Who Inspires You?
We asked members of the 1MISSION team what – or who – inspires them in their work to put more families in houses. Here’s what they had to say.
Nate Hughes – VP of Partnerships
I’m not sure I have someone specific, but for me it is all about the families on the field. Every time I’m down in Mexico I find myself reinvigorated to do my job. They are working hard in their communities and it motivates me to work hard in my community to raise up money and partners to help these families get in homes. Most recently it was the families that served alongside my team as we built a house. Every time I get to sign a house recipient’s “hours worked” form, it brings tears to my eyes.
Image: Nate Hughes dedicating a new house with his two young boys in Puerto Peñasco.
Ana González – Project Liasion
I get inspired by Fatima (from Nicaragua), Margarita (from El Salvador), Emilia (from Miguel Alemán, Mexico). All of them are strong women who have touched my life, helping me to find my purpose. They work hard for their families and community. Also, all the kids that I have played with in the communities, they are my motivation for doing what I do.
“I may not be able to stop poverty around the world, but I’m sure I can make a difference during my time on earth.”
I also get inspired by Greg and Mirla. They are role models for a perfect couple who work together for the same passion. Their love and humility is pretty contagious. They don’t like the spotlight on them, but Jesus shines brightly through them.
Left Image: Ana (right) building alongside locals in Nicaragua. Right Image: There is no doubt Ana is the favorite among the kids in any community she visits.
Katie Jensen – Executive Administrator
I would say my sister, Brittany. I have always looked up to her and she’s always been a huge advocate and encourager to me. She’s the reason I got involved with 1MISSION in the first place! Seeing the courage and passion it took for her and Dustin to move down to Mexico straight out of college and fully trust that God was going to provide for them is still inspiring to me. And if you talk to any of the ladies down in Mexico that had the chance to meet Britt, it’s obvious that her time down there had a lasting impact on their lives.
Image: Katie (left) and her sister, Brittany, spending quality time with kids they met while building a house in Puerto Peñasco.
Greg Yochim – VP of International Operations
There isn’t one specific person who inspires me. Instead, over the years I’ve been inspired more by a type of person. That person is someone who has grown up being taught to believe certain preconceived notions of other people. And yet, they were willing to open themselves up, become vulnerable and challenge those preconceptions, even at great personal cost. I’ve met many such people and hesitate to pick one because I draw inspiration from all of them.
Images: Greg working, and taking a break, during a trip to build houses in Puerto Peñasco.
Erin Petersen – Events Coordinator
Both of my boys inspire me to do this work. It was the first trip that we took down to Puerto Peñasco with my oldest son that really lit the fire under me to get involved and to do more. Seeing the joy on my kids’ faces when they talk about what I do for a living inspires me each day to be the best version of myself and to continue to make an impact, not only on my kids’ lives, but the lives of the families that we help put into safe and secure homes. It’s a mother’s dream.
Merle Yochim – Trip Administrator
It is the collective “she” of the women of Puerto Peñasco who have fueled me, encouraged me, and inspired me to join them in their love for their families and for this community. From my very first interaction with these ladies I have been overwhelmed by their deep generosity, their protectiveness of their families, and for their drive to work harder and do more. They are able to look past their own limitations and find ways to help and support each other. I have seen them pool their resources to help each other with small things like school supplies for a child, to grand things like purchasing a land lot so a friend could receive a home. Of course, this is all while they are living day to day, struggling to meet their own needs. They have grasped opportunities to learn new skills, and have brought their children and husbands with them, striving to improve their lives, day by day, little by little.
Edric Gallegos – Finance Director
There isn’t one person specifically. What really inspires me in this work is the life transformation many of my fellow Sonorans experience through our community development program. It’s also important to mention everything Pedro and the rest of the field staff do to give poverty-stricken families and communities the opportunity to flourish.
Natalie Abeyta – Partnerships Team Associate
From parents and pastors to podcasts, I’ve had the privilege of having many different influencers in my life that have inspired and encouraged me to live a life devoted to helping people. The motto, “Love others the way God loves you” has helped cast that vision for my life. With that in mind, this kind of work comes naturally – I just have the opportunity to do it as a job.
Steve Doerksen – Church Partnerships Director
My biggest inspiration has been my dad who, as a general contractor, as a college VP, and as a church board member, has built many houses and buildings. Consequently, after years of fruitful work there are many structures I can point out to my sons and tell them, “Your grandpa built that.” Now, I don’t have my dad’s penchant for construction (I’m barely qualified to be a grunt helper on the 1MISSION house builds I’ve done with my church), but I’m inspired to work hard to plant churches, help build CHE campuses, and develop leaders in the barrio – all of which will outlive me, God willing.
Now it’s your turn.
Tell us where you draw your inspiration as you partner with us as campaigners, build trip participants, or donors. Use the hashtag #Why1MISSION on Instagram or Twitter and we’ll share some of our favorites.