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Dave and Michele Mahon
April 2026
Growing Stronger Together
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to be in touch with you again and want to thank you for your faithful prayers and support for us and the ministry here in Peru. With the heat of summer now behind us, we are grateful to be enjoying the cooler autumn mornings and evenings in Trujillo.
Last month, the Union of Baptists in Latin America (UBLA) celebrated its 50th anniversary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The theme this year was Legacy, focusing on how we can support and prepare the next generation for mission and ministry. Dave had the opportunity to attend the four-day conference alongside our supported partner worker, Carlos Rodríguez.
The purpose of the visit was to further deepen our partnership with the Brazilian Baptist Mission Board (JMM). The speakers were encouraging, and it was a joy to see and experience such a shared passion for the gospel and mission across Latin America.
One of the challenges during the conference was understanding Portuguese. Thankfully, many sessions were also conducted in Spanish, which was a great help to many of us!
During the plenary by the General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance Elijah Brown, these statistics stood out:
In the last 10 years, our Baptist Worldwide Family:
Europe and the Middle East — Decrease of 1%
North America — Decrease of 5%
Latin America — Growth of 13%
Asia-Pacific — Growth of 32%
Africa — Growth of 112%
This clearly shows where the church is growing numerically and encourages us as we continue to extend the Kingdom of God together.
Dave was especially moved to hear stories of mission work and gospel growth, often in very difficult circumstances. We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for the Venezuelan Baptist Convention (UBLA) as they respond to the needs of the church and ongoing mission during this time of global challenge.
At home Dave is about halfway through teaching a module to our mission students at the Seminary in Trujillo. The students have had opportunity to reflect on the importance of the preparing for mission, looking at various aspects. We would appreciate your prayers for each of them whist they manage their workload amongst a busy life and ministry.
Michele is about halfway through her doctorate and is currently visiting and observing female Peruvian missionaries; she is also interviewing them to learn more about their personal journeys of faith and their views on life and ministry. These vibrant examples of living by faith are such an inspiration, and their commitment to God's call gives us hope to keep moving forward in obedience to our Heavenly Father.
Jonathan is currently preparing for his mock IGSCE exams starting in the middle of May. It's a busy season for him and we are grateful for the help of a local tutor. We would value your prayers for concentration, confidence and calm as he sits each exam.
Ruth also is developing a good relationship with her tutor who has been working one to one at home since the beginning of the school year in March.
Phoebe is looking forward to her birthday on the 15th of May and has planned to invite friends from school and church to celebrate at new bowling alley in Trujillo.
We are very thankful for your generous words and gifts of encouragement to us; this has kept us going during the times of joy and challenge. May you experience God's hand of mercy upon you!
Bendiciones,
The Mahons