When God brings two churches together with a shared heart for the next generation, the impact reaches far beyond borders. That’s the story of our partnership with La Fuente Ministries in Tepic, Mexico—a relationship built on friendship, discipleship, and a passion for seeing families transformed by the Gospel. Since 2017, Church on the Move teams have partnered with La Fuente to serve children, support families, and empower local leaders. And every trip reminds us of this truth: when we step into what God is already doing, lives are changed—on both sides of the border.
How It All Began
Our partnership began in 2017, but the story goes back even further. Through connections with caminodevida in Lima, Peru, and the Barrigers, Pastor Aaron Davis helped link COTM with La Fuente in 2016. From that moment, a relationship rooted in shared mission and friendship began to grow.
Since then, the partnership has flourished. Every year, teams from COTM join La Fuente to serve, build relationships, and share the gospel. “I’m so excited that we can keep growing in the relationship,” said Beka Hansen, Missions Director at La Fuente.
“See, I am doing a new thing! … I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19
What Happens When We Serve Together
When COTM teams join La Fuente, the focus is clear: sharing the gospel and loving the next generation. Together, we’ve engaged in:
- Next Gen partnership
- Giving food to low-income kids and interacting with them
- Building relationships with leaders and families
- Fun outings that create lasting friendships
These efforts complement La Fuente’s year-round ministries, which include food drives, medical initiatives, and outreach programs designed to draw families to Christ—often starting with the children.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”
Matthew 28:19
Discipleship Beyond the Outreach
The impact doesn’t end when the trip does! La Fuente emphasizes that discipleship flows both ways. “COTM members get ministered to as much! Ideas flow in amazing ways. It’s a lot of fun,” said Beka.
Relationships built during these trips often last for years. Leaders like John Posey, Shayne & April New, and Ian & Jess Wilson have formed deep connections with La Fuente’s team. In August 2024, a homeschool group led by Ian and Jess bonded with local kids during beach outings—something Tulsa kids rarely experience! Many returned in 2025 to continue those friendships.
Looking ahead, La Fuente is set to begin construction on a school for their orphanage in January 2026 and is excited to host the upcoming COTM teams.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17
Why Missions Matter in Mexico: A Word from Todd Walker
“We call it a discipleship step. It’s not just jumping on a plane to do good things—it’s actively participating in the mission of God together.”
—Todd Walker, COTM Missions Director
Todd reminds us that missions isn’t about global vs. local—it’s about joining God’s one story. Whether across the street or across the world, we’re called to engage in what He’s doing. Trips like Mexico help us break out of our bubbles and experience God in new ways.
“Sometimes it takes getting out of our comfort zone—even out of our own culture—to experience Him in a new way. It changes us personally.”
—Todd Walker, COTM Missions Director
Todd loves that COTM partners with established local churches like La Fuente instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. “We come alongside what God is already doing,” he said. And when we do, we can’t help but be changed—just like the homeschool students who returned from Tepic with a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
Todd’s own story began in college: a simple missions slideshow led him to India, where encountering the global Church shattered assumptions and ignited a lifelong passion. He calls our trips a discipleship step—a journey that includes learning, community, and practice:
- Learn: Theology and the why behind missions
- Community: Team meetings and shared preparation
- Practice: Serving alongside established partners all over the world
And for anyone asking, “Why go overseas when I can serve here?” Todd’s challenge is gracious but clear: Are we serving here? Sometimes it takes going halfway around the world to awaken our hearts to what God is doing right next door.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.”
1 Peter 4:10
The partnership has sparked countless life-changing moments. From shy kids becoming close friends to leaders forming long-term relationships, the testimonies are powerful. And the fun matters too—beach outings, shared meals, and laughter create bonds that reflect Christ’s love. As we look toward continuing to strengthen these relationships, we know this truth: when we step into what God is already doing, He does immeasurably more than we could imagine. The best is yet to come!
How COTM Missions Work (At a Glance)
If you’re interested in joining a Church on the Move mission trip, we’d love to have you! Here’s a quick outline of what you can expect from joining a team:
- Fall: Trips will be unveiled for the upcoming year, and the application season opens.
- New Year: Teams get finalized, and team meetings begin to build relationships and get prepared
- The Trip: We fold into what our partners are doing—coming alongside, not over
- Post-trip: A debrief to discern how God moved and identify next steps at home, followed by a celebration with all the trip members to close out the mission season
