Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico 2026

Mexico’s Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo have quickly become deeply meaningful destinations for the LeaderImpact Global Exchange program. In April, we brought a team of 18 leaders to participate in our third exchange in the region. Eight of those team members returned for a second or even third time, reflecting the deep connections they have formed with both the local people and the community itself.

Our local partners worked diligently to organize 35 events, where 1,175 people attended and heard the gospel through the personal faith stories shared by our team. As a result, 196 individuals made the decision to begin a relationship with Jesus, while 34 renewed their faith journey. In addition, the local team is now following up with 72 individuals who expressed interest in becoming part of LeaderImpact.

One of the most memorable moments was the Main Business Forum, attended by Liz Tapia, the Mayor of Zihuatanejo. Following the keynote presentation, Mayor Tapia addressed the audience and shared how deeply moved she was by keynote speaker Kevin Janzen’s faith story. She also affirmed the important role faith plays in personal, professional, and spiritual life.

This exchange also introduced a new and unique opportunity through Cultural Exchange events. During these gatherings, team members were paired with students and families from a local Christian school. These experiences created meaningful opportunities to build personal relationships and to encourage local believers in their faith and influence within their communities.

As we have witnessed time and time again, God brings together individuals from across Canada to form a uniquely gifted team. Though many begin as strangers, they quickly bond through shared faith, training, and anticipation for what God will do. Along the journey, deep friendships are formed and the proverb comes to life: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

And in the end, there is always impact.