06/23/2026
I know this Facebook is about missionaries. Some are called "Taskforce" volunteers. But they are missionaries in every sense of the word. I want to include one more...
Leopoldo (Polo) Mendez was more than a brother-in-law. We ministered together through some of the most memorable and challenging years of my ministry in Texas. At his funeral, many spoke about how he served the community, friends, and family with a servant's heart. But I also wanted to mention something else about him that was very dear to him, and that had a profound impact on all of us. His amazing ability to lead a congregation in worship inspired many to become worship leaders. I was one of them. In 1986, I was leading a singles ministry. No one knew how to play an instrument. I asked Polo to teach me a few chords. Six months later, as he led us in worship, he suddenly called me out of the congregation and asked me to pick up the guitar and join him. For the next 13 years, I played the guitar and ministered from the pulpit alongside him. It's been 40 years, and I can point to that day when he called me to join him. Since then, the guitar has become part of my ministry as a worship leader and pastor. I owe so much to this servant of God... and I pray I will honor his name by continuing to serve the Lord with the love and passion that he taught us to live by. See you again soon, my brother.
