From pastoring one church to strengthening many.

For nearly two decades, Rubén and Abigaíl Cervantes pastored a church in Indiana while remaining deeply involved in missions. Over time, they sensed that their next season would not be retirement from ministry, but a transition into serving pastors and churches in places where faithful leaders often carry the work with very little support. They spent five years intentionally preparing the next leader of their congregation so they could step away responsibly and devote more of their lives to ministry in Mexico.

During those years, one experience brought the need into sharp focus. While returning from a gathering with pastors in rural Mexico, Rubén and Abigaíl were traveling with local ministry leaders when they were intercepted by cartel members on a remote road. They witnessed firsthand the intimidation and vulnerability that pastors in those communities can face simply because they continue serving where others have left.

But the lasting impression was not the danger. It was the faithfulness of the people already there.

They met pastors traveling long distances without dependable transportation, leaders serving congregations that could not provide a salary, students pursuing biblical training they could barely afford, and churches gathering in buildings without adequate electricity, ventilation, windows, or basic ministry equipment. These were not people waiting for someone else to bring them the mission of God. They were already carrying it.

So Rubén and Abigaíl began helping where they could. They provided mentoring and preaching support. They helped with transportation and fuel. They supported theological education. They contributed toward roofs, windows, doors, electricity, ventilation, sound equipment, housing, and other practical needs that allowed pastors and congregations to keep moving forward.

Over time, a pattern became clear: the greatest opportunity was not simply to meet immediate needs, but to strengthen faithful leaders for the long term. Their experience had already shown them that outside support should not last forever. Some ministries they had previously helped eventually became strong enough to continue without their assistance. That became an important conviction for SIEMBRA: invest deeply, build strength, encourage local sustainability, and then make room to strengthen others.

That is why SIEMBRA exists.

SIEMBRA comes alongside pastors, missionaries, emerging leaders, and local churches in overlooked communities—helping provide the formation, resources, relationships, and support needed for durable ministry.

We are not trying to replace the people already serving.

We want to strengthen them.

Because when faithful leaders endure, churches grow stronger. When churches grow stronger, communities are served. And when one generation of workers is strengthened, they can help raise and support the next.

The mission is already there. Our work is to strengthen the people carrying it.

Strengthen the worker. Sustain the harvest.

“Llegarán días en que no habrán terminado de cosechar, cuando ya estarán sembrando.”
Amós 9:13