My First Week as a Missionary in Mexico [Photo Journal]

William Santiago • May 20, 2016

Follow one worker's journey as he establishes a new life and ministry in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.


Ever wonder what a missionary actually does? Well, today William Santiago, TEAM worker in Puerto Vallarta, shows us how he’s navigating his first week as a missionary in Mexico, where he intends to engage in discipleship through creative arts. Follow along as he establishes a routine in a new home with new challenges.


Day 1

I’m exhausted. I stayed up too late preparing, and I couldn’t rest well because I was excited! I felt kind of like a kid trying to get to sleep on Christmas Eve. Note to self: Setting out to the airport at 4:30 a.m. is not nearly as exciting as waking up on Christmas morning.

Although I love traveling, I do not enjoy flying. Every flight is an exercise of faith as I remind myself of the Lord’s absolute control over every pilot’s hands and every jostle of turbulence. The sun rising over the clouds this morning was a wonderful testament to his sovereignty over all creation and over every step I take in this new adventure in Mexico.

Walking up to the apartment that was so generously provided to me. What a reminder that the Lord opens the doors he has called us to walk through.

No day is complete without a little adventure. My first step in my new home was through the window, which is a way better story than walking through the front door.

I’m home! Settling in and unpacking really made me appreciate that this is more than a pit stop. That realization was quickly followed by panicked doubt: “Why am I here? There’s been a mistake! I’m not a missionary!”


But those are all the whispers of the Enemy. I look at the ways the Lord so clearly moved me here.


I can stand in confidence and say: “I am in Mexico because the Lord has called me here.”


And because he has called me, he has equipped me. He is the God who works all things according to the counsel of his will, and I can rest in that knowledge tonight — and really deeply rest. Because I’m exhausted.


Day 2

Great start to the day with time in the Word and an encouraging message from a friend. It’s wonderful knowing that while I am here, I am not forgotten by my church family.

The heavens declare the glory of God, even when people do not. It’s amazing that his presence can be denied by so many in a place where his handiwork is so wonderfully displayed.


Day 3

I love this place! What a blessing that the Lord has placed desires in our hearts and satisfies those desires in his calling. He gives us the desires of our hearts.

I spent much of the day reconnecting with my ministry teammates and catching up with some of their local contacts. Puerto Vallarta is such a huge tourist destination, and I wonder what I have to do to stand out from the crowd. People come here to consume. How do I show that I have come to give and to share?


Day 4

I believe that art is a language that can cross cultures and stir people’s hearts. I’m excited to use art to creatively connect with people as we seek to start Bible studies in homes across this city and region. I can’t wait to see what will be created in my time here.


Day 5

Trying to make healthy choices. Starting with a regular breakfast and the beginnings of a routine. I know it’s important to maintain my physical health as well as my spiritual health. This week: regular breakfast. Next week: regular exercise.

This weekend, we welcomed our team leaders from Guadalajara. It’s exciting to see someone see the city for the first time.



Day 6

Today, I saw several women carrying buckets, and it reminded me of the woman at the well. I prayed as we walked that they would discover the source of living water and the one who would carry their burdens.

Santa Muerte: This idol is worshiped and gaining popularity in the area. Our team stopped to pray against the darkness and specifically for this idol’s removal.

I felt selfish here because I was praying for myself. I was having a difficult afternoon, and I prayed that the Spirit would keep me from further spiraling into isolation. I was reminded that as the kingdom advances, the darkness will push back. The Enemy would love for our team to be divided and bitter. Fighting to guard team unity is part of the work of the kingdom. I’m so grateful for this team, and the Lord has so clearly brought us together.


My prayer now is that I would remain sensitive to his Spirit. That I would place unity over preference and clarity over comfort.


Day 7

Today’s painting was a result of the weekend’s inspiration. The village we visited on Sunday is soaked in New Age and mystic spiritualism. We brainstormed how we could talk about the church in a way the seeking population would understand. This little sample was a result of that thought and my reflection on John 1.


After Day 7

With my first week as a missionary behind me, I’m settling into life in Puerto Vallarta. My focus now is to explore how to engage my community through art and discipleship. My teammates and I hope to start Bible studies in homes across the city and region. Please pray for me as I seek to develop meaningful relationships in my new home.

Hospitality, Help, and the Hope of the Gospel

By Suzanne Pearson • 16 Apr, 2024
TEAM Canada provides warm welcome and trusted friendships for diaspora populations living far from their native countries. As TEAM Canada workers Peter and Ruth (names changed) drive from their home to a nearby community center, they pass numerous apartment buildings and townhouses. Most of the families who live there are immigrants. They’ve left their countries of origin due to political unrest, trauma, and other difficulties. They’ve left family, friends, homes, jobs, and personal wealth behind. They search for peace, justice for the oppressed, and rest from fear and weariness. And as they adjust to a new country and a new language, they are often very isolated from others around them. “The sad reality is most immigrants are never even invited inside a Canadian home,” says Ruth. Peter and Ruth and their team try to change that reality. For the last nine years, the team, which includes workers from partner organizations as well as volunteers, has held English classes at the community center. Three days a week, over 60 students from more than 20 countries come together to learn English as well as to fellowship together and receive practical help in assimilating to a new normal. Meeting Needs and Building Trust That practical help may come in the form of procuring furniture, clothes, or dishes for newcomers, assistance with creating a resume and finding a job, or teaching people how to navigate Canadian laws and the medical system. As these tangible needs are met, relationships are built. “We invite them into our homes for meals and games,” Ruth shares. “We take them on hiking trips, picnics, outings, and out for coffee.” This is particularly important in this type of ministry because most immigrants come to Canada from cultures that value hospitality. Conversely, Canadians do not typically prioritize hospitality and consequently many newcomers feel lonely and isolated. Inviting folks to various gatherings and outings allows the team to spend extended time hearing people’s stories, struggles, hopes, and dreams. When she speaks about building friendships, Ruth’s heart for the people she serves is evident. “Hearing their stories, it’s easy to love them, and many have become close friends,” Ruth says. “We recognize the value of steady one-on-one relationships.”

Meet TEAM’s Next International Director – Part 2: A Vision for the Future

By Suzanne Pearson • 19 Mar, 2024
Previously on the TEAM blog, we sat down with Justin Burkholder (pictured above at left, with TEAM's Executive Director of Communications, Aaron Catlin). Justin will become TEAM’s next International Director on July 1, 2024. Justin shared about his background, family, and the journey that led him to TEAM. Check out that interview here . Today, we pick up the conversation as Justin shares how God called him to the role of International Director, and what he sees for the next chapter in TEAM’s work in the global Church. Q: How and when did you first consider applying for the position of International Director? How did the Lord reveal Himself to you as this opportunity presented itself? A: For some time, I have been evaluating how God wants me to use the gifts He has given me. Jenny and I have had a fruitful ministry in church planting in Guatemala and would happily continue doing so as God leads. However, as God blessed my efforts in TEAM leadership, there were friends and family who expressed that I should consider using my gifts in the International Director role. I don’t believe that everything necessarily rises and falls on leadership, but I do believe that it is a core component in the body of Christ. Using the gifts God has given me is a way that I want to bless the body of Christ in TEAM, making my contribution to the global purposes of God’s mission. Jenny and I spent a lot of time praying about this and decided that I should put my name in for consideration, trusting God’s guidance. We had a tremendous amount of peace throughout the entire process and were blessed by the prayer-filled process that the board undertook. Q: This is a key role in a large and complex organization, and I’m sure this was a big decision for you and your family. What were your fears or concerns? Why did you ultimately decide to accept the position? A: You say “were” like the fears have passed! I still am quite aware of my youth and inexperience - of the responsibility and weight of this role. Mostly, I’m afraid of leading an organization like TEAM in the flesh. Many of the fears that I have faced have been fears rooted in fleshly desires and concerns. I have no desire to succeed in the world’s eyes and fail in the Kingdom of Jesus. Why did I ultimately decide to accept the position? I’m convinced that the Good News about Jesus is true. The tomb is empty, Jesus is King, and the world needs to know, because Jesus is coming back. He will put things in order. He will establish righteousness, peace, and justice for all mankind, and He has commissioned His Church to proclaim and demonstrate His rule and reign. I want to use my gifts to do whatever I can to amplify the proclamation of this message and the multiplication of His Church around the world. Q: What are your goals and vision for the future of TEAM? A: This is something that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. I’m certainly not ready to present a fully-shaped vision and goals for TEAM’s future without the input of other people in different contexts in TEAM. But, I will share a few things that I think are important: First, we need to model God-Dependence . I am hopeful that as leaders in TEAM, we can continue to model God-Dependence. As Hudson Taylor said years ago “…God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supplies.” I am hopeful that we can increase our sense of faith in God, prayer, and seeking direction from the Spirit. Secondly, we must strengthen our relational fabric . Due to the changes that we have experienced by decentralizing our home office functions, and the challenges from the pandemic, we have experienced a loss of relationships. It is imperative that we intentionally prioritize the building of relationships with one another. I plan to visit our workers and staff, and I am expectant that other key leaders and staff will be doing the same. Third, we must pursue the greater presence of the global Church. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ doesn’t look like any single geopolitical, ethnic, or racial culture. If we want to truly see the Kingdom of Jesus come on earth as it is in heaven, then we as citizens of this Kingdom must learn from one another, submit to one another, and grow with one another. The missional potential of the global Church has been unleashed by God’s Spirit since Acts 1, and we have an opportunity to learn from many brothers and sisters in Christ who can help us to better model and proclaim the Kingdom of Jesus to those who have yet to believe. Lastly, we must increase our Gospel boldness . There are still many places of great spiritual blindness and spiritual brokenness around the world. The apostolic impulse of cross-cultural organizations should call us to the to the edges of where the Kingdom of Jesus is not penetrating. Whether spiritual blindness and brokenness exists because of lack of access, idolatry, injustice, or any other myriad of reasons, I prayerfully hope to see more and more TEAM workers continue to move into spaces of great Gospel need.
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