Stephen Motz sees our neighbors to the south much in the way the Apostle Paul viewed the Gentiles--as a nation loved by God and in need of Christ.

Stephen, who works with Mexican Christian Mission at the Rock Church, changed his life to save others.

Just a few years ago, he was working as a logistics manager for Sony Corporation. But having heard Gods calling on his life, he resigned from his job and took charge of operations of MCM.

MCM began in Tijuana in the 1950's as a rescue mission for drug abusers and alcoholics, offering physical and spiritual help to the addicted and downtrodden. In the mid-60's, under the leadership of president, Nova Smith, the mission changed course and began to expand by planting churches throughout Mexico. Nova Smith resigned in 2003 and Guillermo Alvarez took over as president. When Stephen became involved with MCM, he continued to expand the ministry by working with churches in remote villages and small cities including Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Durango, Nayarit and Baja California-in short, all over the map of Mexico. 

Stephen will tell you that he simply sees himself as a catalyst. I believe that God is using me as a channel through which He is blessing people in Mexico with the generosity of people in the United States.

Spreading Christ's Love

There is a great sense of excitement in being a channel through which God blesses others, says Stephen.

He provides guidance, support and resources to help small churches bring the Gospel of Christ to under-evangelized areas in remote locales. Stephen's projects are as diverse as the work of Paul. They range from organizing large, complex outreaches aimed at exposing people to the word of God, to the small and simple acts of kindness --including buying groceries for underprivileged families or giving cash donations to single moms.

In addition, Stephen raises money for Ana Lilia Juarez, a pastors daughter who could not afford to attend medical school on her own. When she graduates, Ana Lilia will be equipped to provide medical services to the poor and contribute to MCMs mission of evangelizing Mexico.

There is a great sense of excitement in being a channel through which God blesses others.--Stephen Motz

Recently, Stephen started a new project through which he hopes to reach the youth of Tijuana. With the aid of volunteers from a local church, Stephen has begun filming short videos which he incorporates into his sermons. The videos address social issues which Mexicans face on a daily basis; including elder abuse, bullying and gossip. While it may seem like a familiar approach to evangelism for Americans, Stephen has incorporated Mexican norms, culture and slang. He also uses local Mexican actors and films in real homes for an authentic feel.

Channel of Blessing

Stephen has no regrets about leaving his secure and stable job for the unpredictability of mission work. There is a great sense of excitement in being a channel through which God blesses others, he said.

Of course, thats not to say full-time ministry is simple. While many have supported him in his work, he is constantly faced with great challenges on both sides of the border. There have been several times when Stephen has had to delay activities for months and even faced canceling events altogether due to a lack of financial support. Likewise, while working in Mexico, he has to leave his family for weeks at a time, often to travel into crime-ridden regions. These areas are usually avoided by tourists because of many very real dangers such as kidnapping and car-jackings.

When asked what inspires him to continue, Stephen quotes Matthew 28:19-20,"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Stephen is proving day after day that God can do awesome things through each of us. And seeing how much God has done through Stephen as an individual, it is humbling to think of what more He could do through us as a group-- if we listen to his word.