Who We Are
The Heart Behind
Agua Viva Ministries
Our mission is simple, but powerful: to reach Mexico for Christ.
Rooted in a deep commitment to proclaiming the Good News, equipping local leaders, and extending a hand to those in need, we collaborate closely with churches on both sides of the border to foster mutual growth and service.
Meet the
Team
Hans & Becky Marron
Executive Director
Gabriel & Mary Palacios
Facilities Directory & Director of Camps
Miguel Ramírez
Information Technology
Gerardo & Bertha Reynoso
Executive Chef & Sous Chef
Hilda Rentería
Director of Finance
Rafa & Marcia
Coffee Shop
Kearstin Gondek
Donor Relations Coordinator
Kevin Davis
Short Term Missions Director
Luis Crespo
Director of MIT
Chuy Gonzalez
Dean of MIT
Toño Luna
Grounds Keeper
Hans & Becky Marron
Executive Director
Hans encountered the Lord at an Agua Viva youth camp in 1999. He is passionate about reaching Mexico for Christ and training the next generation of leaders. He has a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and worked as an elementary school principal for 8 years before leaving that position to serve full-time at Agua Viva.
Hans holds the highest management position in the organization and is the leader of all ministry strategies and activities. He met his wife, Becky, at Agua Viva in 2007, married her in 2014, and has led youth camps since 2016. They have two daughters, Maddie and Emma, and live at Agua Viva.
When she was 6 years old, Becky visited Agua Viva on a short-term mission trip, joined full-time staff in 2006, and stepped down after the birth of their first daughter in 2015. Becky’s grandfather, Richard Heinrichs, got involved with Agua Viva in 1983, became good friends with founder Chuy Davalos, and was influential in first bringing American groups here. Her parents, Dave and Karen, led short-term mission trips for over 20 years, and Dave served on the board of directors from 2010 to 2017.
Becky will lead recruiting and training for the intern program, organize youth camps and special events, and oversee the English social media pages.
Gabriel & Mary Palacios
Facilities Director & Director of Camps
Gabriel first came to Agua Viva in search of stable work. He was invited to assist with the construction of the CECAM building, and from the moment he set foot on the grounds, he felt something stir in his heart. It was through his work and the relationships he built that he encountered God. Today, Gabriel oversees maintenance, leaving a lasting mark on this place through his dedicated efforts.
Mary, new in her faith, was offered a position working with Mexican groups after leaving her previous job. Now, she oversees that area, serving over 6,000 Mexican campers each year. Together, Gabriel and Mary form a team that views their roles at Agua Viva not just as jobs but as a service with eternal significance. Every day, they find joy in the work they do, knowing it contributes to something greater.
Miguel Ramirez
Information Technology
Nearly a decade ago, Miguel and Mayra arrived at Agua Viva as students of the CECAM seminary. What began as a period of spiritual and academic formation became an opportunity for service that has transformed not only their lives but also the lives of many others.
Miguel, with his passion for technology, took on the leadership of the technology department at Agua Viva. His work ensures that every aspect of the ministry runs smoothly, facilitating the mission of sharing God’s love with others.
But their service is not limited to the walls of Agua Viva. Miguel and Mayra run social ministries in the community of El Roble & they also pastor a church in TJ, they minister with dedication and love, bringing hope and the message of Christ to those who need it most.
Together, Miguel and Mayra are a reflection of commitment and passion for the Kingdom of God, demonstrating that serving is more than just a task; it is a way of life. Their story is a reminder of how God can use our skills and willing.
Gerardo & Bertha Reynoso
Executive Chef & Sous Chef
Gerardo and Bertha are a couple who exemplify how God can transform lives and guide them toward a greater purpose. Gerardo, once a local businessman, underwent a radical change after a profound encounter with God. This transformation led him to serve as an administrator in his local church, and today, he uses his skills and experience to manage the kitchen administration at Agua Viva. For Gerardo, this role is much more than just a job; it is an expression of his deep gratitude for the new life that God has given him.
Bertha’s journey to Agua Viva began unexpectedly when she brought children to a summer camp. The experience deeply impacted her—not just the place, but the mission and the heart behind the work being done there. This encounter sparked a desire in her to become a part of the ministry.
Today, Gerardo and Bertha serve with passion and dedication, knowing they are in the place where God wants them, helping to transform lives and reflecting the love of Christ in every task they undertake.
Hilda Rentería
Director of Finance
Hilda Rentería’s journey with Agua Viva began in her teenage years, participating in youth camps in the 1990s. Little did she know, those early experiences were just the beginning of a deeper calling that would shape her life.
As Hilda pursued her professional career, God opened doors she never anticipated, guiding her toward a path that was not only about academic growth but also about discovering her true purpose in ministry. Today, she serves as the Director of Finance at Agua Viva, dedicating her time, skills, and heart to advancing the Lord’s work.
Hilda is also a proud adoptive mother to her beautiful daughter, Alyssa. Known for her humility and unwavering faith, Hilda embodies God’s love in everything she does. Her story is a powerful testament to how answering God’s call can transform a life and bring hope to those around her.
Rafa Alcala & Marcia Cabral
Coffee Shop
Rafa and Marcia are a couple passionate about serving God with what He has placed in their hands. Both hold degrees in International Trade and Customs, and for several years they worked along the border. Later, God led them to start their own business, and in time, He also called them to become fully involved in ministry.
Rafa, a music enthusiast and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biblical Ministry, joyfully serves in the cafeteria, welcoming students and groups with dedication and warmth.
Marcia studied at CECAM in 2009 and is now completing a diploma in Bible and Theology. She is passionate about biblical counseling and lives with the goal of doing everything for the glory of God. At the ranch, she serves as a receptionist and also helps in the cafeteria, always striving to make everyone who arrives feel like family—reminding us that we are one body in Christ.
Kearstin Gondek
Donor Relations Coordinator
Kearstin Gondek’s journey with Agua Viva began when she first came to Mexico on a short-term mission trip with her church. During that trip, she not only served but also felt God’s clear calling to return. Soon after, she joined the summer staff, and it was in that season that the Lord placed a deeper call on her heart—to serve full-time in Mexico through Agua Viva Ministries.
For seven years, Kearstin faithfully served in the Short Term Missions department, helping connect teams from the United States and beyond with opportunities to share Christ’s love in Mexico. Her passion, creativity, and heart for people left a lasting impact on both visiting groups and the communities they served.
After getting married and moving back to the United States, Kearstin entered a new season as a wife and mother of two young children. Yet her love for Agua Viva never faded.
Today, she continues to serve remotely, focusing on donor relations and partnerships with American groups.
Her story is one of obedience, perseverance, and joy. Whether coordinating teams, building relationships, or caring for her family, Kearstin’s dedication to God’s Kingdom and to the mission of Agua Viva is evident in all she does.
Kevin Davis
Short Term Missions Director
Kevin Is a retired Fireman from The United states, after a 30 year career in the fire service Kevin found Christ as a 50 year old, soon afterwards Kevin was led by God to go and serve and make disciples as it tells us to do in the Bible. Kevin Traveled to Mexico 5 years ago and has never returned as God has been clear about serving the Mexican people.
Kevin came to Agua Viva as a volunteer in 2024 and then full time as a volunteer in January 2025. Kevin is here to serve and listen to the calling God has put in his life, it is about saying yes when God ask and being obedient. And God has been very clear to Kevin in bringing him here to Agua Viva.
God has said to Kevin he will provide for him and take care of him as he serves here at Agua Viva, feel free to ask him how God has led him here and his testimony if you ever meet him. Kevin says our stories are meant to be shared and used to honor what God can do to us at any age.
Luis Crespo
Director of Education
Luis Crespo brings 25 years of pastoral experience and a master’s degree in religious studies to his role at Agua Viva. Initially arriving in 2017 to substitute for a teacher and lead a class at CECAM, Luis quickly became an integral part of the team.
Today, as the Director of CECAM, Luis’s leadership has been instrumental in the significant growth of the seminary. His passion for biblical teaching and disciple-making shines through in his dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Luis’s deep love for God’s Word and commitment to the mission of making disciples make him a vital asset to Agua Viva. His role not only supports the education team but also strengthens the foundation of future leaders in the ministry.
Chuy Gonzalez
Dean of Education
In 2000, Chuy González was invited to speak at a youth camp at Agua Viva. At the time, he was living in Jerusalem, but that encounter sparked a lasting connection with the ministry. Years later, his deep passion for the Kingdom of God brought him back to Agua Viva, where he now serves as the Dean of the CECAM seminary.
Chuy views his role not merely as a job but as a mission: to shape future generations that embody God’s character in everything they do. Each day at Agua Viva is, for him, an opportunity to plant the seeds of God’s love and truth in the hearts of young people.
He considers his time at Agua Viva a true blessing, not just for the chance to teach but also for the unique environment that nurtures growth and giving. Chuy is committed to sharing the abundance of God’s love, making Agua Viva a place where what has been received is generously given to others.
Toño Luna
Grounds Keeper
Antonio Luna—affectionately known as Toño—is a retired member of the Mexican Navy who made a heartfelt promise to God to dedicate his life to ministry after finishing his military service. Though he initially forgot this vow, God did not.
In 2003, Toño fulfilled his promise by joining Agua Viva, where he now takes pride in maintaining the green areas and gardens in pristine condition. His work goes beyond planting flowers and trees; it embodies his deep commitment to Agua Viva’s vision of reaching Mexico for Christ.
Toño treasures his role, seeing Agua Viva as a sanctuary where God’s praise is a constant presence. His love for serving others and his dedication to the mission reflect his belief in the transformative power of faith and community.
AVM Board Directors
Veronica Coria
Daniel Dyk
Gerardo Espejel
Ineke Glavor
Greg Latimer
Tim Ludden
Daniel Martinez
Keem Schultz
Scott Wester
What We Belive
- We believe in the scripture of the Old and New Testaments as inspired by God, infallible, and of supreme and final authority in faith and life.
- We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary and is true God and true man.
- We believe that humankind was created in the image of God, but sinned and thereby incurred physical and spiritual death, which is separation from God; all human beings are born with a sinful nature.
- We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified by his blood.
- We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord Jesus Christ, in his ascension into Heaven, and in his life as high priest and advocate for us.
- We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God.
- We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting separation from God of the lost.
- We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return to the earth and establish His Kingdom.






