Meet the Team
Matt Payne - President
Matt has been involved with the ministry in Mexico since 2015, when he went on a one-time mission trip with his son, but God had bigger plans for him and his family. Every time Matt visits Mexico, he feels challenged by the people, their love of family, and their strong faith and dependence on the Lord. Matt believes everyone should participate in global missions to experience the Kingdom of God. Matt and his wife Kari have been married since 1996 and have two children, Anna, who is married to Diego, and Jared, who is married to Chloe. When Matt is not doing mission work, he serves communities impacted by disaster through Minuteman Disaster Response, and enjoys his hobbies of cycling, hiking, or camping.
Michael Gamble - Vice President
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Michael first became involved with the mission work in Mexico in 2008 when he went on a Men's Mission trip to Chiapas. He instantly found a connection to the people, ministry, and vision. Over the years, Michael has found that every person says the same thing; "We go to Mexico thinking we're going to be a blessing, but return blessed ourselves." Michael believes everyone should be a part of missions because it changes lives in the most profound and beautiful ways. In his opinion getting involved in global missions is the most incredible way to understand the heart of God and his love for all people. Michael and his wife Debbie have been married for over 30 years, have three grown children, and love being first-time grandparents. Michael is the Executive Pastor at The Garden Church in McKinney, Texas, a volunteer chaplain for Minuteman Disaster Response, and a Special Olympics Basketball referee. In his free time, Michael enjoys cycling, drinking great coffee, especially from Chiapas, reading, music, and vacationing in the mountains with his family.
Bruce Birdsong - Secretary
Bruce began mission work in Mexico in the late 1990s after being invited to go on a mission trip to Chiapas with his church. He has always had a heart for the Spanish-speaking community and felt this would be a great place to serve. Bruce finds it rewarding to see people who may not have much yet are so happy and full of joy. He believes others should get involved with missions to experience the heart change on the mission field. Bruce has been married to his wife, Sheree, since 1985. They have four kids, five grandkids, and more animals than they can count. In his free time, Bruce enjoys being outside, especially on a four-wheeler, and exploring the outdoors. But most importantly, his favorite times are anything that includes family and friends and good food!
Paul Pogue - Board Member
When Paul was eighteen, he was impacted by a missionary who visited his church and decided he wanted to be a missionary. Although he didn't become a missionary immediately, he stayed involved in mission work as resources allowed. One of the most rewarding things for Paul is to see the growth of the missions work in the mountains of Chiapas with the indigenous people. Since his time working in Chiapas, the ministry has grown from just a few hundred people to thousands. Paul believes others should be involved in missions because it helps keep people focused on the reality of life and encourages them to recognize their blessings. Paul has founded Pogue Constructions and two non-profits, Pogue Family Missinos and Minuteman Disaster Response. He and his wife Judy have been married since August of 1975, have 3-sons and ten grandkids, and continue to be a part of all three organizations they founded.
Kari Payne - Office Manager
Kari first became involved with the ministry in Mexico in 2016 when she took a trip with her family to build a church. Seeing how much the people trust the Lord for their every need and building relationships with the people she works with in Mexico is most rewarding. Although they speak different languages, their common faith and serving together have created a family-like bond. Kari believes others should get involved in missions because it gives perspective on what is most important in life and challenges you to go home a better person called to action to serve the Lord through meeting the needs you see in your community. Kari is the Executive Assistant to Paul Pogue and enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, reading, doing puzzles, gardening, and bird watching in her free time.
Address
1512 Bray Central Dr Suite 200
McKinney, TX 75069