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Dave and Michele Mahon
February 2026
It's Good To be Home
Greetings, dear friends and family! We arrived safely back in Peru a few weeks ago, and it is so good to be home. The contrast from the UK winter to summertime heat here feels unusually intense at least this year. Our scientists have discovered that the nearby Pacific Ocean is warmer than usual - further evidence of how weather extremes seem to be increasing in many parts of the world. May the Lord have mercy on us all, help us to survive these extremes and give us the wisdom to care for what He made.
We are grateful to report that our dear colleagues Carlos and Betty Rodriguez made it back to Peru safely despite a difficult journey. We spent some quality time with them in January. We continue to lift up Venezuela in prayer— for good government, economic stability, and the safety of its people. We serve a God who is full of love and has great plans for these precious people.
Please also pray for our government, as we recently experienced another presidential change due to more corruption charges. The new interim president is Jose Balcazar. Pray that this recurring problem would be rooted out, and that those who emerge as leaders in the upcoming April 12 elections will be servants of the people, not of personal gain — so that the people can have confidence in their leaders. We can use the passage of scripture to guide our prayers:
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.' (Romans 8:22-25 NIV)
In January we attended the Peruvian Baptist Assembly in the beautiful city of Cusco. The venue was lovely and green, though the altitude was physically challenging. We appreciated the beauty around us and the opportunity to gather with fellow believers. We heard timely teaching on the value of unity and mutual encouragement. Many departments of the Peruvian Baptist Convention shared reports including us, and delegates asked thoughtful questions about current activities (see picture). One church in particular is experiencing challenges with their pastor, and this ongoing issue was raised several times. Please pray that this delicate situation will be managed with wisdom and grace.
Although there was no Children's program at the assembly, our kids met and played with others and enjoyed the swimming pool at the location. The four-day gathering concluded with a city tour that many participated in — a fun time of fellowship and rest. In February, Dave also travelled to Lima to teach a group of young people preparing to be mission workers in Peru. Over two days he shared an overview of the Old and New Testaments. Please pray for Raysy Pinedo and Camila Arambulo (see picture left and right) as they step out in obedience and faith, for the people among whom they will serve, and for the team that will support them.
School also started at the end of February, and our children were a little nervous after their summer break; thank the Lord that they had a smooth start and are settling into their routines academically. Please pray that they continue to thrive spiritually, socially and academically. At the beginning of March our seminary duties begin. Dave will be teaching a 16-week course on mission planning, and we will both be restarting the chaplaincy ministry there. Please pray for us and the students — that we will make a good start and be effective servants, teachers and learners.
Looking ahead: April: Please pray for Dave as he travels to Brazil to represent BMS at the UBLA (Latin American Baptist Convention) conference in Rio. May: Michele is scheduled to travel with the missions board to visit newly planted churches within the Awahun indigenous community. We ask for God's wisdom and guidance as we continue planning this trip and serving these sisters and brothers.
We truly appreciate your prayers and support — thank you for standing with us!
With love,
The Mahon Family