Missions Update: Guillermo & Mary Ann Reddekopp

Durango, Mexico – Raising teenagers has been an awesome privilege and adventure. Samuel (18), Lavinia (16) and Joshua (14) bring so much life and joy to our home. Each personality is beautifully unique and the needs of each of them are individual. The past 6 years in Mexico have had some tough times for our kids. Walking through the isolation of COVID in La Paz, moving to Durango, along with different, difficult situations that they have experienced here, have been both formative and painful. I am so glad God uses all things for the good of those who believe in HIM. HE is so good. As we look at the needs of our children, we have strongly felt that Samuel and Lavinia should finish their grade 12 year together next year (2025-26) in Canada. After praying through different options, we feel that Prairie High School in Three Hills, AB is where we should enroll them. Originally, we were thinking of putting them in the boarding school there, however, the Lord has opened another door.

Guillermo, Mary-Ann, Joshua, Lavinia, Samuel

Prairie Bible College has an “International Worker in Residence” opportunity which we feel the Lord leading us toward. For years, I, Mary-Ann have been excited about this ministry of supporting and mentoring Bible school students, but I thought it wouldn’t be a possibility for several more years. However, Guillermo and I feel that now is the right time to invest in both our kids and the Bible College. The roles for an “International Worker in Residence” are areas which we feel we can serve well in and follow that “heartbeat of discipleship” God has placed in us. In this position, we hope to be able to support our kids as they “stretch their wings”, while we serve the next generation of ministers. We are continuing to serve under SIM Canada and receive full support through them while partnering as volunteers at the college. Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support as we make this change in ministry.

The flat valley we live in is surrounded by mountains. These mountains provide beautiful sunrises and sunsets, hiking trails and flowing streams (in the rainy season). On the other hand, the roads through the mountains can be treacherous and many underhanded things happen in the privacy of the mountains in this area.

Ministry has mountains as well. From a mountain top view, we observe what God is has done in the past 50 years here in this valley, we can only stand in awe. God, in His love and grace, has brought many to hope, peace, salvation and life in HIM. Standing in the valley, we see the blooms of “faith flowers” of individuals who are growing in their walk with Christ. On the other hand, we can see the dry, cracked dirt of religion binding and confusing many. We see the mountains of tradition blocking the roads to freedom and causing many to remain lost without hope.

It is hard to think of leaving when there are still so many needs to be met, so many lies needing truth, and so much hurt needing healing. This valley doesn’t need the Reddekopp family, but rather the Way Maker, who works in and through His Children, the Church. As much as we would love to continue to serve this community, we know that God will continue to raise up others to reach the lost. It has been a privilege to serve and build relationships here and we look forward to seeing what God has in store for this continuing work.

Praise & Prayer:

• Praise God for His faithful provision in every area

• Please pray for continued health and safety

• Praise God for continuing friendships with, Mennonites, Mexicans, and missionaries

• Please pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as we desire to serve where He is leading and desire to “finish well” here in Durango.

• Please pray regarding the many details of moving and transition (both physically and emotionally)

• Please also pray for several of our new friends who need the Lord but have not yet made decisions. Praise God for a growing depth of conversations and friendship with them

• Praise and Prayer for discipleship opportunities with our kids.

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Serving In Mission / Team Mexico

Home church: Aylmer EMMC, Ontario