it was an invitation to share with his church planting class.

I logged on, not knowing what to expect. Bethel had been meeting virtually for over a year. I had wondered what the dynamic might be after so much time online. Would Zoom fatigue have taken its toll?

The class was a lively one. Following a brief introduction and recap of our experiences stimulating church planting with the district evangelism department, we launched into our time of questions. There were many, and they were varied, and extremely practical–“When should I move from Bible studies to weekly services? Which workers from my home church should I invite to accompany me in the church plant, how should we divide the responsibilities?” In our conversation, I found that the students were actively involved in starting new works, deftly navigating restrictions placed on them because of the pandemic, while reaching out to share the gospel message to friends, relatives, and neighbors. Needless to say, I left our session extremely encouraged. Despite the pandemic, the church is growing in Yucatan!

Still, the price to be paid to the pandemic has been costly. Nationwide, the church in Mexico has lost 270 pastors to COVID-19. In addition, Tomás Vera, the minister who succeeded me as the leader of the evangelism department has been diagnosed with cancer and is very ill. Won’t you join us in praying for their health and strength even as they work to extend the reach of the gospel?

Tags: , , , ,

Real Gratitude in a Virtual World

May 8, 2020 in Ministry, Prayer, Progress, Support by Dave | 1 comment

We’re all healthy, even the dog!

From church to school to check-ins with the office, everything has gone “virtual.” Screens, which had dominated our lives prior to the Coronavirus Pandemic, are now taking up every waking minute and often putting us to bed at night. As we immerse ourselves further into this digital world, we find ourselves longing for “real” experiences. We’re anxious for the day that we’ll be able to break out of quarantine and get back to living.

Still, although we’re not asking for these stay-at-home orders to be extended, our family has found that gratitude for what we can enjoy in the meantime has helped ease the sting of our restricted lifestyle.  So we thought we’d share with you some of our real reasons for thanksgiving in this increasingly virtual world in which we’re living.

First of all, we’re healthy! Yes, although we’d been potentially exposed to the coronavirus, none of us have exhibited symptoms. Instead, we’ve been able to enjoy some special moments, like Dave’s 46th birthday and a trip to a local park. And, although she had to undergo oral surgery, our dog, Kaixin, is doing fine as well. 

Second, our 24 missionaries in Mexico are OK! One of our more pressing concerns has been the missionary body in Mexico, especially as the situation has worsened. We’re happy to report, however, that they are well and, although some have had to make moves because of the virus, they are continuing to engage in ministry as their situation permits. BTW, Greg Mundis and Thomas Carpenter, mentioned in our previous newsletter, have made miraculous comebacks!

Last, but certainly not least, your generosity is paying dividends! Through your support, we’ve been able to participate in a program that is giving assistance to 1,150 pastors throughout Mexico as services are suspended and businesses are closed. We’ve also been able to participate with missionaries Paul and Sandy Kazim as they provide funds for personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical professionals. These doctors and nurses, who had worked with them in outreaches, are suddenly on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.  These PPEs are helping them stay focused on meeting the need. 

Tags: , ,

Raising Advocates

September 6, 2019 in Support by Dave | Permalink

I love the picture attached to this article. It’s of my youth pastor, Jim Grove, praying for my brother and me during our itineration service with him this past July. It is a symbol of the significance of our relationship, one that has been influential in my salvation, my discipleship, and my current ministry. However, what he did on that day was particularly special. He became our advocate. As he publicly affirmed our vision before his congregation, he orchestrated a response on our behalf and on behalf of Mexico, the nation that we serve as Assemblies of God World Missions Area Directors.

Raising advocates is why we’re currently in the United States visiting churches and individuals. This job is too great for one family to accomplish on its own. Now, more than ever, we need others to advocate, to speak on behalf of Mexico as misconceptions abound.

Paul and Sandy Kazim, former Area Directors to Mexico, say this in a recent post to their website: “There are enormous needs in Mexico. Living there, what we see is often quite different from what visitors see. Many churches in the US often consider Mexico a ‘reached’ country. People think they know Mexico. They make regular missions trips to the border. They might vacation at Mexico’s beaches.” Others resonate with a different story, writing off Mexico as a dysfunctional nation to the south, pointing to its corruption, its war on drugs, or its immigration crisis and turn away, attempting to shut out what they might consider is its negative influence.

What we aim to do is to raise up those who would tell a more complete story of Mexico, one that would comprehend the great need and the tremendous potential. We look to recruit those that would choose to see Mexico, not as a travel brochure would see it, not as a politician would describe it, but as God would see it, not only as a place to get away or as a problem to be solved but also as a people, lost but deeply loved, a people that he longs to redeem.

In these upcoming months, will you join us to advocate for Mexico? While you may already be praying for us and for Mexico and giving in support of our ministry, would you speak to others on our behalf? Would you share one of our newsletters (PDF) or our contact information with them that the team advocating for Mexico might grow? Would you share one or two names with us to whom we might tell the more complete story of Mexico and our vision for its redemption?

Thankfulness in Transition

July 13, 2019 in Progress, Support, Thanks by Dave | 1 comment

What a difference a month makes! Since our last newsletter, we’ve: traveled 3050 miles, took part in Missionary Training, were officially installed as Mexico Area Directors, began life again as a family of five, moved twice, and began our itineration year. Needless to say, we’ve been busy! Still, we would not have been able to accomplish even half of that list if it hadn’t been for the many who helped us make our many transitions. So allow us to use this space to express our gratitude.

Beginning at the beginning, we’re thankful for our friends who helped us sort, sell, pack and move our belongings from our home and make it to the airport. We’re also thankful to United Airlines, for a smooth ride, on-time departures, and expert luggage handling. No muss. No fuss. Just a great ride.

During the trip, we were blessed by a “chance” meeting with Catherine Figueroa, fellow missionary to Oaxaca, and grabbed a bite at the Houston Airport Chick-Fil-A. We were also treated to a violin concert in Terminal D. Bonus!

Arriving in Springfield, MO, we were met by our friends, Dan and Lori Van Veen who fit all of our earthly belongings into their minivan for the trip to our temporary apartment where Andrew, from TLC properties, had stayed late for us to be able to check-in. You guys are the best!

Later, we were received by our LAC family who let us crash their Missionary Associate Dinners as we integrated into Missionary Training already in session. We’re appreciative of the warm welcome that our Regional Director, Dave Ellis, gave us and the grace with which Paul and Sandy Kazim, our outgoing Mexico Area Directors, handled the transition. We’ve got some classy leadership in LAC.

We’re also thankful for our candidate missionary families, the Cogdills and the Sislos, who are in the midst of their itineration. They are exhibits A and B of the quality players that are a part of Team Mexico. We’re pulling for your speedy return!

And we can’t fail to mention, Righteous Rides, who afforded us a sweet deal on an itineration vehicle, New Life Church and Central Assembly for their warm welcome, Steve and Melissa Pulis for their refrigerator, and Eric and Amy Spencer for the truck to transport it. Without friends like you, our transition would have been a lot harder. And here’s a shout out to our family who’s received us for our first iteration stint in PA!

Finally, we’d like to thank you, our supporters. Thanks for keeping up with us, praying for us, and pulling for us. We love you!

Tags: , , ,

« Older entries