There are moments in ministry when God uses someone to change the direction of our lives. Sometimes it’s through a word of encouragement, a timely conversation, or simply someone who walks alongside us, offering wisdom and showing us what it looks like to love the people God has called us to serve.
On October 25, we had the privilege of preaching at Proyecto Vida Integral here in Mexico City (CDMX). The occasion was especially meaningful as we celebrated two people who have profoundly influenced our lives and ministry: our missionary mentors, Paul and Sandy Kazim.
Our message centered on Abigail’s intervention in David’s life in 1 Samuel 25. Angered by Nabal’s foolishness and insult, David was preparing to take violent revenge against Nabal’s entire household. But Abigail intervened with remarkable wisdom, courage, and humility. Her words reminded David of God’s greater purposes for his life and kept him from committing an act he would later regret.
One truth we explored was that God sometimes demonstrates His grace through people who have the courage and wisdom to intervene in our lives. They help us see what we might otherwise miss and encourage us to respond in ways consistent with God’s purposes.
“As we reflected on Abigail’s influence in David’s life, we couldn’t help but think of Paul and Sandy.”
When we arrived in Mérida in 2006 as new global workers, Paul and Sandy welcomed us. They didn’t simply show us the way into ministry in Mexico; they came alongside us as a family. They paved the way, shared countless words of wisdom, encouraged us through the challenges of cross-cultural ministry, and demonstrated what it means to deeply love the Mexican people and their culture.
From 2013 to 2019, they served as Mexico Area Directors. When we followed them in that responsibility in 2019, we realized even more how much their example had prepared us for the privilege of serving others. In 2024, when Mexico was united with Cuba and the Dominican Republic to form the Northern Triad Area, our leadership responsibility expanded, but the lessons we had learned from Paul and Sandy continued to shape our approach to ministry.
Their example taught us that ministry is about more than fulfilling an assignment. It is about loving people, cultivating relationships, and faithfully serving God’s purposes.
We are deeply grateful for their influence in our lives and for the ways God uses people along our journey to shape not only what we do, but who we become.
That same conviction has been shaping our ministry here in Mexico City.
Ministering to Pastors in Mexico City
On November 4th, at our sectional ministers’ meeting, we shared a message encouraging pastors to allow the Lord to form His character in them as they minister in this enormous and challenging city. The needs are overwhelming, and the pressures of ministry can leave even faithful pastors questioning their own ability.
Afterward, one pastor approached us to express his appreciation. He admitted that he had been struggling with feelings of inadequacy as he faced the challenge of ministering in Mexico City. It was encouraging to know that the message had spoken to something he was carrying.
We were reminded that God is not simply interested in what we accomplish through ministry. He is deeply concerned with what He is forming within us as we serve Him.
That same love for the church and its leaders now motivates us to pray for an important moment ahead.
The Assemblies of God of Mexico’s National Council
We are interceding for the selection of the national church’s new executive leadership as the National Council of the Assemblies of God of Mexico meets November 16-20 in San Luis Potosí. We are praying that the Lord will grant wisdom, discernment, and humility to those entrusted with this responsibility. May He raise up leaders who love His Church, faithfully serve His purposes, and demonstrate the character of Christ.
The influence of godly leadership reaches far beyond the years someone occupies a particular position. Like Paul and Sandy, those who lead with wisdom, faithfulness, and genuine love leave a legacy that continues to shape others long after their season of leadership has passed.
Thank You for Walking Alongside Us
As we reflect on these stories, we are especially mindful of you.
When you pray for us, encourage us, and support the ministry God has entrusted to us, you become part of this same story. Your partnership makes it possible for us to invest in pastors, encourage missionaries, strengthen relationships with the national church, and participate in what God is doing throughout Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.
We have been blessed by people who walked alongside us when we were just beginning our journey in Mexico. Today, we have the privilege of doing the same for others. And none of this happens in isolation.
Thank you for being part of our lives and ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support are more than expressions of generosity; they reflect a shared commitment to the Gospel and to the people God loves.
The influence of a life faithfully lived—and the fruit of a ministry faithfully supported—often extends much further than we can see.
