News from Joel and Mairee Garcia

"For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 13:47)

My name is Joel García. My wife Mairee and I have 2 children, Abby is 4 years old, and Mathias is 2. We arrived in Canada from Venezuela in 2017. Our purpose was to serve the Hispanic community in this city. These last 7 years in this country have been years of much learning and dependence on God. The Lord has shown us his grace and his goodness in every step we have taken.

Although we have not missed anything, due to different circumstances we have moved 5 times in the last 7 years. We have lived in downtown Toronto, Scarborough, East York and are currently in Pickering. Moving to a new house with children is a challenge. We have felt that the Lord has treated us like the people of Israel in the desert, from one place to another; and although all of this has been exhausting, we cannot complain about anything because the hand of the Lord has been with us.

I started as a missionary for Latin America Mission at the beginning of 2019, although since 2018 I had already started serving as a volunteer. I didn't think I could share the Gospel to as many people as I have through farm ministry. Canada has an agreement with some countries, including Mexico and Guatemala. Many workers come every year to work in the agricultural area. I can say that in these 6 years more than 1000 people have heard the Gospel of salvation.

Furthermore, the Lord allowed me to be appointed as pastor of CNBC (Canadian National Baptist Convention in September 2023. Since then, I have served as one of the pastors of Iglesia Hispana Nueva Vida (New Life Hispanic Church) in North York. I feel blessed to be able to serve the Lord in any area. He has made you and me a Light among those who do not know Him and has called us to bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47).

I began serving the Lord with farm workers in Georgetown, ON. There we continue preaching the Gospel twice a month. We have extended our Hispanic ministry to the entire community. Not only farm workers attend, but women and men constantly come to hear the Word of God.

In 2024 I was given the opportunity to serve with Joe Nesci and eventually continue the ministry that he has done for more than 20 years. I feel privileged to serve with Joe. He is an example of sacrifice, service and perseverance, and is an Italian who loves Latinos. Joe is moving with his wife to another part of Ontario. For this reason, the Lord is moving me and my wife to serve the farms of Durham Region. We want to continue faithfully preaching the Gospel, do Bible studies, and involve the local church in serving and doing missions to the Hispanic community within Canada.

We ask for your prayers and support in this new stage we are beginning. We wish to be faithful to the Lord and have brothers in faith with whom we can serve together in this beautiful country.