In 1991, the first missionaries arrived in Cofradía through YWAM (Youth With A Mission) for their DTS (Discipleship Training School). Within a few months, the began to establish the ministry location with a Medical Doctor and leading bible studies for those who would listen. Some things changed in 1994 and the ministry evolved from a Humanitarian Evangelistic Outreach to a focus of Planting a local Church. That vision continued into what we recognized during this anniversary celebration.
In 2006, we broke ground to begin construction of a church building that the locals could call theirs. February 27, 2011, we inaugurated the new building; 15 years ago. As we celebrated God's faithfulness over the past 15 years in this location, we also recognized some of those who invested their time and resources as missionaries; long-term and short-term. While not everyone was able to attend, we had a few share a greeting by video which was very special to everyone.
There have been so many missionaries come through on Short-term mission trips throughout the years. I would have no idea how to count how many teams or individuals who dedicated time to the locals, made relationships, played with the kids, prayed with people, participated in "light construction", and went home with a powerful memory the Lord planted in their hearts. Some even returned as long-term staff members.
While we mentioned by name a number of those who spent time here, we specifically focused on three couples:
- Tom and Linnea Hackett - if it was not for Tom's obedience to the call of the Lord on his life, none of this would be happening. He started as the Director of the YWAM ministry, was the founder of the ministry in Cofradia, and has pioneered many other projects in his life. We are very grateful for Tom and Linnea.
- Dave and Kathy Elias - through their dedication and faithfulness, a lot of what we have experienced in Cofradia is due to their obedience to the Lord as well. They were the Directors of this ministry location up until 2011 when the church building was finished. Dave is an amazing mechanic and did a phenomenal job with heading up the construction of the new building as well as so many structures at the Mission Base and the Houses and projects we've built for the locals. Kathy is a mastermind with the children's ministry and organization skills. Her expertise in those areas have been missed.
- Jay and Faith TenBrink - they spent a number of years evangelizing and discipleing new believers in the Indigenous Village of Mojocuautla and played a major role in the Arrayanes church. They even spent a while up in the Sierra Madre Mountains living among the Korah Indians, learning their language and teaching them about what the Bible says about Christ.
This was a grand celebration. Since 2011, we have been focusing on Raising Up Leaders in Rural Mexico and have developed a number of healthy relationships with local pastors in the area. Some of those pastors have asked to join our ministry in order to be part of what we're doing and have a loving community in which to belong.
At the end of the service, we had all the Lead Pastors of the Cofradía United churches come up and share a quick word before we had everyone pray over them. It was a beautiful picture of the unity in the body. We are not in competition, we don't compare each other's work, we just "...receive one another as Christ also received us..." (Romans 15:7)
We thank everyone who has participated in this ministry whether it was a long-term commitment, short-term mission team, special visits, finances, prayers, and the list can go on.
We look forward to the next many years of God's faithfulness manifest in the lives of the people of Cofradía United and in whatever part of the world they encounter themselves in.
Here are a few videos of the event (the first two are a slide-show like presentation of photos)...
This final video shows the beginning years of the ministry in Cofradía until the inauguration of the new building in 2011.
- In 1991, the first groups of YWAM Mazatlán arrived in Cofradia.
- On April 12, 1992, the town officials donated a piece of land that nos is the Mission Base.
- In February of 2006, we broke ground for the construction of a large building for the local brothers and sisters could have their own place to worship the Lord.
- On February 27, 2011, we inaugurated the new building and we began to experience God's faithfulness there.
- On March 8, 2026, we celebrated 15 years in the new building and 35 years of ministry presence in Cofradía.
Online Donations:
Click on the "Donate Here" button and you will be taken to a form to fill out.
Please indicate any specific designations where it says "add a note" under the amount .
Check by Mail:
Make checks payable to "Cofradia United USA"
and be sure to indicate your designation.
Cofradia United USA
PO Box 91
Tracyton, WA 98393
