Empowered with Global Vision

By David Puerto, interviewed by Carissa Potter

David lives in Guatemala with his wife and two young children. He recently participated in a Parenting with a Global Vision small group study. His biggest takeaway? “Never underestimate what God can do through your children in His global mission.” Find out how the study has inspired, challenged, and changed him as a parent.

Before participating in Parenting with a Global Vision (PGV), I had a reduced understanding of my job as a father. Though we were praying for different countries as a family, I did not trust that God wanted to use my little children for big things. Now I understand more clearly that God has given me the responsibility to disciple my children, not with my wisdom and resources, but with His authority. He accompanies me in this task every day. I have more patience than I have ever had, and trust what God is doing in the little lives of my children.

The study has been a huge blessing to me and my family. I loved the biblical strength of the material. Everything was based on the Bible and that encouraged me to be empowered as a parent with a global vision. Embracing these truths has driven me to be consistent and persistent in teaching my 4- and 2-year-old. It has filled me with excitement to reinforce what we were already doing and to do new things in the right direction

Something significant in the lessons were spaces where we could insert our family’s name. It was eye-opening for us to feel part of the great history of God blessing the nations: God– Abraham’s family– Puerto family– the nations. I used to think very little could be done by our family, but now I think a lot can be done. It has been very encouraging to think that my children have enormous potential to be used by God, in ways bigger than I can ever imagine. And much more with lives consecrated to God from a very young age.

Since the study, I have been attentive to ways I can teach my children the truths of God and connect those truths to the great story of God and His mission. I want to be consistent and  intentional in daily devotions and prayer times for the world, especially for those who have never heard the gospel. We plan to adopt an ethnic group to be praying for as a family. 

PGV also helped me recognize opportunities to mobilize other families we know. We invited Christian friends and their young children to pray with us. They have not been exposed to PGV concepts. Their oldest son became interested in the various maps in our house and asked, “Why do you have so many maps?” I took the opportunity to share that we long to see all the nations worshiping Christ our Savior and that the maps are a good reminder of that.

The PGV study is a tool that will enhance your parenting. The time and effort you invest in participating in this study will yield a blessed harvest in the lives of your children and the future generation. Some concepts will be remembered, others will be affirmed, and several more will be a new challenge for your family. I encourage you to approach this study with an open heart and a willingness to learn.

Have you gone through Parenting with a Global Vision?