These Roots Run Deep

As we were contemplating our first blog post, it seemed evident that we should start in the past. The reality is that many of you, specifically those who live far from New Mexico, are probably wondering how Kathryn and I wound up in Mexico City for 7 weeks. To be honest, it is even a little difficult for us to understand. Nevertheless, there are two things we can testify to without a doubt. First, when you yield your life to the Lord completely, He will take you on the most amazing adventures all for His glory and eternal purpose. Second, the roots and foundation of this trip run deep and go back to a time that we can barely remember.

I was blessed to go on my first mission trip when I was 4 years old. My family and many others from our church took a life-changing and faith-challenging trip to New Zealand. Our mission was to simply spread the gospel of Jesus and although I was only 4 years old, I remember the Holy Spirit working in amazing ways. That trip was the first of many that I was blessed to be a part of. In reality, the home in which I was raised placed a huge emphasis on taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. By the grace of God my parents were not afraid to go where God told them to, whether that be a place of comfort or a third world country.

Kathryn’s missionary journey started when she was a wee young lass of 5 years old. Her parents were the youth leaders at Harvest Chapel, and they heeded the calling of the Lord to accompany a group of youth (including Adam!) and older church members all over Europe. This was the first time Kathryn was acquainted with Spiritual warfare. Keli Lucero, Kathryn’s mom, became very seriously sick and was faced with a hard decision--stay and risk her life, or leave. Kathryn remembers the comfort the Lord provided when the situation seemed so bleak, as well as the work that the Lord did despite the fact that my mother was not able to stay and finish the work they began there. What a cool testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness to fulfill His will.

Fast forward years (and multiple international trips) later, and you would find me at the age of 22, and Kathryn at 19. Shortly after I became the leader of the Young Adults Bible Study at Calvary Chapel East, I felt God's call to return to the mission field. Although I then had a heart for the Middle East, Kathryn was involved in missionary work in Peña Blanca, Honduras, and at that point in time, I had no desire to go to any Latin American country, let alone Honduras. During this time, Kathryn was praying for a heart for the Middle East, that we might be like-minded in our missionary callings. The Lord had something else in mind, and answered by giving me a heart for Honduras. Although my first trip was not emotionally moving, it did show me a great need. As I left Honduras, I made a commitment to be in prayer for the church, to support it financially, and to learn Spanish so that I could better minister to the people on our short term trips.

Shortly after my first trip to Honduras, Kathryn and I were wed, and ended up back where we grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

We both became students at the University of New Mexico–I began studying Spanish and Latin American Studies, and she continued her studies of Intercultural and Interpersonal Commu

nication and Music. During this time, the Lord has given us many opportunities to cultivate a love for the people and the culture of Latin America.

So that is why we are here in Mexico–because we love these people and want to learn more about them. We have decided to take this opportunity to enjoy some rest, to enjoy learning and practicing the things we love, and to spend time with one another. Please pray that this would be a time of growth in our marriage, in the Lord, and in the gifts He has given us. Thank you for walking alongside us on this exciting journey!