In the heart of Acapulco, a city marked by violence and vulnerability, Pastor Fernando (28) and his wife Manoa are living out a calling to bring healing, hope, and restoration through their ministry with OMS’ Satura Mexico.
Married just eight months ago, Fernando and Manoa moved to Acapulco early in 2025 after completing Satura’s training in Mexico City. Both formerly with YWAM, they had prayed for clarity on where to serve full-time. God led them to invest in the local church—though not officially pastors, they’ve stepped into pastoral roles in a spiritually dormant congregation.
God gave them a word for their marriage: “Through your story, I will restore many lives.” That promise is already unfolding.
Manoa, a trained psychologist, is a survivor of human trafficking. Her escape from that life—fleeing from the north of Mexico and bravely breaking free—has become a powerful testimony. Despite warnings that no one would marry her if she shared her past, Fernando embraced her story, believing it would minister to many. And it has.
Today, Manoa leads outreach to women who have experienced similar trauma. The couple hosts fellowship activities to help these women experience God’s love in tangible ways—often leaving them wondering, “Why would anyone do this for us?”
Reaching the Next Generation
Fernando and Manoa also feel called to reach youth, many of whom are drawn to the narco culture. God impressed on them to start with the youth in their church, believing they will influence their peers. Their most recent youth event drew 80 attendees, and the community continues to seek them out for more.
Fernando, who once battled addiction to crystal meth and spent five years working in men’s rehab centers, is now praying for open doors to minister in more centers—some of which are run by cartels.
Their ministry is deeply rooted in their neighborhood. In June, they hosted an EvangeCube training as part of Satura’s “300 Bibles in 300 Homes” initiative. Though their church is spiritually asleep, they’re seeing signs of awakening. One woman, who has attended for just two weeks, is now joining prayer sessions and seeking baptism. She hopes to reach her son, who struggles with addiction.
God continues to open unexpected doors. One of the local drug dealers’ wives has started attending church. Fernando feels called to speak directly to the dealer himself—a bold step in a community where armed individuals and cartel encampments are not uncommon. A recent shootout nearby reminded them of the danger, but Fernando says:
“The enemy tries to bring fear, but God keeps encouraging us.”
The Role of Satura Mexico
Fernando and Manoa describe Satura Mexico as their greatest blessing. Though they cannot enter every dangerous area, Satura’s support enables them to go where others cannot. Their integrity and stewardship—hallmarks of their YWAM background—ensure that every resource is used wisely and reported transparently.
Ricardo, the Satura Mexico leader, affirms that volunteers like Fernando and Manoa undergo a careful vetting process to ensure alignment with the vision and values. Their story is a powerful example of how Satura funds are being used to reach the unreached, restore the brokenhearted, and disciple the next generation.
