Drs Anita and Rick Gutierrez are both family physicians and are serving as global servants in South Africa. The focus of their ministry is to train and equip local individuals, who are known as health builders, to make a difference in both the physical and spiritual health of their community.
Juan and Denise serve in partnership with the Council of Rural Indigenous Evangelicals of Mexico (Consejo Indígena Campesino Evangélico de México, CICEM) in Chiapas, Mexico. They both work in training, prevention and education as they learn the community needs and look for ways to emotionally and economically empower leaders in their communities.
After almost four years of service in Costa Rica, we will be returning to the USA, beginning June 2019, to start our required year of home assignment. This is 6 months earlier than originally anticipated but it is necessary for Peter to receive medical treatment for his migraines (read more below) and to better accommodate the children’s transition to school.
The Rev. Ivy and Emerson work with their IM area director, Ben Chan, to establish a network of global Chinese churches and Christian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through which the network members will develop and implement common strategic missions, including those from the IM’s strategic planning process, Responding to the Call. Ivy and Emerson also represent IM in relating to church and NGO partners in Hong Kong.
Peter’s ministry focus is spiritual renewal and spiritual formation. He serves local pastors and seminary students, seeking to provide a safe and nurturing environment for them, their families and others pursuing a call to ministry. He will also extend his ministry into Cuba. Sarah, a former French teacher, is developing her role as an educator. Peter and Sarah’s hope is that, through their ministries, hearts and minds will be changed and people will grow into the image of Christ.