By Chris Ferris

Rarely do we witness such a scene! In February, Joe and Marg Nesci were acknowledged for their tireless work among migrant workers in Ontario and countless visits to Mexico. Their service to the Lord had one goal: to bring Mexican (and Guatemalan) people to Christ and help them grow in their faith.

One story wove many threads of Joe’s ministry into a tapestry we could picture. On one trip to Guerrero, Mexico, he stepped under a porch approaching a humble home. The lady of the house welcomed him, making Joe and the few team members feel welcome. While they talked, Joe smiled, showing his appreciation for the hospitality. Something about Joe’s humble demeanor and quiet spirit moved the woman significantly.

A few years later, when they returned to the same town, Joe encountered the woman who had shown them warm hospitality. “Do you remember me?” she asked. “Of course!” Joe answered. “Well, I want you to know something,” she began. “After you left, we began to communicate our faith. Now, Evangelical Christians make up 65 percent of our town.”

How did Joe Nesci, an Italian immigrant to Canada in his earlier life, become a humble servant of Christ? As a barber, he had his own business, and he married Marg, resulting in a loving home with three children. One day, a businessman invited Joe and many others to a barbeque. When the gospel was presented, only Joe responded. Following two years of discipleship and study, the businessman moved away, and Joe began to witness among the Italians in Toronto.

Not finding an open door with Italians, Joe began welcoming Mexican migrant workers to his home. Some meetings saw over 60 people gather in the Nesci basement, listening to music and receiving the Word of God.  Soon the ministry grew from hosting bible studies to including shared meals, soccer tournaments, haircuts, hospital visits, shopping trips, ESL classes, travel assistance, immigration support, and other fellowship opportunities.  The last soccer tournament was before Covid and a team of men from Guatemala won by beating out teams from 9 other local farms.

This ministry grew again when some of the Mexican migrant workers on the farms shared their families’ details with Joe, including the names of the men’s mothers and addresses. Joe made repeated trips to Mexico to visit the families, and out of these trips grew the commitment to build three church buildings. These are large buildings, showing how cooperation between church communities in Canada and Mexico can make a big impact for the Kingdom of God.

Joe and Marg have formed an Advisory Board, to ensure the ministry they started 30 years ago will continue to grow with suitable accountability and supervision. We, as a staff, are grateful for the Advisory Board members: Bob Johnston, David Pavey, and Nick Van Halteren.  Thank you as well to their spouses Lesley, Elizabeth, and Lynn for their support. We are also grateful to hear that Joe and Marg aren’t ready to retire from Ministry service quite yet because God is still writing their story!

Picture: Joe Nesci at Bayfair Baptist Church, recognized for 30 years of work among Mexican migrant workers.