A Personal Message from Pastor Jeff
Missions has always been my heartbeat. At the age of fifteen, I embarked on the trip of a lifetime traversing Mexico’s lush, tropical mountain ranges shadowing a missionary I can only describe as “Grizzly Adams”. What a baptism to missions that first trip was for a wild spirited teen looking for God and an adventure; hiking through the mountains, crossing rivers, praying for the sick, and ministering wherever a group of Indians were gathered.
Since that time I have invested my heart, my passion, my time, my resources, and my family into Mexico and Latin America. But it was that first trip where God’s call penetrated my heart and “set the hook”, changing my life forever. That first trip turned into countless others throughout the years, all culminating in the decision to follow God’s call to plant Arbol De Vida (Tree of Life) in Leon, Mexico.
Our passion for missions has only been equaled by our passion for local Church ministry. We have such a love in our hearts for the people of Mexico and a longing to see them experience God in their homes and families. We believe the local Church is the conduit God uses to touch the lives of every member of a family; providing opportunities to grow spiritually, connect with others, worship together, and serve the church, the community, and the world by using our gifts and talents. We are passionate about leading the people of Leon into a growing relationship with Christ.
I can’t help but remember moving to New Braunfels, Texas as a teenager as my parents answered God’s call to plant Tree of Life Church. I recall the passion for people God stirred in my Dad’s heart and the vision he had for the New Braunfels and South Texas area. I remember the hard work, struggles, and challenges that came with planting. I also remember the faithfulness of God and am excited to be a “second generation” Church planter.
The Vision
When Tree of Life Church began; my father had a vision of an enormous tree sprouting branches that sprawled across the globe. The mass of branches was enveloped by a vibrant green canopy of leaves. Its enormous trunk was sustained by a massive root system burrowed deep within the soil, anchoring it firmly; making it unshakeable in the midst of storms and the elements. This “Tree of Life” was a fortified shelter; a refuge; a place of safety teeming with life and sustenance. Acorns dotted the treed canopy, which dangled precariously from each branch. As each acorn hit the ground, they immediately sprang to life with new “Trees of Life”. This process continued until every continent and every corner of the earth was under the protection and shelter of one of these massive trees.
Obviously that first “Tree of Life” was to be the church my Father and Mother had been called to plant in August of 1981. From Tree of Life Church, men and women, young and old, would go forth planting churches and ministries all across the globe. Life would go forth and the kingdom of God would be expanded as each Tree grew and impacted a city or nation.
Arbol De Vida is yet another of those “Trees” that God has called us to plant here in Central Mexico. Our hope and prayer is that you will partner with us as, together, we plant a “Tree of Life - Arbol De Vida” here in Leon Guanajuato Mexico. The opportunity has never been better nor the door opened wider to reach this least evangelized region of Central Mexico.