Mother's Day

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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.

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Normally, we reserve this space for ministry updates and information about Mexico but because of Mothers’ Day, we’ve decided to share a different type of content. We hope you enjoy it.

This year’s Southern Missouri District Council was a special event. Not only was it the first district council held since the pandemic began, but it also marked a very significant moment for our family. During the ordination service, Kelly received the traditional ordination charge and was prayed for by the presbytery while our daughter, Rebekah, received her ministerial license.

Celebrating Kelly’s ordination and Rebekah’s licensing
Photo Credit: Jim Tygrett

As the events unfolded several emotions bubbled up to the surface. During the night, we experienced excitement and happiness, as well as a certain amount of pride. Both Kelly and Rebekah had worked hard to prepare for this recognition. Kelly’s ordination was our leadership’s affirmation of her 15+ years of missionary service, while Rebekah had added additional courses to her degree and passed an exam to receive her license. This night marked the achievement of a significant goal for both of them.

However, the emotion that seemed most appropriate was that of gratitude. Neither Kelly’s nor Rebekah’s formation had happened in isolation. They had been influenced by significant people who helped cultivate in them the qualities of compassionate leadership required of a minister. And, while those have been evident in the teaching that we’ve received and the care we have been shown by our pastors, those qualities are most often seen in persons holding a less public role; we see those qualities in our mothers.

In my own life, I (Dave) can testify to my mom’s self-sacrifice and perseverance that not only freed me to pursue my missionary calling but has also served as a model for my ministry. Kelly’s love for the Word of God and aptitude for service can be traced back to the example that her mom lived out on a daily basis. And while dads too play an important role, her mom has served as Rebekah’s most constant influence and steady support. “Thanks” seems too light a word to express our appreciation for our mothers’ contribution.

How about you? Have you been blessed by the love and example of a godly mother? It’s our sincere desire that you’ll have the opportunity to show her the gratefulness that she’s due. Gifts and a nice meal are always appropriate, but we’re sure her greatest joy would be to see the contribution that she has made reaping dividends in the lives of others.

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