EGM Welcomes Benjamin Calderon as the Director of EGM-Mexico
One of my favorite passages in the Scriptures is found in the Old Testament. It is the story when God instructs the prophet Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to become the new king of Israel. This is found in 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I truly believe that this verse describes what God has done in Mexico, when he called Benjamin to serve as the new Director for MCG-Mexico.
About 6 months ago, the MCG-Mexico started the search process for the new Director. They received 8 applications from very qualified men and women, after many prayers and waiting on God’s confirmation and His guidance, 4 candidates were invited for an interview. Among the reminding 4 candidates was Benjamin, a doctor in veterinary medicine. In the eyes on man, Benjamin seemed to be the least qualified for the position, but God had other plans.
During the interview, Benjamin explained how God was calling him to trust Him more and not to be afraid of anything He was asking him to do. He is 34 years old, a husband, a father to 4 children, and he works at the department of agriculture in the city government of Mexico City. Although, he has a stable job, his main desire is to serve God full-time; but being the bread-winner of his family, it is always being a challenge to take a step of faith and do this. He and his wife serve faithfully in the children’s ministry in their church and they lead of one of the church’s cell groups.
Benjamin was born in the state of Oaxaca and moved to Mexico City when he was a child. He grew up in the church and described how knowing God since he was a little kid, which helped him to become a better husband and father – but most importantly, a God-fearing man. That is why Benjamin believes it is so important to disciple children from their early years. This is the main reason Benjamin wants to serve with EGM to see children transformed in Christ through His Church.
Jesus called his disciples from the most odd backgrounds to follow Him and to serve Him to empower others to accomplish great things. We believe that in the same way, God has called Benjamin – a husband, a father, a veterinarian to the ministry of children in Mexico. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. We thank God for calling Benjamin to serve as the Director in Mexico, a man with a heart after God and the ministry among the children in Mexico.
By Oliver Cardenas, EGM-Latin America Coordinator