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Is “It” in You?

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“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you.” — 1 Timothy 4:14 This week at Árbol de Vida Training Center (aka Gringo Ranch) has been FULL—full of people, learning, laughter, hard work, and most importantly, gifts being discovered and shared.  We welcomed 17 Community Health Promoters, a visiting nursing educator/Deaconess/my friend (Ronda), a returning mission team member (Marian), and a whole lot of energy and enthusiasm from Ivonne, Panchita and Estela who led the course. We explored safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and healthy living. We built an eco-sustainable dry composting toilet, celebrated the official debut of our Hope on Wheels trailer, and put our training to work during a dental hygiene workshop in a local village with children. First, let’s talk about Blanca. For more than three years, Blanca has served as a Community Health Pro...
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Gardens, GOOOAAALS, and God's Goodness

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There is something deeply spiritual about preparing soil. Jesus often used gardens, seeds, and harvests to teach us about God's Kingdom. Before anything can grow, the ground must first be softened. As the intense summer rains continue over the ranch, I was reminded that God softens our hearts the same way so new life can take root. Sometimes the work is muddy, exhausting, and unseen—but it is holy work. Field preparation and planting have been our primary focus. Thanks to the rains, we added seven new square-foot gardens—another half acre to the 20 acres already under cultivation. We're also experimenting with a new diet for our female goats, including beets, carrots, zucchini, and clover, to give them the best nutrition for healthy kids.   The rainy season has also brought colorful insects, giant toads, and plenty of surprises.  It was pomegranate season, but the squirrels beat us to almost the entire harvest! They only wanted...
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July Global Missionary Newsletter

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  Enjoy this month's newsletter:   July 2026
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One Year Later: Let’s Taco About What Happened When We Said Yes to God's Call

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    Then: Meeting Cata and Clara when we arrived to Puebla July 2025.  Now:  Enjoying the beauty of the ranch (photo bomb by Rango!) One year ago, we crossed a border with far more questions than answers—combined with an equal amount of excitement and fear. We sold, donated, packed, released, and let go of a life we had spent decades building. We exchanged familiarity for uncertainty, comfort for calling, and certainty for faith. We stepped into Mexico as newly appointed Global Missionaries, trusting that God was already at work long before we arrived. We recently celebrated a milestone that felt both ordinary and profound: the renewal of our temporary residency for another three years. As we walked out with our renewed documents in hand, we couldn't help but reflect on what this first year has taught us. Our first year as Global Missionaries has not been a vacation or even picture perfect; but has been perfect with God. Although, if you read our blog, you woul...
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Rainy Season and the Emerging Picture

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"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." — Ecclesiastes 3:1 Life as a missionary moves through many seasons. There are seasons filled with planning, preparation, travel logistics, meetings, and ministry activities. Sometimes it feels as though we move in a continual cycle of caring, serving, preparing, and beginning again. Then, every so often, everything grows quiet for a moment. This month has felt much like the weather in Puebla. We have transitioned from the warm, dry days of late winter into hot and humid afternoons filled with rain. Some storms arrive with thunder and lightning-- usually leaving us without power for a day or so. Others bring only the gentle aroma of wet earth and the steady rhythm of raindrops dancing on rooftops. As I watch the rain fall, I am reminded that God works in seasons too. There is a time to prepare the soil, a time to plant, a time to nurture, and eventually a time to harvest. Right n...
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