Bringing holistic care and the hope of Christ to Oaxaca’s remote mountain villages.
In the remote mountains of Oaxaca, there are indigenous Zapotec villages without a strong community of local believers. These villages are often deeply impacted by a blend of Catholic tradition and animistic beliefs, creating a complex spiritual landscape that has remained closed to outside influence for generations.
Often there is no high school in a village, so children must leave their homes and families to continue their education after middle school, leading many to drop out instead. Many young people eventually leave home in search of work, while those who remain face limited economic opportunities, widespread alcoholism (impacting up to 80% of the community), and rising drug addiction. The need for gospel-centered support, discipleship, and hope is urgent.
Our “To All Children” program (Yuu’ge bido’ in Zapotec) partners with a small but faithful church in the community to serve indigenous and historically unreached people groups. Among them are the Zapotecs, many of whom have had little exposure to the gospel. Our partners have been serving this people group since about 2005, building trusted relationships and demonstrating the love of Christ through consistent presence and care.
Through a combination of feeding and discipleship programs, educational support, and medical and dental care, our program is helping to strengthen the local Christian community and walking alongside families to bring hope and transformation to these mountain villages.
Declaring and demonstrating the good news of Jesus Christ has always been – and will always be – at the heart of everything we do. Our program leaders have been missionaries for over 20 years and integrate discipleship into every aspect of the program.
Children are the seeds of the future. When we invest in them, they grow into agents of change in their families and communities. Our program meets the individual needs of each child and extends outward to their whole environment.
Our program is holistic, caring for the whole child – their mind, body and spirit. We provide regular meals to children, educational support, dental and medical care, discipleship, and a caring community.
Esaú and Ale, natives to Oaxaca, are Christian missionaries with a heart for the next generation. We work closely with them to ensure strong relationships, cultural understanding, and wise stewardship.
Esaú and Ale have served as missionaries in Oaxaca, Mexico since 1991. Their ministry centers on reaching Unreached People Groups, with a strong emphasis on discipleship and the training of indigenous Church leaders. They are passionate about sharing God’s love with these communities through Mercy Ministries and Community Development. Esaú and Ale are proud parents of two children and grandparents to a grandson.
What drew you to the mission of Forward Edge?
We were first introduced to Forward Edge through Tom and Wendy Hogan. The relationship grew and Ale worked as a translator and a Field Coordinator for Forward Edge’s Trigo y Miel Program in Oaxaca for 5 years.
We were drawn to Forward Edge because of its heartfelt commitment to sharing the gospel—not just through words, but through tangible acts of mercy and service. It's a calling that deeply resonates with us.
If you could have dinner with any person in history (excluding Jesus) who would it be and why?
Esaú would like to have dinner with John the Baptist and ask him about the time when he baptized Jesus.
Ale would like to have dinner with the shepherds to whom the Angel announced Jesus´ birth and get their recollection of events that night.
What is something about you others are often surprised to learn?
Some people are surprised to learn that we are an interethnic couple in Mexico, since Esaú is Zapotec (an indigenous people of Mexico). But for us, it’s simple—we’re proud of our roots and even prouder of the love we share.
Your gift enables our program to deliver life-changing resources, offer lasting hope, and equip children to discover their God-given purpose. Monthly giving provides steady support, but every act of generosity makes a difference.
$25 can provide a medical check-up for 14 children.
14 years old (01-22-2011)
Female
To All Children Program, Mexico
17 years old (08-29-2007)
Male
To All Children Program, Mexico
11 years old (06-05-2014)
Male
To All Children Program, Mexico
16 years old (05-13-2009)
Male
To All Children Program, Mexico
5 years old (02-28-2020)
Male
To All Children Program, Mexico
5 years old (07-21-2019)
Male
To All Children Program, Mexico
As a child sponsor, you’ll provide essentials like nutritious meals, safe drinking water, education, healthcare, and spiritual guidance. Beyond meeting these critical needs, you’ll also build a priceless relationship that helps a child discover their true worth and God-given potential.
Teams of 10 or more are invited to go on a 7-night mission trip to our program. You will be the hands and feet of Jesus as you serve children and their families, build relationships, and grow in faith.
Partnering your church or school with our program in Mexico creates a meaningful, long-term, and holistic impact for all parties involved. Could your church or school be part of what God is doing here?
