Anticipation – Spring Update 2026
What are you looking forward to? I hope it’s something that brings you life.
I’ll admit there were times when I looked forward to retirement—imagining the rest, though occasionally wondering what the quiet might feel like. But as that milestone date for Janice and I approached and then passed, something shifted. Instead of stepping back, we’ve decided to step forward.
I’ve just signed a new two-year contract with CBM. My anticipation is no longer focused on the end of the journey, but on the impact of the next two years and beyond. Let me share what’s exciting us most about the road ahead.
A Long-Awaited Return: Bolivia
Perhaps some of you are anticipating a trip in the months ahead. Recently we took a road trip through the Canadian prairies that ended rather abruptly when our 13-year-old car gave up between Medicine Hat and Swift Current. It wasn’t the kind of “anticipation” we had in mind—but it reminded us that some journeys are smoother than others.
Now we are preparing for a much more significant journey: our first return to Bolivia in nearly four years (April 17 – May 12).
Although we have maintained weekly virtual connections with pastors there, nothing compares to being present. From preaching at our home church to participating in a National Summit on Discipleship, we are eager to move from a screen to a handshake. To stay close to the heart of the work, we will be based at the Centro Bautista—ready for whatever “good surprises” God has in store.
New Walls, Expanded Hearts: The Emmanuel Foundation
In the heart of Cochabamba’s red-light district, a light is growing brighter.
Watching God work through Goretty Jora to expand the Emmanuel Foundation’s ministry has been deeply inspiring. They are not just constructing a new facility; they are doubling their capacity to love and serve their community. For Janice, this ministry was where she got in involved, through teaching music. Now officially part of CBM, the Foundation is moving forward with renewed momentum. We are counting the days until we can stand within those new walls and witness the hope being built for vulnerable children in the area.
Bolivia and Beyond: The Power of Multiplication
Our roots are in Bolivia, but the mission has begun spreading across borders. What we are witnessing is encouraging: pastors are not only gathering—they are leading, multiplying, and dreaming about national transformation.
Guatemala: From Isolation to Unity
In Guatemala City—a metropolitan area of nearly five million—pastors often worked in isolation. Now they are discovering the strength of community.
On March 16 they will hold their fourth monthly gathering focused on discipleship and pastoral care. Attendance has grown from 25 to more than 35 pastors and spouses.
This is becoming more than a meeting—it is emerging as a model that could bless a denomination of 839 churches.
At the same time, we are laying the groundwork for a National Summit on Discipleship planned for November. It is a broad vision that will require courageous steps from local leaders. Please pray with us for the concrete next steps needed to make this possible.
El Salvador: A Chain Reaction of Leadership
In El Salvador, the challenge to “start your own group” has created a beautiful chain reaction:
- Pastor Oscar began a monthly gathering for pastors, which soon expanded to include leaders’ meetings and a new discipleship group for youth.
- Pastors Nelson and Arcadio recently invited me to greet their group of thirteen leaders.
- Pastors Orlando and Daniel are expanding into denominational and inter-denominational training in new regions of the country.
I am currently “maxed out” at five weekly groups, but the ministry continues to grow because these leaders are stepping forward and taking ownership.
The Next Frontier: The U.S. and Canada
Our “impossible goal” is now turning toward home.
There are more than 64 million Latinos in the United States and over half a million in Canada. Yet in Canada, I am not aware of any network that intentionally connects Latino evangelicals across the country. In many ways, we are starting at ground zero. While the U.S. has potential sponsors in Dallas and Denver, there are still hurdles—travel fears, limited networks, and logistical challenges. But we serve the God of the impossible. I am expectant for what God will do as we pursue a vision for National Summits on Discipleship in both the U.S. and Canada.
The Joy of Partnership: Canada
Our journey of anticipation will also take us to Moose Jaw this summer. We are especially excited to visit First Baptist Church Moose Jaw on August 9 and share firsthand how their partnership is impacting lives internationally.
Beyond Moose Jaw, we look forward to the “divine appointments” that often happen along the road as we reconnect with supporters.
We remain deeply grateful for CBM—an organization that continues to respond to global challenges with creativity, compassion, and faith.
Prayer Requests
- Our Bolivia Trip (April 17 – May 12)
- Ministry opportunities
- Deepening relationships with pastors and leaders
- Health, energy, and safety in travel
- Pastoring of Pastors Groups
- Continued growth in Guatemala and El Salvador
- Grace and perseverance for pastors in Cuba facing shortages of food, fuel, electricity, and members who have emigrated.
- That hope would remain strong.
- National Summits on Discipleship
- Bolivia (planned)
- Guatemala (developing)
- The United States and Canada (vision stage)
- Ministry in Canada
- Upcoming church visits—including Moose Jaw
- Ongoing CBM responsibilities (LA Team and Theology Working Group)
One More Prayer
Pray for peace.
It may sound like a large and impossible prayer, but it touches so many of the people we know and love. We have friends and ministry partners in Lebanon, Venezuela, Ecuador, Cuba, and Europe—for whom even a brief moment of peace would be a gift. May God grant it.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Bill & Janice
