"We’re not here to change a culture—we’re here to love a people. When love is real, the gospel speaks for itself."
— Esaú & Ale Pérez
Pearl Partners | Oaxaca, Mexico
At Forward Edge, we believe real, lasting transformation begins with leaders rooted in their own communities. We call these remarkable men and women our Pearl Partners. Each one is a treasure, shaped by challenges, refined by faith, and shining as an example of Christ’s love in action.
Pearl Partners are what set Forward Edge apart. We don’t import solutions; we invest in the vision of trusted local leaders who already know the needs, strengths, and dreams of their own communities.
By coming alongside them, we help their ministries grow stronger, reach farther, and transform more lives with the love of Christ.
Our Pearl Partners exemplify our five core values in everything they do.
Our Pearl Partners center their lives on God, allowing His voice to guide their leadership. They listen through prayer before taking action, seeking His direction in every initiative and decision.
You will find Pearl Partners out in the field, feeding children, visiting families, teaching, and serving side by side with neighbors, putting the love of Jesus into practice every day.
Pearl Partners focus on each child’s needs and dreams, making them feel seen, valued, and supported in their daily lives. By investing in children, they help shape stronger families and communities for generations to come.
As we empower our Pearl Partners, they empower families by providing resources and opportunities to strengthen communities and build futures.
Our Pearl Partners are committed for the long haul, building bonds of trust through years of presence, care, and genuine friendship.
Raised in the mountains of Cuba, Oilver once thought he’d follow a path far from God—even considering himself a communist in his youth. Everything changed at 21, when reading his mother’s Bible and witnessing her faith led him to Christ. Together with his wife Elvis, Oilver faced deep poverty and hardship in their early ministry. Those experiences grew in them a deep compassion for those who suffer and a calling to serve families in need.
Alex grew up in Cuba, where his parents held fast to their faith despite the pressures around them. As a teen, Alex was often mocked for going to church, but at 17, after joining his uncle’s prayer group, he gave his life to Christ. Soon after, he felt called to ministry and with his wife Selene began serving children and families together, a calling they have faithfully followed ever since.
Jonathan grew up in poverty, working from a young age to help his family and often going to school hungry. After coming to Christ, he and his wife Rhoda chose to stay in their community, walking alongside children facing the same struggles. When Jonathan paid $1 to help a girl return to school, they saw how even the smallest act of kindness can change a child’s future.
As a child, Chavannes was called “the pastor’s son who cannot read” until a caring missionary taught him in just one week, igniting his lifelong passion for education. Years later, after surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident, Chavannes dedicated his life to sharing the gospel and lifting up the vulnerable. With his wife Lucie, he began pioneering ministries for children, helping those trapped in domestic servitude find freedom and the chance to learn.
Jane Wathagana grew up in the mountains of Kijabe, where her mother, Mama Beth, welcomed dozens of children to their table even when they had little themselves. Jane later built a successful safari business in Nairobi, but as her mother’s health declined, she felt called to return home. After much prayer, Jane stepped in to carry on her mother’s legacy, serving children and families with the same faith and generosity she learned as a child.
Metush and Nora grew up under the shadow of communism and in a community shaped by Muslim traditions. When war shattered their world, they fled as refugees. After the war, Nora encountered Christ while interpreting for teams rebuilding homes, and soon both she and Metush gave their lives to Jesus.
Victor grew up in Oaxaca facing hardship and the absence of a father, but later found faith in Christ through the influence of family. Lety’s family also encountered Christ during a time of crisis. Together, Victor and Lety sold their home and moved into the marginalized community of Zaachila, choosing to share life with the families they serve. Through their daily presence, they have become like parents, helping children feel known and loved.
Esaú grew up in a large Zapotec family, one of Mexico’s largest indigenous groups, often feeling like an outsider because of his background and his family’s struggles. After university, he dedicated his life to missionary service, reaching out to those who felt unseen. Ale answered God’s call as a teenager to serve among unreached groups in Oaxaca. Together, they’ve devoted decades to walking alongside indigenous families.
Alex grew up with a single mom and knows the ache of an absent father. Later, when God healed his own marriage, Alex and his wife Ana dedicated their lives to caring for children and single mothers, starting by sharing breakfast from their own home with struggling neighborhood families. They often give their own time and resources to make sure children and families are cared for, sacrificing so much so the next generation can thrive.
The youngest of ten children, Gloria became known as “Mama Gloria” for caring for kids in the city’s dump, determined to help them rise above poverty just as she had. Her husband, Wilbert, faced rejection and disability from a young age, but meeting Christ changed his view of himself and gave him the drive to earn a university degree. Together, Wilbert and Gloria serve with compassion shaped by their own journeys—opening doors to hope for those who need it most.
Growing up in the slums of Uganda, Bonny scavenged plastic just to help feed his family. After a teacher gave him the chance to go to school, he joined the African Children’s Choir and sang across the U.S. Grateful for the hope he received, Bonny and his wife Julian left everything behind to help children still waiting for a chance.
Join our Global Prayer Team to receive weekly, bite-sized prayer requests. Pray with us for our Pearl Partners, their programs, and the communities they serve around the world. life into what God is wanting to accomplish through our Peal Partners.
Take a mission team to serve alongside our Pearl Partners and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Experience their ministry firsthand while bringing encouragement, practical help, and Christ’s love to their communities.
Host a child sponsorship event at your church—we’ll provide slides, child profiles, brochures, and everything you need. You’ll help connect children with loving support that extends far beyond what our Pearl Partners can offer alone.
Fund a project in partnership with our Pearl Partners and help meet a vital need—like building a classroom, kitchen, or water well. Your support provides real solutions and new opportunities, bringing hope and transformation to children and families in their communities.
"We’re not here to change a culture—we’re here to love a people. When love is real, the gospel speaks for itself."
Have a question about our Pearl Partners or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you! Use the form below to contact us, and someone from our team will be in touch soon. You can also call us at (360) 574-3343.
For over 40 years, Forward Edge has been connecting Christ-followers around the world to transform the lives of vulnerable children. Together with our Pearl Partners, we’ve built bridges between churches and communities—equipping thousands to serve, learn, and make a lasting difference for children in need.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
