By Joe Maschhoff
In a deeply unifying and historic moment, I had the privilege of witnessing and participating in what I believe will be considered a watershed moment for the Latin America Navigators (the “LAN” region).
This wasn’t just another conference; it was a first-of-its-kind powerful convergence of 150 highly motivated young Navigator laborers and 40-50 seasoned mentors, many of whom have been laboring in the Kingdom for over 30 years. The blessing extended beyond the event itself to the relationships forged and the unity displayed, as the next generation of Latin American Navigators took another step forward into our Navigator Calling.
Unity Across Generations and Borders
Representatives from multiple Latin American countries came together, each bringing their unique cultural and regional perspectives. What stood out to me was the incredible sense of togetherness and shared purpose. The young Navigators, roughly aged 18-30, were not just participants; they were seen, heard, invested in, and deeply valued by their mentors.
It was a team effort to get these young people there. Navigators from various cities raised funds and gave in order to send young laborers from their cities as ambassadors. This wasn't just about collecting donations; it was about communities of laborers investing in the next generation, empowering them to represent their cities on a broader scale and to see how they are part of something much broader than only their cities.
The energy was palpable: many of the young people were students, but most were young professionals; all were Conventional Income People (CIPs), balancing full-time jobs or studies while passionately dedicating their free time to ministry. This event showcased the Navigator Calling in a distinctly Latin context, where activities, schedules, and relationships were infused with the region's communal, high-touch and high-energy culture.
Christ: The Anchor for the Next Generation
For many, this was a time to dream about the nations, to envision the Gospel moving through their networks of friends, families, and communities. I experienced this firsthand as I watched God work in my daughter Noelle, who attended the conference with me.
The theme of the gathering, “Ánkura,” the Greek word for anchor, resonated deeply. Christ, as the anchor, was the central focus, grounding the young Navigators in faith, mission, and life. After our trip, Noelle (16 years old) shared, “Through our time in Panama, God showed me what it means to be anchored in Him. No matter what storms life brings, He is sure and will never leave me.”
A Region of Hope and Vision
The conference, conducted entirely in Spanish and Portuguese, was a testament to the rich diversity and growing strength of the Navigator movement in Latin America. I was deeply moved by the authenticity and passion of these young leaders. They embodied the Navigator Calling in a uniquely Latin way.
As Hebrews 6:19 reminds us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” The next generation of Navigators in LAN is anchored in Christ, ready to advance His Gospel with faith, fruitfulness, and a commitment that encourages and challenges the generations before them.
The LAN gathering was more than just an event; it was the launch of a new era of ministry in Latin America. My hope and prayer moving forward is that these young Navigators will carry a healthy sense of identity and ownership in the work, bringing the energy and vision they experienced into their everyday lives.
Please pause and pray for the LAN region: that God might establish this new generation of laborers; that they might advance the Gospel INTO their nations and TO other nations in ways we have prayed for. May they surpass us all!
