Lydia’s story

In 2010, Lydia Whitelam was a single young woman teaching her fourth year of Spanish in a public school. In a conversation with one of her pastors, she mentioned her interest in serving the Lord in a greater way. He thought for a moment, then grabbed the phone and called BMM: “I have a girl here who is fluent in Spanish and needs a place to serve this summer!” That bold conversation threw Lydia head first into the waters of missions, but she loved the five-week trip to Peru that BMM arranged for her.

That fall, as she started her fifth year of teaching, Lydia felt dissatisfied with the job she formerly loved. Her pastor gave words of wisdom: “If God called you to continue teaching, He would give you a heart for it. If your heart’s not there, maybe this opportunity in Peru is a good idea.” Quitting her job, Lydia began serving short-term in Peru, a fulfilling experience that led her to join BMM full-time in 2013.

Marco’s journey

During those years, Marco Garibaldi was busy studying software engineering in his hometown of Lima, Peru. When an opportunity opened to teach Spanish to new missionaries, Marco gladly signed on. The job was a great fit. Marco loved grammar, and the job provided income for college. In his home church, Marco had always sought opportunities to serve, including youth ministry and music. Teaching at the Spanish school was a yet another way he could contribute to God’s work.

Marco’s job led to even more ministry opportunities. After meeting missionaries Bob and Becky Bass (then serving with BMM), he took several short-term trips to serve alongside them in Peru’s jungle. Bob was instrumental in introducing Marco to Lydia, who had recently moved to Lima. The funny thing was … neither Marco nor Lydia wanted anything to do with each other! Bob resorted to giving Marco money to get him to ask for Lydia’s phone number. Thankfully, Bob saw potential that Marco and Lydia didn’t yet see. Marco and Lydia’s friendship slowly grew into dating, and in 2019 they were married.

What’s next, Lord?

Marco and Lydia had some decisions to make. How could they combine their skills in software engineering and Spanish language? Several ministry opportunities didn’t work out; they needed only Marco’s abilities or just Lydia’s skills. When they learned about Editorial Bautista Independiente (EBI—BMM’s Spanish publications ministry), it was finally a place where they both could be used. EBI Director Bruce Burkholder told them he was seeking someone skilled in IT who could also manage EBI’s warehouse and shipping. Lydia’s skills in translation would be invaluable in adding new books to EBI’s offerings.

The only challenge was that it would require the Garibaldis to move to the US to serve at EBI’s Sebring, Florida offices. Marco had never anticipated leaving his home country, and he was faced with the challenge every North American missionary faces overseas: having to learn a new language (English, in Marco’s case).

Yet God was abundantly good to them (just as He promises!) and eased the transition process. Marco joined BMM in 2020, a very difficult year to raise support with churches shut down during the pandemic. It would have been easy for Marco and Lydia to get discouraged, but God’s caring presence was obvious. It took Marco time to learn English, but churches were very understanding. At every step, the Lord sent encouragement through people, Scripture verses, and all the financial gifts they needed. “God won’t send us to a place where he won’t be at Himself,” says Marco.

Created for good works

People may be surprised that neither Marco nor Lydia have Bible college degrees. What they did have was a solid knowledge of the Bible, and God has used that effectively. Lydia looks back on her years as a Spanish teacher: “Yes, I could have stayed teaching Spanish; it was a good use of my training. But I had to ask myself, ‘Is this the best use of the skillsGod gave me?’”

For Marco and Lydia, finding God’s “best use” came from taking small steps like serving in their churches and taking short-term mission trips. “You have to look for opportunities,” says Marco. “Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are created for good works, but we must pursue them.” Lydia adds, “You have to get out and look. God can use you, but remember that a docked boat never reaches its destination.”

Are you like Marco and Lydia—wondering if God can use your skills and interests in a greater way? We can work with you to find service opportunities that match your abilities and interests. Explore our Opportunities page or contact Travis Gravley at tgravley@bmm.org