Today, the Sault Ste. Marie church in Michigan's Upper Peninsula stands as a beacon of both spiritual and structural stability. After a major renovation, its doors are open and its sanctuary is a safe and inviting place of worship once again.
“We planned to do siding and install a new roof,” said Sutton, co-coordinator of Mexico Missions & Beyond. “But when we got there, the whole building was deteriorated. Their foundation was very bad.”
What was supposed to be a modest renovation budgeted at $30,000 to $40,000 quickly ballooned into a massive overhaul nearing $250,000. The church, long overdue for repairs, posed serious risks to those inside. Pastor David Austin didn’t mince words when recalling the building’s condition. “I couldn't believe that we hadn't had a burnt down church yet!” he said, referencing the severe electrical and structural hazards. With outdated wiring, a failing foundation and deteriorated materials, the dangers to members and visitors were undeniable. Addressing them became an unquestioned priority.
Despite the daunting scope of the project, Sutton and his team of volunteer builders—many licensed professionals in plumbing, electrical and HVAC—didn’t turn away.
They stayed. They worked. And they transformed.
Today, the Sault Ste. Marie church stands as a beacon of both spiritual and structural stability—its walls sound, its doors open and its sanctuary a safe and inviting place of worship once again.
Building more than churches
The effort in “the Soo” is just one chapter in the broader story of Mexico Missions & Beyond, a volunteer ministry that has quietly but faithfully left its mark across the globe since the late 1980s. From churches in Chiapas and clinics in Colombia to cottages at Great Lakes Adventist Academy and cabins at Camp Sagola, the ministry’s hammer swings both near and far.
That far-and-near philosophy has guided Mexico Missions as it carries out building projects across Mexico, Cuba, Belize, Venezuela, Bolivia and more, while still investing deeply in communities stateside, including in the Lake Union.
While the ministry doesn’t charge for labor, hosts typically cover travel and lodging. The value returned is exponentially higher. Pastor Austin, who worked closely with Sutton during the Michigan church rebuild, praised his leadership. “He's exceptionally resourceful, and his years of Mexico Missions have made him think outside of the box and yet still be able to work within permit requirements,” he said. “It's quite amazing to see some of the solutions that he comes up with and the connections that he has.”
A movement born in Michigan
Rich and Pam Sutton, now based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, trace their ministry’s roots to Michigan, where they met and married in Holly and later raised a family in Cadillac. It was there that Sutton first sensed a calling to do more.
He was leading a youth group of about 30 teens when he realized many were drifting from the church. Rather than accept their disengagement as inevitable, Sutton prayed—and then acted. He organized social and spiritual events and discovered a program that involved youth in foreign missions.
Their first trip was life changing. A group of Michigan teenagers traveled to Mexico to build a church—and in the process, built up their own faith. According to Sutton, practically every one of them remains faithful to the Lord to this day.
That mission trip marked the birth of Mexico Missions. Since then, the ministry has adopted the motto: “Changing lives through short-term missions.” While their focus is construction, Sutton is quick to point out the deeper goal is that hearts are rebuilt by the Savior through these projects.
Looking ahead
Mexico Missions’ schedule for the remainder of 2025 is packed. Renovations at Sparta Spanish and Mesick churches are next on the list, alongside return trips to Chiapas and Santiago, Cuba. The Suttons hope to expand service throughout the Lake Union and beyond.
The full extent of what this ministry has accomplished for the kingdom of God will only be known after the celestial trumpet disseminates its victorious blast. Until then the work continues, brick by brick, heart by heart.
You can learn more about the ministry at mexicomissionsadventista.com, including how this ministry raises more than just buildings. It helps restore hope and purpose in the lives of others.
“God wants His people ready,” said Sutton.
John Simon is a freelance writer.
