Meet the Team
Matt Payne - President
Matt has been involved with the ministry in Mexico since 2015, when he went on what he thought would be a one-time mission trip with his son. God, however, had bigger plans. Each time Matt returns to Mexico, he is deeply challenged by the people—their love of family, their strong faith, and their complete dependence on the Lord. He believes everyone should take part in global missions to experience the Kingdom of God in a new way. Matt and his wife, Kari, have been married since 1996. They have two children—Anna, married to Diego, and Jared, married to Chloe—and are proud grandparents to three grandsons: Liam, Calum, and Caiden. When Matt is not doing mission work, he enjoys cycling, hiking, and camping.
Michael Gamble - Vice President
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 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.
Rich Meuret - Board Member
Rich first joined the ministry in Mexico after hearing about a church build at Prestonwood’s men’s Bible study. What started as one trip quickly became a calling, and for the past seven years he has returned to Chiapas to serve. Each trip has been a unique experience, but all have left him deeply moved by the people’s love for one another and their powerful, authentic worship. Rich says the blessing he has received through serving far outweighs what he has given. Rich has spent more than 30 years in the insurance industry, holding executive leadership positions. A proud Cornhusker, he and his wife Debi have been married since 1996 and live in North Texas, where they raised three daughters—Allison, Emily, and Sarah. When not working or serving, Rich enjoys skiing, golfing, and most all things sports.
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.
Anna Ruiz - Communications Coordinator
Anna first traveled to Chiapas in 2016 and quickly fell in love with the people and culture. Two years later, she returned for an extended stay, spending three weeks serving alongside the local church. It was during that trip that she met her future husband, Diego. After getting married, Anna and Diego made their home in Mexico, where they lived for three and a half years. During that time, Anna learned the language, built lasting friendships, and served faithfully in the ministry. Those years deepened her love for the people of Chiapas and strengthened her faith. Today, Anna and Diego live in North Texas with their son, Liam, and are joyfully expecting their second child. Family is central to Anna’s life, and she treasures time spent with her loved ones. She also has a heart for serving in her local church and continuing to support the ministry in Mexico however she can.
Address
6250 Trinity Falls Parkway
McKinney, TX 75071
