Greetings from Lake Chapala!

Thanks for taking time to read this update. We want to catch you up on what is happening as we move into the close of the year,  and invite you to pray with us as we press forward in God’s call on our lives.

At the invitation of a dear friend and brother in Christ, someone who has been like family to us for the past 30 years, I have been invited to play a foundational role in launching a Christian ministry focused on Generation Z: the Wilderness Leadership Summit (WLS). This is a leadership formation intensive designed to shape young leaders—both guys and girls– from the inside out. The focus of this ministry is on 18-30 year olds.

I must say, this is one of the most energizing and meaningful projects I’ve taken on in many years, and it is  real answer to a prayer for me. One of the things I asked of the Lord when we moved back to Mexico was to have the opportunity to travel and strategically connect with ministry partners we have worked with through the years. When I turned 69 last year, knowing the big 70 was right around the corner,  like Caleb I prayed “Lord, give me this mountain!” (Joshua 14:12). Caleb was 85 years old, and wanted to let Joshua know that there was more in his tank: “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land…” (Joshua 14:7) and “forty-five years have passed since the LORD spoke this word to Moses…” (Joshua 14:10)

I can relate with Caleb. I have experienced first hand God’s faithfulness in real time. I have experienced Jordan crossing moments,  giant encounters and and the joy of stepping out in faith. God’s promise to Joshua was clear  “Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you” (Joshua 1:3). I have discovered this in my life again and again.

In his book “In A Pit with a Lion on A Snowy Day,  Mark Batterson wrote, “Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn’t chase. You will look back longingly on risks not taken, opportunities not seized, and dreams not pursued.” This is my passion. I want to leave it all on the field when it comes time for me to pass from this life.

The Wilderness Leadership Summit ministry is that dream that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is calling me to pursue for as long as there is breath in me.

The heart of WLS is simple: get young men and women into the wilderness, remove the noise and hurry of everyday life, and create space for God to speak, form, and redirect. When you strip away comfort and distraction, something powerful happens—clarity rises, character surfaces, and the voice of God becomes unmistakably clear. The week-long Summit uses that environment intentionally, pairing physical challenge with biblical teaching, guided reflection, and honest, supportive community.

My role is to craft the teaching arc, the journaling framework, the daily formation rhythms, and the theological backbone that holds the whole experience together—and to build the website and maintain the on-line infrastructure. Every session of the program is designed to help participants understand who they are, who God is shaping them to become, and how to lead with courage, humility, and spiritual authority. I envision turning these 8 day hikes into a combination of prayer walking, spiritual formation, and hands on ministry and evangelism in the local communities we encounter.

The Wilderness Leadership Summit is launching in Patagonia from January 29-February 13th, 2027.  Noah and I are already in preparation to attend. Stasia, who will be involved moving forward, cannot make the Patagonia trip because she is getting a knee replacement in late December and will spending 2-3 months getting back on her feet. Your prayer for her recovery is greatly appreciated!

I want you to know what your partnership, in however God leads you, be it prayer or finances,  will be seed sown into good ground that will multiply a harvest for God’s kingdom.

Until next time, may the Lord bless and keep you—

In His Mighty Grip!

The cost for airfare and ground fees for the two week ministry trip to Patagonia for both John and Noah comes to a total of $3200. Your prayers and support are appeciated!