Update on the Peñas

We want to share an important update regarding Joaquin and Megan Peña and their family.

As many of you know, the Peñas recently moved to the Dominican Republic with plans to plant a church. What an honor it was — and is! — to be their sending church! Shortly after arriving, though, Joaquin became ill and learned that he had contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite that occurred while they were still in Iowa.

The family has now returned to Iowa, and we are grateful that Joaquin is improving. However, because of the ongoing medical issues related to his illness, they have made the difficult but wise decision to pause their church-planting plans for the next year. As their sending church, we agree with their decision, and are doing our best to rally around them in this time when the door suddenly closed for reasons outside of their control.

While this is not the path they expected, we are reminded in Acts 16 that even the apostle Paul saw his plans redirected as he sought to follow the Lord’s leading. A change in plans does not mean a change in God’s purposes. Should the future include planting in the DR, First Family Church remains committed to being their sending church and supporting them in that work. If it doesn't, we know that He is guiding the Peñas, caring for their family, and preparing the way forward.

In the meantime, you will begin seeing Joaquin, Megan, and their family around FFC again. Please welcome them warmly and encourage them during this season.

Most importantly, please pray for Joaquin’s continued healing, for wisdom and clarity concerning what comes next, and for strength and peace for the entire family.

We love the Peña family, and we are grateful that God’s faithfulness is not dependent upon our timelines. We trust Him with their next steps and look forward with hope to all He will do.