I was told that newsletter writing would at times be a tedious ordeal, though very necessary; I know I’m knew to all of this, but it’s been very enjoyable thus far. I love to give God the glory for all that’s happening in my life, as it constantly blows my mind, the redirection that His hand has faithfully, patiently brought me through. It’s a promise from His word; “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11). This promise is of Heaven, and of the life I lead right now, by faith.

Last week, we had the chance to do an outreach to a Rehabilitation Center in Tijuana.  With food, testimonies shared and a powerful message from Jacob, we had a handful of individuals give their lives to the Lord, and we got to pray over them.

The experience was powerful, though it was a lot to take in.  My prayer is that the faith displayed by those we prayed over bears lasting fruit; but the truth is, besides prayer we cannot play a role in discipling them.  This is the reality of short-term missions. There’s no way we can replace the impact of person-to-person discipleship, and fellowship with believers.  As we were packing up and saying goodbye one of the clients of the center asked me if we were coming back.  I didn’t know what to say in response, but I told him we specifically weren’t, but that the school would love to return next summer. It felt like a weak response, but it’s the truth. Other than that all that I could do is ask his name and pray for him.

This is the painful reality of the state of missions today; the ideal would be to see these people on a weekly/daily basis, walking through life with them, all with biblical counsel and discipleship.  But that kind of commitment is far too rare to find in missionaries.  However, that is the way that the vast majority of the world is going to encounter, truly encounter, the gospel of Jesus Christ; not through short-term trips with planned agendas and zero long-term relationship building.  Short-term trips will not reach the unreached.

Here’s an additional painful reality that was shown to me in class this past week… Coca Cola has reached nearly every country in the world. In a brief, but sharp contrast, there are approximately 3.2 billion people who have never been reached with the gospel; people who have no idea who Jesus is.

The Lord has revealed to me that my calling in this life is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, to the ends of the earth; but this is the biblical calling of every Christian; every single one. My prayer is for the unreached to be reached, or as Paul says, “I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named…” (Romans 15:20).  This leads me to the culmination of the 6 weeks that I’ve been spending down here in Rosarito.  On Thursday of this week the team will be heading up a mountain in south-central Mexico to spend a weekend with the Kuare Tribe (an unreached people group).  This is an incredible opportunity to share the gospel with the last, the least, and the lost; not for the sake of their safety, health or earthly comforts, but so that they might count all things as loss for the excellence of knowing Jesus Christ.

Lastly, I’ll share that we attended a massive church-planting conference at Calvary Rosarito. It was a testament to the power of the gospel to reach the nations. Earlier on, in the trip, I was shown the humble beginnings of CC Rosarito; it was special to see the Lord’s hand in their ministries throughout the years, and now the way that they biblically advocate for church-planting. God has generated a movement through them, with over 30 churches sent from them since 2002, not counting the second, third and fourth generation plants. During the weekend, we heard incredible testimonies and messages from a number of passionate, on fire servants of the Kingdom, and God was glorified. The team had the brief opportunity to work in the kitchen and prepare over 500 boxed lunches for the attendants of the conference.

As always, your prayers, messages and support are incredibly encouraging and are answers to prayers. If you feel led to reach out to me for anything please do, whether to ask questions, get involved in supporting, giving a word of encouragement, or to give me your prayer requests (I am always available for these as well). I am excited to share the next newsletter, to report all that the Lord is going to do through the tribe outreach this upcoming weekend. My prayer for all of you is that you see, if you don’t already, what the Lord can and wants to do through any one of us; we need no qualifications, we just need to be available. I encourage all of you to pray this over your lives right now, as I do so, as well; “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Praise Reports

• The Lord empowering people to biblically spread the gospel during the conference this past weekend.
• For those who accepted Jesus at the rehab center to have godly discipleship, and for their faith to bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

Prayer Requests

• For the Kuare tribe to encounter the gospel of Jesus Christ in a powerful way, and for the spiritual warfare to not overwhelm us in this incredible opportunity.
• For the Lord to confirm a region of the world for me to research, showing me a language to learn, and for my heart to break for what breaks His.
• For His joy to truly be our strength, as we know that our treasures are not in this life!

It is now week four down here in Rosarito, and I want to thank all of you for reading these newsletters, praying and supporting this journey, all to the glory of Jesus. It seems like there is still no shortage of incredible (and unpredictable) opportunities that we are all honored and privileged to partake in, week after week; opportunities to live out the gospel in everything we do. This week was a very busy one, in which I was stretched in new ways and the Lord was, as always, faithful to lead and provide.

First, in our week’s reading of The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer I was hit with a powerful quote, not by coincidence. As many of you know, and can read from my previous newsletters, my ‘thorn in the flesh’ is anxiety, which can be broken down as mentally wrestling with a lot of problems that I don’t need to fight or figure out. Tozer says, “Let the seeking man reach a place where life and lips join to say continually, Be exalted, and a thousand minor problems will be solved at once.” To choose to continually look to Christ, despite the immediacy and the emotions of current circumstances, whatever they may be, is to please God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” This truth should be an anthem for my life, as His faithfulness has quite literally never failed me; though not easy to maintain, by His grace it truly is that simple for us to walk by faith. I have so much more I could share about that topic, as the examples of Israel looking to the bronze snake in order to live, or Peter looking to Christ as he walked on the Sea of Galilee come to mind. But I have to share at least a glimpse of what the past week entailed.

The week was jam packed, and the ministry outreaches were so fruitful. Twice we worked with Calvary Rancho Santa Cruz and their faithful pastor, Martín. The church building is all brand new, with finishing touches still being done on the second and third floors; while checking out the second floor, a friend showed me Martín’s boxing gym, because he also coaches boxing, naturally! He’ll often coach classes for kids and adults there, or do park outreaches where he uses boxing as a means to coach and connect with members of the community; an incredible opportunity to share the gospel. While checking out the setup, Martín came up to me and said, “today, you’re gonna be my disciple,” and before I knew it he put me through a 5-minute Rocky-esque training camp. It was humbling to say the least, but very fun!

This past Saturday we got to partake in an incredible outreach with the Kumayaay tribe. A Church was planted in their community 20 or so years ago. We partnered with the pastor and some local friends and had food, fellowship, testimonies, clothing handouts, and gospel presentations. I had the honor and privilege of giving a message and giving the gospel presentation at the end. Between Saturday and Sunday, Pastor Tim and I each got to teach, and in our prayer for God to use us, we were encouraged to remember that God could speak through a donkey! (Numbers 22:21-39). God answered our prayers, and on Saturday two local men committed their lives to the Lord (Ángel and Fausto); Flesh and blood did not reveal the truth to them but our Father in heaven!

The busy weekend continued with us returning to Calvary Rancho Santa Cruz to run the service and help with all of the ministries. It was an awesome experience, as I was privileged to hop on the drum kit, with Alani leading worship and Caleb playing the keys. I don’t have the specifics on where I’m called on the mission field, but wherever it may be, I want to continue to worship the Lord, greeting His people in songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. It’s one of the best joys of this life. During worship practice, a new friend of mine had some fills he wanted to try out!

In addition to these outreaches and opportunities, we had excellent guest speakers in class this past week; my notes were hectic and scatterbrained, as the Spirit constantly spoke through them in such powerful and impactful ways. Both are current workers in the field, with decades of experience. I’ll end this entry with a lesson that one of the guest speakers (currently working in the Republic of Georgia) shared in his lesson on Christlike Servanthood. I had mentioned the painting in pastor Eddie’s office, of Jesus washing Peter’s feet, from John 13; this same passage was taught in class. In reference to the beauty and simplicity of Jesus’ humility, the speaker said, “It’s really hard to feel better than someone when you wash your feet!” This is the key to regarding others as better than ourselves, as Paul says to the Phillippians! The great commandment of the New Testament, “Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another,” (John 13:34).

Praise Reports

• Angél and Fausto coming to know Christ on Saturday, and all the seeds planted throughout the week.
• The incredible speakers, and all that the Lord showed us through them.
• The unity in Spirit of this group of believers!

Prayer Requests

• For Angél and Fausto to stay connected with the Kumayaay Church; that their faith would bear lasting fruit!
• For each member of our staff and class to continue to trust the Lord in all things as we prepare for the next outreaches.
• For the Lord to hold my complete heart and focus, as He guides me more into His will.
• That His will be done!

Hello to all of my family and friends, following along and supporting through prayers and partnership… grace and peace to you! I’m going to start this newsletter with a passage that the Lord gave me yesterday. You better believe that the Lord has called upon every single one of us down here for such a time as this; through valleys and mountains, peace and warfare, He is our God and His promises are our reality. Never have these truths felt so tested in my own walk than right now; praise God for such pressing and testing of our faith. This passage from Isaiah is an affirmation and a promise that I hope each and every believer can cling to, as I have and will continue to;

“You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its remotest parts and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

– Isaiah 41:9-10 –

Through the first half of this week, we had some incredible classes and zoom meetings from familiar SGWM missionaries, on the field, and on furlough. One piece of information (from many) that I gleaned during these classes was the concept of our very lives being our mission field; the way we go about everything we do should reflect the gospel. One family, working in a closed country overseas, shared that that very idea is what they so often use to share the gospel. Its through Christlike living, Spirit-filled living, that we expand the Kingdom. In addition, we had multiple nights of worship and intercession for the nations; always a powerful time to put our faith on this world that we so love as Jesus did/does; in a sacrificial way.

We also spent some time partnering with Calvary Homex again to do a park outreach. We provided games, a bounce house, food and as always worship, messages and gospel presentations, for the adults and the children. These opportunities are coming about multiple times per week, and though they are certainly wrought with warfare, they are sustained and blessed by our God, guiding every opportunity that He has ordained.

The second outreach we did was to Calvary Tecolote, partnering with them to do a Saturday event at the church. It’s an incredible congregation, and the Lord has provided so much in the five years that they’ve existed. I had the opportunity to serve in the children’s ministry, playing some worship songs, and acting in a skit (the story of Adam and Eve). My Spanish singing is rough, and my acting rusty, but the children were engaged and it was a sweet time. Marcelo gave an excellent gospel presentation and led a prayer after the skit.

This week ended with myself and a handful of team members catching a stomach bug. Though not fun, and somewhat painful, this is nothing unexpected; in addition, the mental warfare has increased. The Lord is our sustainer, and He is redeeming this time that we’re giving back to Him. He alone is worthy of all this work; beyond worthy. In fact, as our morning devotions have started in Acts, I was hit with this awesome reminder. After being tried before the high priest and the council, thrown into prison, delivered by the Lord, brought before the council again, then flogged and released with a warning, the apostles, “…went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41); the name of Jesus, the name above all other names. I pray that this is an encouragement for all of us believers; whatever your ‘council’ is that He has delivered you from, or that you’re in the midst of; He is greater, and it is an honor to bear witness to Him in the midst of all of it!

Praise Reports

• The successful and fruitful outreaches, despite the sickness.
• The awesome classes and testimonies from the SGWM missionaries.
• The Lord sustaining each and every one of us through this special time.
• Keeping up with the assigned reading!

Prayer Requests

• Renewed, steadfast hearts of faith through the expected mountains and valleys to come.
• Healing for those who are still sick/getting sick.
• More and more opportunities to speak the name of Jesus to all we encounter, including each other!

With so much to unpack from this past week, our first full week down here in Rosarito, I’m extremely grateful. God is using this School of Missions class, not only getting us equipped in the Word by experienced servant leaders, but also leading us into opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus in these communities. We are getting to partner with multiple church plants, joining in aiding the local outreaches, and God is providing opportunities left and right for the good news to be spread.

The first outreach we did was at the dump in Tijuana. We partnered with Calvary Homex and their pastor, Eddie. The outreach included a sweet time of worship, testimonies, a message, and lunch. I got my first experience of what’s referred to as language frustration, wherein I so desperately wanted to talk freely with these people, but the language block made it difficult; this is the importance behind learning a language for the sake of the gospel! What struck me the most about the outreach however was the heart of Calvary Homex and their pastor. From a conversation with him I learned that they do a dump outreach about once a week, and he knew the handful of residents we spent time with. These are his people, they are his mission field and the objects of his labor of love. This heart couldn’t be better represented than by the painting I got to see while in his office; it’s of Jesus washing the feet of His disciple Peter (John 13:1-17). During the drive back from the dump, our car had an enlightened discussion on this type of leadership; how the Lord can so powerfully use a humble, devoted, and Spirit-filled man.

On Wednesday we had the amazing opportunity to caravan to the different locations where Calvary Rosarito has congregated throughout the past 21 years. The progression was inspiring to witness, and it naturally culminated in the midweek service at their current location. It’s evident from their faithful congregation and their heart for church-planting that Calvary Rosarito has been led and sustained by the Lord from the beginning. I’ve learned firsthand that having no expectations allows for the Spirit to lead me to some special encounters. We got to eat some famous Rosarito tacos and while waiting in line Pastor Tim and I got to pray over a man (Karin) who stood behind us. We invited him to church and Tim shared the gospel. I was honored to pray over him. These kinds of opportunities have come about during so many conversations that we’ve had with local members of the community; all glory to God.

We did two more outreaches on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday we worked with Calvary La Gloria. We ran a children’s ministry in the back parking lot, with worship, games, crafts, a message, and a skit. I had the honor of teaching a message from Daniel 3; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the fourth man in the fire. The whole day was a blessed time where the love of Christ was shared and it ended with a pulled pork dinner and a movie (Jesus Revolution).

In His divine timing the Lord is keeping my hands open in faith as He will’s to give or take away. The week’s reading assignment was a book by David Platt titled “Radical“. Needless to say it’s a scripture-filled expository view on the purpose of the Church, and how it so often differs from the “American” church. I got to read a good chunk of it with a friend, Nathaniel, who visited for the weekend; I couldn’t believe how hard-hitting some of the concepts were as I found myself humbled in my perspective, but ultimately inspired to continue to seek the Lord’s will in being a more eternally-minded man, fully living out the Great Commission. I’m so grateful for the prayers and the partnerships throughout this process, and I’d love to connect with any one of you who may have more questions or would like to partner with me through prayer and/or financially.

Praise Reports

• The successful outreaches and many gospel-fueled conversations and opportunities.
• The clarity and help that the Lord has so graciously and lovingly given me through the spiritual warfare.
• The nuggets that the Lord is providing, in regards to calling and a heart for the nations.

Prayer Requests

• That the individuals we got to witness to and love on will get plugged into the churches and surrender their lives to Jesus.
• That Karin would pursue Christ, sharing Him with His family, and that we’d see them at Calvary Rosarito!
• That I would be able to keep up on my reading for this next week, (“Absolute Surrender” by Andrew Murray, and ‘The Baptism With the HOLY SPIRIT‘ by R.A. Torrey).

‘Til Kingdom come,

I am thrilled to be down here for Calvary School of Missions 2023. The past weekend has been incredibly nerve-wracking, though very exciting as this is my first personal experience outside of the United States, and another step in the direction of the Lord’s will in my life. I can’t express how important all the messages from family and friends have been, regarding prayer and encouragement; so thank you!

The majority of the class and staff met in Yorba Linda this past Saturday night for brief introductions, a basic orientation, and a powerful time of worship and seeking the Lord. The next morning we attended first service at my home church, Calvary Chapel Saving Grace, and received prayer from the congregation, and an edifying sermon from Pastor Trent on the great commission. We drove down that afternoon and upon arriving at the facility got settled in, had a great dinner, and another incredible night of worship and prayer. We’ve started this week off strong with a full day of classes, and the fellowship has already been such a blessing. The facility (the Connections House) is incredibly welcoming and well-ran, with a couple of friendly, relaxed guard dogs.

As I write this I am looking out towards the Baja California coast and I am blown away by all that the Lord is doing in my life, and in the lives of those around me. There was certainly a time when the thought of going on a trip like this would have crippled me with anxiety; the human response being to accept defeat in my weaknesses. But upon seeking the Lord I have already began to see the fruit of trusting in our mighty God. This was already evident in the theme of our first lesson, which revolved around 1 Corinthians 1. “…and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,” (1 Cor. 1:27b). God sustains us, as the author and perfecter of our faith, therefore I’m eagerly anticipating all that He has in store for the next six weeks! I’m so grateful for how the Lord has already provided financially, though there is still a goal to reach. Should you feel led to partner with me, the link is below!

Prayer requests

• That all of us students and staff will learn to surrender each aspect of our lives, as the Lord continues to guide and reveal His will to us.
• That our first local outreach tomorrow (to the dump in Tijuana) goes well and that we faithfully step into the ordained encounters.
• For continued shielding and fortitude through spiritual warfare.

‘Til Kingdom come,

Welcome to my newsletter, and thank you for choosing to follow along to see how God is moving in my life. My prayer is that each and every one one of you can be involved in whatever way the Lord puts on your hearts, whether that be by way of prayers and/or financial partnership.

5 months ago I was led by the Lord to a church that I’ve lived 10 minutes from for the past 19 years. Almost immediately I saw God moving in miraculous ways in my life and in the lives of those around me, as His divine grace drew me in to a church that faithfully seeks His will. This took place during a time in my life when I was under some of the most severe spiritual warfare that I’ve ever faced. For years my spiritual warfare has come in forms of high anxiety and bouts of panic, yet God has faithfully brought me to a place wherein He is my hope and stay in these struggles, and in my greatest weaknesses His strength is greater all the more. I have a confidence in my purpose unlike ever before, as my identity is solely found in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross.

Calvary School of Missions is among one of the many doors that have flung open since the Lord has brought me to a new home church. I am beyond thrilled to be going to Mexico to seek His will for my life in service of His Kingdom. The school will consist of an intensive 6 weeks wherein I will be thoroughly trained in cross-cultural missions and Biblical missiology from the book of Acts, to name a few things, all to better understand and pursue God’s heart for the nations. Altogether I need to raise $2700, a goal which the Lord has already begun to provide for. As mentioned before, prayers are essential (I have listed a few requests below); and any and all support is greatly appreciated. I have no doubts that He will see to every need in this entire process, and I am eagerly anticipating all that will soon be shared with you through this newsletter!

Prayer Requests

• For each and every student and staff member of CSOM to fully submit to all that God has in store

• That I yield every aspect of preparation to His will

• That He may increase and I may decrease

‘Til Kingdom come,