Emerald Coast Initiative
Base Ministry is partnering with Emerald Coast Seminary in Veracruz, Mexico, to train local seminarians in October 2025 in both practical skills (carpentry) and leadership skills that can both impact their long-term ministry. This will be done alongside Dr. Tom Basile, a long-time missionary partner, and Base Mexico.
“Los Totonacos” Need Training
With over 150 Bible churches in the Totonac region of Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico, we can see the lasting impact of the work of those faithful missionaries who first brought the gospel to the area decades ago. However, though many churches have been planted, there is a dearth of theological and ministerial training amongst the people. The request from the leaders of the church is for more trained workers.
Training BAM for Generational Effect
For the past seventeen years, Mike Contreras and Tom Basile have been ministry partners when both were building the BAM Center in Puebla, Mexico, as field missionaries. Having known each other for over 35 years, a mutual vision to see global missions develop from local area business ventures has resulted in thousands of people being reached for Jesus and hundreds of global churches being impacted for gospel training needs. By training these young students in BAM, the vision is that after seminary, the students will be able to sustain their livelihood through BAM while ministering among the villages.
A Multiplicity of Impact
This project will accomplish multiple goals.
Create synergy for future impact between Base Ministry and Emerald Coast Seminary, and have a large area impact on the indigenous peoples of Mexico.
Better-trained indigenous leaders who can impact their communities.
It will also create a location where the seminary can regularly equip these leaders in BAM to help fund ministry and future training.
Finally, each student will be engaged in making the very bunk beds on which they will sleep in their respective dorm rooms - creating ownership!
What Can I Do?
Pray:
For the US-based training team of Mike, Brian, and Luke as they prayerfully raise personal travel funds.
For field funds so the project can be supported well.
Please also pray for those who are traveling down as “vision donors.”
For the Mexican leaders who will join us in this critical convergence BAM initiative.
For the potential leader training connections between ECS and Base Mexico
For Base Mexico Director, Jonathan Peralta, as he gives leadership to those coming from Michoacan.
For travel mercies and field safety during the 10 days of hard work.
Pray for those in the Totonac people group to grasp the incredible potential of training hundreds of leaders to effectively share their faith in Jesus through this connection with Base Mexico.
Give:
After inputting your payment information on the following page, write ECS 2025 in the comments box.
Note that any excess funds given for this project will be used for similar international ministry opportunities in the future.