ERROL & MIGGIE MARTINEZ
As we look back on 20 years of marriage, our hearts are filled with gratitude and awe. If there is one word that captures our journey, it is discover. Not just discovering places or people, but discovering God’s love—alive and active—in our marriage, and discovering each other again and again through the years.
When we said “yes” to each other, we also unknowingly said “yes” to a life far beyond our own plans. God, in His goodness, chose to send us into mission—not by our own strength, but through the Couples for Christ community. It is within this community that our marriage was formed, stretched, healed, and continually renewed. Truly, it became God’s instrument to mold us—not only as missionaries, but as husband and wife.
Our journey has taken us from South Africa (2006–2016), to Latin America—Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (2017–2025), and now to Brazil (2025–present). Yet more than places, it has been a journey of the heart.
Discovering God in Our “Yes”
Mission life began as a simple response to God’s call. But we soon realized that this “yes” had to be renewed daily—especially in moments of uncertainty, fatigue, and sacrifice.
In those times, we discovered that God was not only calling us to serve others—He was calling us to love each other more deeply. Our mission became the place where God revealed His presence in our marriage.
South Africa (2006–2016): Trust, Surrender, and Faith in Suffering
South Africa was our foundation. As a young couple, we were full of zeal, yet aware of our limitations. It was here that God taught us to rely fully on Him—and on each other.
But it was also here that we experienced one of the most painful seasons of our lives. While in mission, Miggie lost her mother, and two years later, her sister. Being far from home in moments of deep grief was a heavy cross.
In that suffering, we discovered a deeper kind of love—quiet, enduring, and faithful. We learned how to grieve together, to sit in silence, and to hold on to God when words were no longer enough. There were no easy answers, but God was present—in our tears and in the grace that carried us each day.
We learned surrender—not only of our plans, but even of our pain. And we discovered that our marriage itself is a mission: a witness of love, faithfulness, and hope.
Latin America (2017–2025): Humility, Growth, and Unexpected Fruit
Our years in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru brought new challenges and new grace. One of the biggest struggles we faced was language. We arrived unable to speak Spanish fluently, and it limited how we could connect and serve.
There were moments of frustration and helplessness. But in those moments, God taught us humility—to listen more, to depend on Him, and to accept our limitations.
Slowly, through perseverance and grace, we began to grow. What once felt like a barrier became a bridge. After a few years, we were not only able to communicate—we were able to teach, accompany families, and even train new missionaries.
By God’s grace, those we helped form are now being sent to other countries. It humbled us deeply: the very area we struggled with became a place where God bore fruit.
We also discovered joy in the faith of the families we served. Their simplicity, resilience, and love challenged us and inspired us. In this season, we grew in compassion—not only for others, but for each other.
Brazil (2025–Present): A New Language, A Renewed Heart
Now in Brazil, we find ourselves beginning again. Just as we once struggled with Spanish, we are now learning Portuguese.
Once again, we feel the limitations—searching for words, trying to understand, learning how to connect. But this feels familiar. God is teaching us the same lessons: humility, patience, and trust.
And so we embrace this new language not just as a necessity, but as a way of loving. Just as we learned to love and embrace Spanish, we now open our hearts to Portuguese—as a bridge to serve and love the people God is entrusting to us.
In this season, we are also discovering a quieter, deeper love. Less about doing, more about being—being present to God and to each other.
Discovering Each Other, Again and Again
After 20 years, we realize that we are still discovering each other.
We are no longer the same people we were when we began. Each mission, each challenge, each grace has changed us. And in every stage, we are invited to love each other anew—with patience, understanding, and mercy.
We have learned that love is not just a feeling. It is a daily choice—to forgive, to listen, to stay, and to begin again.
And through it all, it is God’s love that sustains us.
A Marriage on the Run, Led by God
Our marriage has truly been “on the run”—moving from one mission to another, constantly being sent and formed. But we have never been alone.
God has always been faithful. And through the Couples for Christ community, He has given us a family that walks with us.
Errol and Miggie’s story is a truly inspiring one for all, not just for couples.