Three young missionaries responded to God’s call and, after two years of service, witnessed how living water can spring forth even in the most arid of lands.
A Calling in the Desert
For two years, Luis Pineda, Dawilda Rodríguez, and Jaél Estrada—missionaries serving through the Genesis initiative of the Church of the Nazarene, Mesoamerica Region—served in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. Their mission was clear: to plant a new church, reach the community through service and compassion, and share the message of salvation in Christ.
Coming from tropical and green regions, the team arrived in a city known for its dry landscape and few trees. Yet, it was in this seemingly barren land that God prepared streams in the wilderness. The team implemented creative strategies led by the Holy Spirit: karate classes, cooking and craft workshops, children’s clubs, marriage seminars, men’s and women’s gatherings, and much more. These initiatives allowed them to build relationships and open doors for discipleship in two key places: Los Álamos and Villa Juárez.
Despite health, emotional, and spiritual challenges, God was faithful. “Now we see the river of God flowing in Chihuahua, bringing life to what was once a spiritual desert,” shared Luis Pineda.
A Church is Born
In the Los Álamos neighborhood, a congregation was planted: Oasis Christian Community, Church of the Nazarene. The team embraced John 4:14 as a promise for the new church—”the water I give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
This promise came to life as people were transformed and new leaders emerged. One of them was Pastor Sergio Fava, who had been a member of the Adonai Church of the Nazarene in Chihuahua. From the start, he had walked alongside the Genesis team. Through conversations, prayers, and discernment, he responded to God’s call to pastor the new congregation. In March 2025, he was officially installed as pastor of Oasis.
Today, the church includes 14 full members, 11 associates, 6 regular visitors, and 8 children, with an average of 12 participating weekly in the children’s club.
A Cell that Remains and Grows
Meanwhile, in Villa Juárez, a small group also took root. Thanks to the partnership of the First Church of the Nazarene in Chihuahua, a cell group of 4 members remains active and committed. Though smaller in number, its potential is great. It represents a seed of the Kingdom, continuing to grow through the follow-up and care of local Nazarenes. It is a vital part of the fruit that remains from the Genesis mission.
The team expressed deep gratitude for the Adonai Church and First Church for their accompaniment and collaboration throughout these two years.
Voices from the Mission Field
“What God allowed me to experience through Genesis was seeing how He works in unimaginable and creative ways through anyone willing to walk blindly by faith. The gifts and talents He gives us are the tools for fulfilling our calling—and I saw that proven once again.” — Jaél Estrada
“I came to Chihuahua thinking I was going to serve, but God also wanted to do something in me. From day one, I felt such love and hospitality. People who didn’t even know me treated me like family. Sister Vero and her husband Don Luis opened their home and hearts to me, Jaél, and Luis. What moved me most was seeing how God touched Don Luis’s heart. Today he attends church and shares his testimony. Chihuahua wasn’t just a mission—it was a place where I encountered God, was transformed, and remembered who I am in Him. My heart is so grateful I can’t fully describe it. It’s worth it to keep going and serving—because it’s about the wonders God does.” — Dawilda Rodríguez
“We thank God and the entire Church of the Nazarene for supporting the Genesis initiative in Chihuahua. Thank you for your prayers and resources, which help us continue transforming the city. Please pray for the new congregation in Los Álamos and the cell in Villa Juárez, that the Lord may continue equipping them and expanding His Kingdom throughout Chihuahua.” — Luis Pineda
What Comes Next
On May 6, 2025, the team said goodbye to Chihuahua. Pastors Sergio Fava and Alfredo de la Rosa (from Adonai Church), along with their families, accompanied them to the airport. The missionaries traveled to the Dominican Republic for a time of debriefing and rest before returning to their home countries.
“Genesis in Chihuahua was proof that we can move forward when we work in unity,” said Erika Chaves, Regional Coordinator for Genesis and Missions Mobilization. “I am deeply grateful for how the Mexico North District responded and embraced these missionaries so we can now see the fruit of their service. Luis, Dawilda, and Jaél are young people who took courageous steps of faith—and they showed us what God is doing in this new generation. Genesis was just the beginning of something new in their lives as well.”
After 11 years, Genesis continues moving forward. The ministry is preparing two new sites for 2026, with new strategies and fresh ideas to strengthen the mission. We trust that God will provide workers and resources to continue transforming the cities of Mesoamerica.
If God is calling you to serve in urban church planting or if you’d like to host a missionary team in your city, write to: genesis@mesoamericaregion.org.
Please continue to pray for Luis, Dawilda, and Jaél—that God may give them wisdom and grace for their next steps.
Source: Luis Pineda, Missionary – Genesis Chihuahua
