The Matos

March 2026

Responding to God’s Call to Renew All Things

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

Revelations 21:5 (NIV)

At the end of January I had the privilege of being part of something very encouraging here in the Dominican Republic, and I wanted to share a glimpse of it with you because you are part of the story.

EduDeo recently launched a two-year Regional Leadership Pathway for partners in Central America and the Caribbean. Twelve educational leaders from Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic gathered for several days to reflect on what it means to lead schools in the way of Christ.

From left to right: Mario Matos (EduDeo), Joel Allarcon (Nicaragua), Ruth Rodriguez (Guatemala), Alvaro Pott (Belize), Alex Orellana(Guatemala), Alejandra Maldonado (Guatemala), Ricardo Yan (Dominican Republic), Dalila Makhwani (Belize), Guillermo Yan (Dominican Republic), Ruth Rivera (Nicaragua), Aldair Pott (Belize), Wendy Ortiz (Dominican Republic), Nilda Navarrete (Nicaragua) and Mikayla Weinberger (EduDeo).

The theme of the workshop was Transformational Leadership: Responding to God’s Call to Renew All Things. Together we explored a simple but profound question: What does leadership look like when it reflects the character of Jesus?

We walked through God’s story—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—and considered how leadership in our schools participates in God’s work of renewal. Participants also reflected on the difference between transactional leadership (simply managing tasks) and transformational leadership (shaping people and communities toward flourishing).

One of the most meaningful parts of the week happened outside the meeting room. The group visited schools in the Sinergia network here in the Dominican Republic. They observed classrooms, spoke with teachers and students, and encouraged the school communities. In the evening we gathered to reflect on what we had seen and how it connected to the workshop conversations. Those visits made the learning very tangible.

What struck me most was how deeply the participants engaged. Many shared honestly about the challenges they face in their own contexts, but also about the hope they see in Christ-centered education.

One leader wrote in the evaluation:“This topic helped me to better describe my role with schools and develop a clearer vision of the kind of leader I want to be.”

Another participant said:“We always need to be reminded that our leadership is exercised in and with Christ.”

Nearly every participant rated the theme and content of the workshop as very strong, and many highlighted the rich dialogue that took place between leaders from different countries. Several also said they want even more time for those conversations in future gatherings.

The goal is not simply that these leaders learn something helpful. Each of them is a trainer of trainers. They will return to their organizations and equip other school leaders, multiplying the impact across their networks. Over the next months we will meet online to hear how they are implementing what they learned and to continue strengthening this regional community of leaders.

As I reflect on those days, I’m grateful. Grateful for leaders who want to shape schools around the way of Jesus. Grateful for the growing collaboration among countries in the region. And grateful for  your partnership and continued support, which makes this kind of work possible.

Thank you for walking with us.

Grace and peace,

Mario Luis Matos

International Partnership Director
EduDeo Ministries
Partner Missionary, Resonate Global Mission
mmatos@edudeo.com

Praise and Prayer

Praise: 

• For a memorable trip to Europe.Yolanda and I are very grateful for the opportunity we had to spend Christmas—and celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary—in Europe. We visited Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Although it was much colder than what we are used to, we truly enjoyed our first vacation trip outside the island. It was a special time of rest, gratitude, and celebration for us.

• For continued learning in my new ministry assignment.I can’t believe how quickly time has gone by—it has already been six months since I joined Edudeo Ministries. While I had known Edudeo for many years as a ministry partner, getting to know the organization from within has been a completely different experience. I am grateful for my colleagues’ generous guidance, as well as for the partners in 13 countries who have helped me understand their contexts, their challenges, and the wonderful ways God is at work in and through their ministries. What a privilege it is to be part of this work.

Prayer:

• For the leaders who attended the Leadership Conference.
  Please pray for the leaders who participated in the recent conference as they begin applying what they learned in their schools and organizations. Our hope is that this growing network of leaders will continue strengthening Christ-centered education throughout the region.

• For my upcoming trip to Colombia.

  From March 10–15, I will be traveling to Medellín, Colombia, to participate in the second Cathy and René Padilla Lectures on Wholistic Missions. This year’s theme is “Equipping for Prophetic Presence,” and I will be co-facilitating a session with Guillermo Yan and Alicia Navarrete on the topic “Seeing the City as God’s Playground.” Please pray that the Lord will use our time there to encourage and equip the leaders who will be gathering from different parts of the world.

• For Sinergia Leadership Foundation.Although I am no longer in the driver’s seat, I continue supporting Sinergia’s ministry as one of Edudeo’s partners. Guillermo, the new executive director, and I meet regularly for peer mentoring and prayer. He has been doing an excellent job leading the ministry. Please pray for God’s continued provision and for the long-term financial sustainability of this important work.