Sending Church: Martinsville Baptist Temple Martinsville, IN

Field: Peru

When David and Hannah had been dating a few years, David had the opportunity to travel to Peru on a mission trip with a group from his church. Their church had supported the Stilwells for many years, and the group had the opportunity to visit them. As David saw the needs there in Peru, it became apparent to him that God had gifted Hannah and him to meet those needs. He began praying that direction. When he returned home, he approached Hannah with, “Hey, if God sends me to South America, would you come with me?”

When David was growing up, his mother taught music in the Christian school. She had impressed on him that surrendering to serve God in ministry is not tied to a place. Saying, “Lord, I’ll do what you want me to,” includes the “wherever.” That was his prayer. He studied church music in college and prepared for full-time ministry in music.

Hannah’s parents were also Christian school teachers. The year after she was born, they established a Christian camp. Hannah was involved in various ministries throughout her childhood and teens, and at the camp she served wherever needed from bookkeeping to camp cook to counselor. In college she majored in Cross-Cultural Studies.

It was during their college years that David came back from Peru and asked his question: “Would you come with me?” Hannah thought about it for a few minutes and said, “Well, I think so.” They began praying about it. “I think so” became a “yes.” They were married, and in 2022, spent two weeks in Peru with a group from their church, constructing a church building in the jungle. This trip confirmed their desire to serve the Lord together in Peru. This past July, David and Hannah returned from a five-month survey trip where they served in a variety of ministries. God showed them how He had prepared them for Peru. The missionaries there have an active camp ministry about an hour south of Trujillo. Currently, the pastors are sharing the responsibility for directing the camp. With David’s experience as a camp director for five years and Hannah’s work at her parents’ camp, they can take over the directorship and help the camp reach its full potential. David will also help restart the music program at the seminary in Trujillo. While in Peru, Hannah was able to play her clarinet in the church orchestra, be involved in ladies’ ministries, and teach Sunday school. The two of them were also able to help with kids’ programs and music ministries in some of the sister churches.

David’s grandfather was from Puerto Rico. He pastored a bilingual church in New Jersey for 30 years, preaching in both Spanish and English. Hannah’s parents have continued to lead the Bible camp for 30 years. David and Hannah feel very blessed to be carrying on their families’ legacies as they take the gospel to Peru.