At The Woodlands Methodist Church, we often speak of "table theology" — that the Gospel invites us not only to believe, but to sit down together. To listen, to learn, to share bread and stories, and to abide with one another in Christ. Mesa Global embodies that invitation. It's not just a theological education ministry. It's a community of presence, rooted in deep, mutual relationship. It's a family.

Our partnership with Mesa has reframed how I think about missions. For years, I never equated theological education with missional engagement. But the more I've witnessed the Mesa model — the more I've met pastors and students being equipped in their own context, culture, and language — the more Ive realized this is one of the most powerful forms of mission the local church can offer. Mesa equips leaders who are already embedded in their communities, already embodying Christ's love in places most of us will never go. Our local church gets to be part of that — to be a prayerful presence, a generous base, a sending support.

And that table? It's real. I'll never forget sipping coffee and swapping dog stories with Taras in Ukraine. Sitting with Helga and feeling our hearts knit together in just a few hours. Talking about polycentric mission and the future of the global church with Elie. Learning
from Manfred's practical wisdom and steady pastoralheart. These were not transactional moments. These were table moments— kingdom moments— rooted in friendship, not function.

Mesa has fueled our ministry with imagination, theological depth, and global perspective. But even more than that, Mesa has reminded us what it means to be the church — across continents and cultures, across languages and liturgies. We are learning, growing, and witnessing together. We are abiding together. And that, to me, is the most beautiful kind of mission
work there is.

The Bible instructs us that one area of giving is to support ministries and local
churches that promote the preaching of the Gospel and to build up our local communities as servants of Jesus Christ.

The beauty of Mesa Global, first introduced to me by my dear friend El Ahlwardt during a Kingdom Advisor study group years ago, is that the ministry provides training and theological education to local leaders overseas to grow local churches to serve their flocks, and promote the Gospel. It is important to not only present the gospel, but to help believers mature in their faith.

I am inspired by the servant leaders at Mesa Global who are on the front lines to grow the worldwide church.

It is a privilege and joy to serve Mesa Global. There are three legs at Mesa Global. The first are the servant leaders on the ground worldwide who teach, administer, lead, and promote the worldwide church. The second is the staff that maintains the organization and helps the ministry run efficiently. The third is me, a joyful giver who helps provide the funding needs to support operations.

Mesa Global is not privileged to have me as a donor—1 am privileged to be able to support this wonderful ministry as a third leg. What a joy to be part of what makes Mesa Global effective around the world.