Carrying the Costs Together
- Servant Partners
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Óscar Durán Cerón Shares How He’s No Longer Alone in His Ministry
This story is part of our Vision 2030 initiative to sustain global leaders like Óscar through the Staff Catalyst Fund. You can support this work at https://www.servantpartners.org/donate
Since 2018, Óscar Durán Cerón has traveled weekly to the community of San José Palmas in Los Reyes La Paz, Mexico, with a deep desire to share the gospel and sow hope. San José Palmas is a place of significant challenges: political corruption and organized crime leaves the community unprotected, leading to extortion for basic services and even land theft. Many live in extreme poverty, with men battling addiction and single mothers traveling two or more hours for low-paid work. Though his regular trek to San José Palmas is a hard one, Óscar is propelled by a deep love and desire to see people know Christ.
For years, Óscar carried out his calling alone and with limited resources. “Those were years of silent effort,” Óscar reflected. “Oftentimes, the journeys felt long and the ministry heavy. Each visit was an expression of love and commitment, trusting that God would provide what was needed to keep going.”
“For a long time, I carried out this ministry with my own limited resources. Those were years of silent effort. Oftentimes, the journeys felt long and the ministry heavy. Each visit was an expression of love and commitment, trusting that God would provide what was needed to keep going.”
Earlier this year, Óscar began receiving support from Servant Partners’ Staff Catalyst Fund, a Vision 2030 initiative that strengthens local leaders like him. The Fund allows Óscar to focus on ministry without bearing the full burden of resources himself. “Thanks to their partnership, the burden has become lighter,” Óscar said. “I no longer carry the costs of bringing Christ’s message on my own; now, we do it together.”
Óscar’s journey with Servant Partners began years before these trips. In 2013, he sought mentorship from Phillip Ndoro, the SP Regional Director for Latin America, expressing a desire to grow as a disciple and servant of God. In 2018, the Ndoros invited him to join the SP Mexico team as a volunteer with a church-planting initiative in Los Reyes. Today, Óscar serves as planter and pastor of The Palmas Church, shepherding families and guiding the congregation’s growth. In 2024, Óscar officially became an SP USA staff member.
In those early years of travel, Óscar started Bible study groups for people seeking faith. “Through Óscar’s ministry, God is reconciling people to Himself,” Phillip said. “Men who have been emotionally wounded or trapped in cycles of brokenness find healing and freedom in Christ through Óscar’s testimony, teaching and presence.” Even after he had to take a pause due to personal challenges, some of the women in the Bible study began traveling to Óscar’s home once a week for discipleship. Seeing their spiritual hunger encouraged him to resume his work in their community.
“I can now say that I feel accompanied. Your support has not only eased my burden but has also been a tangible sign that love for one’s neighbor can be lived out in community, even across distance.”
“I can now say that I feel accompanied,” Óscar said. “Your support has not only eased my burden but has also been a tangible sign that love for one’s neighbor can be lived out in community, even across distance.”
The Staff Catalyst Fund enables hope to blossom in places where support is difficult to raise. “I serve in a setting where the idea of supporting local missionaries is still unfamiliar and financial partners are rare,” Óscar said. “Your generosity has been like a balm along the way.”
By supporting Óscar, you are partnering in God’s work—helping to provide resources, training and tangible support that allows Óscar to develop his own networks and for the Palmas church to thrive. To Óscar and others, this is more than financial assistance; it is a sign of community and shared mission.
To read more stories or give to the Staff Catalyst Fund, please visit www.servantpartners.org/vision2030.
