Empowering Leaders, Impacting Generations

Developing Workers cares for and equips ministry leaders locally, globally and virtually. Like Barnabas joining Paul on his missionary journeys, we walk alongside leaders and pour into them, so they have a genuine heart to disciple the next generation of Christ followers. This week we’re highlighting an example of how Matt Swartz (our Director of Foundations) has been doing this with Luis Garin (a pastor in Mexico).
Matt first met Luis in 2019 at a Foundations Workshop that he was leading in Mexico. After the training, Matt took Luis and a few other men out to dinner. While the other men seemed to check out, Luis leaned in and a relationship between the two was established. Matt took the initiative to mentor Luis. With the availability of technology, Matt is able to meet with Luis regularly which has allowed their relationship to grow. Once a year, Matt goes to Mexico City to coach and invest in Luis’ leadership, and help him think through church planting.
Both Matt and Luis are now training the church’s leadership on the Foundations Workshops. Because Matt is able to invest deeply in Luis’ life, Luis in turn is having an impact on many others’ walk with the Lord.

“Hello everyone, my name is Luis Garin. I am the pastor of a church in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. We are a church that will soon be celebrating its 3-year anniversary.
For us as a church, working with the Developing Workers ministry is an answer to prayer and being able to see the hand of God by receiving free, biblical help to establish such important areas in the church as practical evangelism, vision, and creating a culture of multiplying disciples.
And personally, as a pastor, it is always a great pleasure to welcome Matt into our home. Since we met in 2019, we have been able to build a very special friendship that has helped me a lot in areas where it is difficult to talk with others as pastors, and this has affirmed me in my calling and has changed me in the ways I see the pastorate.”
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with leaders like Luis and for your continued support in making these life-changing relationships possible. Together, we are empowering the next generation of disciple-makers and strengthening churches worldwide.
On behalf of the Parker Family, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Your kind words, cards, and gestures of encouragement have brought comfort and strength in ways we can’t fully express. While the road ahead is painful, knowing we are surrounded by such a caring community makes all the difference. Thank you for standing with us in prayer and love.
