HEARTLAND Directory

Born and raised in South Africa, Maricka completed her studies in missions, Bible, and theology at God’s Bible School and College [in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA], after which she served for three years at the Bible Methodist Shepherds College in the Philippines.

Returning to South Africa in 2020, she helped launch Africa 85, a joint initiative between Bible Methodist Missions and Hope International Missions, which seeks to provide accessible training to underserved pastors in Africa, of which she manages most of the day-to-day administration.

Whenever her primary assignment with Africa 85 allows for it, she’s also involved in her home Afrikaans-speaking church denomination with music and youth ministry, as well as global mission awareness initiatives.

David and Diana Martínez are missionaries serving in Mexico. David holds a BA in Ministerial Education from GBS&C and an MA in Bible from the Central American Theological Seminary (SETECA). He is fluent in both Spanish and English. Diana, fluent in Spanish and currently learning English, also participates in the ministry.

David’s primary focus is on theological education at Ezra Biblical Seminary, and he often translates SGC curriculum and other Sunday school materials into Spanish. They are preparing for church planting in Oaxaca while also anticipating the growth of their family. In his free time, David enjoys reading and writing, while Diana loves experimenting with new Mexican recipes.

Timothy and Rebekah Slavens, together with their 5 children, Timothy III, Kora, Elwyn, Kaisley, and Khloe (oldest to youngest) are the newest members of the Bible Methodist Missions team. They are very excited to be a part of what God is doing through the BMM. Lord willing, they will be serving in Mexico following language school.

Both Timothy and Rebekah are graduates of Hobe Sound Bible College. Rebekah graduated with a BA in music education and Timothy graduated with a BA in ministerial studies with a minor in missions. They have been privileged to serve in the Great Lakes Regional Conference of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches, in which Timothy is an ordained elder. One of their family’s favorite pastimes is spending time in the great outdoors!