La Conferencia de Aprendizaje de Envió Misional de EFM para Latinoamérica que se llevó a cabo en Chiquimula, Guatemala, en la que Dios nos permitió el privilegio de ser parte de la planificación y logística, fue una verdadera bendición, mucha motivación, edificación y retadora para los representantes de 9 países Latinoamericanos. 98 personas registradas más algunos más oyentes, hicieron un gran compromiso de estar concentrados por 8 días intensivos de escuchar y aprender de los esfuerzos de envió de otros. Algunos de los participantes tuvieron testimonios de su llegada con obstáculos que se presentaron, el que estuvieran presentes en el evento fue milagro de Dios. Damos gracias a Dios por permitir que también tuviéramos representación de África, Nepal, y Camboya.

Cada Junta Anual tuvo oportunidad de compartir sus historias, éxitos y retos en el envió de misioneros al campo, algunos internamente dentro de sus países y otros ya enviando a obreros a otras naciones. El reto fue impulsar a que cada Región comenzara con más intensión el desarrollo de una infraestructura de trabajo para el envió eficaz de más obreros al campo. Incluso, posibilidades de alianzas entre otras Juntas Anuales y con EFM. ¡Alabado sea Dios!

Damos toda la gloria y honra a Dios, por permitir que este importante evento se llevará a cabo. Fue un evento único en su clase para Amigos de Latino América. La presencia de Dios fue manifestada en la unidad de pensamiento, espíritu, y corazón que se sintió durante todos los días que se nos permitió estar reunidos en su nombre. Fue tan hermoso ver que se hicieron a un lado las diferencias de prácticas, culturas, liturgia, y que el mayor enfoque fuera el cómo seguir obedeciendo la Gran Comisión juntos y con más intencionalidad como Iglesias Evangélicas Amigos. Alabamos al Señor, porque nos permitió sentir la unidad de un pueblo reunido con el propósito de honrarle a El y seguir adelante aprendiendo unos de los otros. Recordamos la oración de nuestro Señor Jesucristo cuanto pidió al Padre en Juan 17: 21, “Para que todos sean uno; como tú, Padre, en mí y yo en ti, que también ellos sean uno en nosotros, para que el mundo crea que tú me enviaste”.

Queremos dar gracias especiales a la Junta Anual de Guatemala y a su liderazgo por aceptar el gran reto de ser la cede de este impactante evento. Gracias por todos los esfuerzos, trabajo, hospitalidad, alimentos, etc. También gracias a Global Disciples por apoyarnos en los talleres de pequeños negocios. Gracias a los que nos apoyaron en la alabanza, video y fotografía. Y inmensas gracias a todos ustedes que nos apoyaron con sus oraciones y muchos hasta financieramente a EFM. ¡Fue un trabajo excelente! Pedimos que algún día Dios nos permita podernos reunir otra vez.

Sin lugar a duda que este evento tuvo un impacto para el reino de Dios y para la eternidad.

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EFM’s Latin American Missionary Sending Learning Conference, held in the city of Chiquimula, Guatemala, where God allowed us the privilege of being part of working on the planning and logistics, was a true blessing, motivating, edifying, and challenging for the representatives from nine Latin American countries. 98 registered participants, plus several listeners, made a strong commitment to stay focused for eight intensive days of listening and learning from the sending efforts of others. Some of the participants shared testimonies of their arrival despite the obstacles they encountered; their presence at the event was a miracle of God. We thank God for allowing us to also have representatives from Africa, Nepal, and Cambodia.

Each Yearly Meeting had the opportunity to share their stories, successes, and challenges in sending missionaries to the field, some within their own countries and others already sending workers to other nations. The main challenge of the event was to encourage each Region to begin more intensively the developing of a framework for the efficient sending of more workers to the field. There were even conversations on possibilities for alliances with other Yearly Meetings and with EFM. Praise God!

We give all the glory and honor to God for allowing this important event to take place. It was a one-of-a-kind event for Friends in Latin America. God’s presence was manifested in the unity of thought, spirit, and heart felt throughout the days we were allowed to gather in His name. It was so beautiful to see that differences in practices, cultures, and liturgy were put aside, and that the main focus was on how to continue obeying the Great Commission together and with greater intentionality as Evangelical Friends Churches. We praise the Lord for allowing us to feel the unity of a people gathered for the purpose of honoring Him and moving forward, learning from one another. We recall the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ when he asked the Father in John 17:21, “That they may all be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”

We want to give special thanks to Guatemala Yearly Meeting and their leadership for accepting the great challenge of hosting this impactful event. Thank you for all the efforts, work, hospitality, food, everything. Also, thank you to Global Disciples for supporting us with the small business workshops. Thank you to those who supported us with worship, video, and photography. And a huge thank you to all of you who supported us with your prayers. It was an excellent teamwork done! We pray that one day God will allow us to gather again.

Without a doubt, this event had a big impact for the kingdom of God and for eternity.

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The landscapes in the Oregon and Idaho areas are beautiful during this time of year. We were truly blessed by the travel time God allowed us to take to different churches in those areas. We enjoyed each drive from city to city, delighted by the beauty of nature. We are immensely grateful to each family who provided us with love, lodging, and food as we traveled, sharing our presentation with different churches, groups, and individuals in the NWYM. It was truly a pleasure to reconnect with dear friends and people we admire, who are great models and inspirations to us. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the support we have from people in the NWYM who have been part of our team for 19 years! Dear people who have faithfully prayed for our family and our ministry. We have truly experienced the answers to their prayers. May God reward their involvement in his kingdom.

We have not yet reached our goal of raising 100% of our support fund, but we are trusting in God. Please pray that God will touch hearts and that more people will join our support team.

Second Retreat for Future Missionaries in Latin America

We are now back home and working on finalizing the details for the Second Retreat for Future Missionaries, which, God willing, will take place in Mexico City from July 21 to 25. We are excited because young people from all the Friends Churches in Mexico will be participating; we also have confirmations from individuals in Bolivia, Honduras, and Guatemala. Praise God!

Please pray that all these young people may have an unforgettable, uplifting, and challenging experience, and that they may feel God’s confirmation and be obedient to the call to go out into the mission field or plant new churches. Please pray Luke 10:2.

José Olivas in Ecuador

We invite you to give praise and honor to God for José’s ministry among the Shuar people. God continues to manifest his presence and wonders in the Amazon jungle. Here is a little bit of what José reports in his latest update:

• Youth Camp

In early March, we organized a camp for Shuar youth. By God’s grace and mercy, I was given the opportunity to lead this camp. We gathered around 40 youth and teenagers from their communities, and they dedicated three days to learning the Word of God and understanding the significance of our identity in Christ. Seven of the young individuals I mentor in the Taisha communities also participated in this camp. They experienced their first camp and returned feeling very blessed and encouraged.

• Nunka Nunkui Community

I have genuinely appreciated the opportunity to spend time with the Shuar at this community every weekend, sharing meals and engaging in conversations that extend for several hours. I frequently inquire about their culture, and I cherish the fact that they converse with me in Shuar as if I comprehend it. This experience has also facilitated my learning of the language, allowing me to make remarks in their language. The Shuar of Nunka Nunkui have conveyed their happiness in discovering the teachings of Jesus. We are presently exploring the Gospel of Luke, and it has been a significant blessing to deepen our understanding of Christ’s life, as well as for the Shuar to demonstrate their dedication to participating in the meetings.

• Water Filters

A few months ago, I was approached by an organization named Give Water. They were aware of the ministry I am doing in the jungle, and with God’s favor, they provided me with 50 water filters for the community. This was a tremendous blessing, as each filter costs between $120 and $140. All of this has been made possible by God’s grace. The community is extremely thankful, and this has created opportunities for me to engage with the families in this community and visit them more frequently.

• Yaas Nunka Community

The Yaas Nunka community is the place where I aspire to reside in the future. In June, two initiatives are planned for this community. 1. We will be conducting a VBS for the first time in this community, thanks to the generous support of the Friends Church in Philadelphia. I am both happy and grateful for their significant assistance. This group will be in the field sharing the Gospel with those who have not yet heard it.

• GRATITUDE

I want to express my gratitude for all the support you have provided. Thanks to your prayers and contributions, and most importantly, due to God’s grace, the Shuar continue to receive the message of evangelization. Undoubtedly, every piece of news or story shared in this letter is a testimony of God’s grace, as well as to each of your prayers and contributions to the mission. From the depths of my heart, I say: THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT!

God willing, we will be leading a prayer trip to Ecuador to encourage Jose, visit his ministry, and pray in person. We thank God for the doors he is opening for the gospel to be preached among the Shuar people.

The dates for this trip are October 20-31, 2025. If you are interested in participating in this prayer trip to Ecuador, we invite you! Visit the EFM website or contact us.

Thank you for your love and support,

Edwin and Maria Giron

The post Giron June Deputation Update first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

Incredibly, it’s May, and summer is just around the corner. A sense of change and transition surrounds our family and friends. During this time of deputation, we feel a certain instability in our daily lives and some mental and physical stress. But even amidst the difficulties and challenges that change brings, we can enter into God’s presence and feel His peace that surpasses all understanding, because his beautiful promise is that He will be with us every day, until the end.

The time we spent visiting churches and people in the EFC-ER was a great blessing and encouragement. Our family has wonderful memories, especially in the Ohio area, of returning to the United States after our time in the mission field. Our return to Eastern Region this time was wonderful, especially seeing people we met approximately 12 years ago, who were a blessing and a great support. It was also a great blessing to meet new people and make new friends. We enjoyed every trip through beautiful landscapes. We are immensely grateful for the kind and generous people who provided us with lodging and transportation. God demonstrates his love in many ways through the people of his kingdom; He amazes us. Thank you to the leaders of EFC-ER for the opportunities they gave us to share in their churches and small groups. Praise Jesus!

COMIBAM 2025 (Latin American Missionary Cooperation)

The highlight of the month was participating in this important event for Missionary Mobilizers from all over Latin America, which took place in Panama City. This event is held every 10 years to celebrate what God is doing in each town and nation by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the Ibero-American missionary movement. There were approximately 1,600 participants from 30 countries! The theme of the Congress was “The Same Mission for a Church on the Move.” It was very encouraging to see how God is now allowing teams to be formed from different nationalities and denominations. It’s wonderful to see his church lowering flags and uniting to raise only the name of Jesus in the nations. Even people from native ethnic groups are now involved in sending missionaries to the ends of the earth. The kingdom of God is reaching even the ends of the earth. Glory to Him alone!

It was a pleasure for us to attend, representing the Evangelical Friends Church of North America, as well as being representatives from EFM, Evangelical Friends of Mexico, and Hispanic Friends of Latin America. The time of celebration, training, and connection was very uplifting. Without a doubt, God challenged us to renew our commitment to the long-awaited future of reaching the ends of the earth. We were both motivated and impacted by the speakers at each plenary session, as well as the workshops and the missionaries we met from different parts of the world. Our Lord Jesus is on mission, on the move, and He allows us to be part of the work! It’s exciting! Glory to God!

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for the second Future Missionary Retreat for Latin America, which, God willing, we will hold in Mexico City in July. Pray that more young people will feel challenged to obey God’s call to missions.
• Pray for the preparations underway for the Learning Conference for Missionary Sending in Guatemala in the month of August, where leaders from nine Yearly Meetings of Evangelical Friends of Latin America will be present.
• Pray for our upcoming visitation route to the NWYM area. May God continue to add more people to our team with prayer and financial support. For us to continue with good health, energy, and stay motivated.

The post Girons May 2025 Deputation Update first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

IYM

There are no words to express our gratitude to each person who was so kind to us during our time in Indiana. We were so blessed by every opportunity we felt God had given us to share in churches, with small groups, and with individuals. As it was our first time visiting the Indiana area, it was truly encouraging to feel the acceptance, hospitality, affection, and openness in every place we were able to share. We praise the Lord because it was a wonderful experience, and now we can say we have new friends that God gave us at IYM.

Please pray for us as we continue our next rounds sharing in the EFC-ER area, in April. Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Ohio, here we come! Pray that we could continue with good health and energy in obedience to God, sharing what the Lord is doing to raise new people that he is calling to go to the new fields, and how we can all participate in praying, giving, and sending.

Mexico YM Central, Annual Sessions

We are very grateful for the positive response, attendance, and unity we experienced at the Mexico Yearly Meeting annual sessions held in Aguascalientes, and the exciting reports each church gave about the hard work they are doing to continue expanding God’s kingdom in Mexico. It is very encouraging. Also, it is exciting to have confirmation from another young couple in Mexico City who are being prepared to be sent to one of the 32 states of Mexico under Vision Mexico 32. Glory to God! Please pray for the young couple as they begin the process of going out to plant a new church, possibly in the state of Jalisco (near Guadalajara). Pray for the other seven young people currently being trained at the Friends Theological Institute in Mexico, that God will confirm their future assignments. May God give us wisdom as we mentor them in the process.

Ecuador

Jose Olivas, a Friends missionary from Mexico, serving the Lord among the Shuar people in the Ecuador Amazon jungle, shared his first-year ministry report. I want to invite you to praise the Lord as you read some of his update. Please keep him in your prayers.

From Jose Olivas:

This year, I have made significant adaptations regarding food, climate, and certain vocabulary. My objective has consistently been to fully engage with the culture, and my Shuar vocabulary has been growing, which is a wonderful blessing. Recently, I visited the home of a Shuar family, where they receive guests from other Shuar communities. I overheard one of their guests inquiring about me, asking, “Who is he?” The family I was with explained that I was “apachi” (a foreigner) and that I am teaching them the word of God. They appreciated that I enjoyed their food and sang praises to them in Shuar. This experience deepened my understanding of the significance of immersing myself in the culture even more.

• Nunka Nunkui Community

In this community, I am regularly working with nine Shuar adults and seven children. During the first week of March, the syndic (community leader) and his wife visited us for Bible studies, as their son had brought them. His son is among the seven children who participate in the children’s Bible classes in this community.

A man I met, whose name is Martin Juwa, regularly participates in our Friday night meetings. Many members of the Nunka Nunkui community, as well as those from other communities, recognize him as the community’s shaman. God is actively working in his life. He is also a significant blessing, as he transports me to another community in his canoe to teach Bible lessons to children. Please keep him in your prayers.

• Yaas Nunka Community

Yaas Nunka community is one of the places where I feel most welcomed. The Shuar here have invited me into their homes. Upon my arrival at the community, I am greeted by the people. Occasionally, the parents of the children approach me to express their gratitude for the work being done with the children.

At present, I am engaging with about 35 children and four mothers who attend the Bible classes. The upcoming challenge is to start facilitating Bible studies for the older children in this community. I have also noticed the increase in their understanding and relationship with God. The Shuar community has invited me to their annual celebration, scheduled for April 16. I wish to attend and for them to perceive me as a member of their culture and community.

We thank God for José’s life. We feel joy to be his coaches, and to have the opportunity to serve by encouraging him, praying with him, assisting with accountability, etc. it is a great blessing for us. Being able to see firsthand how God is working in the lives of many Shuar through José is incredible! Through the courageous young Jose, we can see how God uses and honors those who wholeheartedly obey His call. All the Glory to God!

In Obedience to Him,

Edwin and Maria Giron

EFM Missions Mobilizers

The post Giron March Deputation Update first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?…

We praise the Lord because he allowed us to finish the first round of visits in the MAYM area. Despite the cold winter in which we had to drive to various cities through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to get to churches, people, and groups that were kind enough to invite us to share, in each place we arrived, we were very blessed and felt the love of God through all the people who dedicated their valuable time to listen to us. We are especially so grateful for those who have made a new commitment to join our prayer and financial support team. “I now adopt you as children to pray for you; I will not leave you alone.” These were the beautiful words we received from a new friend that God gave us, Pastor Gary of Booker Friends Church, when he had just met us for the first time! Words that impacted and encouraged us. Divine encounters like this and beautiful words of encouragement and prayers from many people in MAYM make it worth it to continue forward with this challenge.

Please pray for our next round of visits, which will be at Indiana Yearly Meeting from March 3-21. We are excited, as this is the first time we have the opportunity to visit churches, individuals, and groups in this region. May God open many doors and new opportunities for us to share.

Mexico YM Central

The last week of February, we will be traveling to Aguascalientes, Mexico, to participate in sessions of the Mexico Yearly Meeting Central. As always, we will have very intentional times to continue promoting the advancement of VM32 and the sending of more workers to the field. Please pray to see more people saying, “Here I am, Lord, send us” and that we may serve in the process of sending many more to the mission field.

Daniel, Bolivia Future Missionary

Last year, we met a 29-year-old young man, Daniel, from Bolivia. Daniel is a young leader passionate about proclaiming the Gospel and mobilizing other young people to fulfill the Great Commission. This year in January, Daniel was commissioned as the president of the Youth Society at their Yearly Meeting level, and it was a joy and privilege to be present in Bolivia at this commission event of many leaders and pastors.

Daniel has asked us to be his mentors as he explores the calling of being a future missionary and seeking God’s direction to one day go out into the field to another nation outside of his country. What a privilege for a young man to seek you out to be at his side as he seeks to discern his desire to serve the Lord in the Great Commission on a global level. Please pray for this young man and his desire to be sent in the future to preach the Gospel to those who have not heard. And pray for us for wisdom as we help Daniel and others like him, whom God is raising up and calling.

In Obedience to Him,

Edwin and Maria Giron

EFM Mission Mobilizers

The post Giron February Deputation Update first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

Dear Friends, this stage of our ministry is very exciting; we are obeying God, who has called us not to be the missionaries in the field this time, but to encourage and help many more to be sent. We invite you to partner with us to be part of a movement of sending more missionaries out to the field and to be part of the starting of new churches and new fields. 2025 marks, for us, 19 years of being part of the EFM family and we are very grateful that God is giving us this opportunity to continue a new stage of ministry in His global mission. Today, we find ourselves in need to raise our financial support, and we trust, taking our request in prayer, that God will allow us to continue in service with EFM by using more cheerful givers to partner with us and to be able to continue with our different tasks that will lead others to become more deeply involved in carrying out the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. As we commit with the Lord full-time to this mobilizing ministry, it is necessary to take the opportunity to go on deputation and to be able to thank, give reports, visit, and reconnect with precious partners, churches, and groups. We wish and look forward to seeing many of you when we are visiting your area.

If you want further information or would like to inquire about a visit, you can fill out this form or email us at maria@friendsmission.com.

Thank you for the support, faithfulness, and love that our family has experienced every day since 2006. You are a tremendous blessing to us.

Edwin and Maria Giron

EFM Missions Mobilizer for Hispanic Friends

You can partner with us through prayer and through financial giving. We need and appreciate both!

In all these many years serving the Lord with EFM, He has amazed us by providing for all our family’s needs through his many generous people, for which our family will always be immensely grateful. We are also well aware that the fruit of several ministries that God has allowed us to carry out is thanks to the valuable prayers of our prayer warriors, who have been part of our team by faithfully praying and showing us so much love. Although we have many people embracing us with their prayers, we would like to invite and include others to join our prayer team. It never hurts to have more prayer partners. Truly, we live the answers to the prayers of all of you.

If you know anyone who would like to pray for our ministry, please forward this form to them.

We are currently at 50% of our ongoing monthly need. If you are a current monthly supporter, thank you. It is important to let EFM know that you plan to continue or increase your giving. If you are not currently giving, we would ask you to prayerfully consider supporting our mission-mobilizing ministry.

There are four ways to partner with us financially:

• Online. Visit https://catalog.friendsmission.com/giron. You’ll be given the opportunity to indicate whether you are making a recurring or one-time gift.
• Credit Card. This may be given online (as stated above) or by calling the EFM office (303-421-8100) to give your information to a live person.
• Automatic Bank Transfer. Download the form here and email it to Debby McElroy (EFM Bookkeeper) at debby@friendsmission.com. Please note that ACH payments are processed on the 10th or 25th of the month.
• Check. Mail a check to EFM, P.O. Box 771139, Wichita, KS 67277. Make sure to mark your check “Giron Support” and note if you will be giving on a recurring basis (monthly, quarterly, etc.). Pay to the order of “EFM.”

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