KIMA

MEET THE KIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Since 2009, Mike Harnack has pastored First Lutheran, Burbank, California, which is a multinational, historic congregation with deep ties in its community and the music industry. As Circuit Counselor, he helped lead churches in his area to investigate mission opportunities in Mexico. Pastor Mike himself is one quarter Nicaraguan, and, before the pandemic, he and his family vacationed in Mexico annually. He brings a passion for spreading the Gospel of Christ to all nations and has already made friends with several of the pastors of the Synod of Mexico. He thanks the Lord for this opportunity to serve God’s people through KIMA.

MEET THE KIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pastor Erik Loza became a part of KIMA through Pastor Garrett Hart. They have been friends for many years, as they minister in congregations that are in the same circuit. Pasto. Erik said yes to an invitation from Pastor Hart to join the board. Pastor Erik would love to see congregations in Mexico continue to grow and to flourish as new church plants appear. He is excited to hear about how the Holy Spirit is moving wonderfully among churches in Mexico and among those churches in the U.S. that support our brethren to the south.

MEET THE KIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rev. Nathan Wendorf has served as Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, Texas, since 2010. He also serves as Third Vice President of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and has been involved with the Lutheran Synod of Mexico through LCMS World Mission since 2018.

Living and serving along the Texas-Mexico border has given Rev. Wendorf the opportunity to build lasting relationships with pastors, deaconesses, missionaries, and congregations throughout Mexico. His firsthand experience with Lutheran mission work and theological education has strengthened his passion for supporting KIMA's mission.

Rev. Wendorf is grateful to serve on the KIMA Board and looks forward to seeing how God continues to use KIMA to strengthen Lutheran pastors, churches, and missions throughout Mexico.

MEET THE KIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

I am honored to serve as Treasurer for KIMA. KIMA has always held a special place in my heart because my father, Pastor Norman Finke, founded this ministry with a passion for sharing Christ's love and supporting faithful Lutheran pastors in Mexico.

After my father's passing, I felt called to help continue the mission he began. Serving on the KIMA Board is my way of honoring his legacy while helping ensure that KIMA remains a faithful partner to the pastors, churches, and missions of the Lutheran Synod of Mexico. It is a privilege to use my gifts and experience to help strengthen this ministry, and I am committed to doing everything I can to support the work God is accomplishing through KIMA.

MEET THE KIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rev. Greg Finke has served on the KIMA board since it was launched by Rev. Norman Finke more than 25 years ago and currently is the Vice President of the board. Greg serves as the Executive Director of Dwelling 1:14 and is the author of the "Joining Jesus on His Mission" series. He also serves as the Lead Facilitator of the Go Network, an organization which helps mission-minded confessional Lutherans connect and collaborate for the sake of making progress in mission, discipleship, and multiplication. Greg is committed to seeing the Gospel shared with all people everywhere. Because KIMA shares that commitment in Mexico, Greg is excited and honored to serve on its board.

MEET THE KIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pastor Garrett Hart met Pastor Isaac and other pastors of the Synod of Mexico at a Pacific Southwest District convention in September of 2023, along with the pastors of his own circuit, who were eager for mission opportunities and decided to explore partnerships with the Lutheran churches of Mexico. When it was discovered how professional, hard-working, and confessional the pastors of Mexico are, a true collaboration was born. When Pastor Norm Finke, the founder and Executive Director of KIMA, passed away in the summer of 2024, it seemed natural for the California pastors to join the efforts started in the Texas District, and Pastor Garrett was honored to be the next Executive Director of KIMA. “All of the work being done here has been initiated and led by the Holy Spirit who, like the wind, goes where he pleases and graciously includes us and is willing to use each of us according to the gifts he has given us,” says Pastor Garrett, who cherishes the privilege to participate in spreading the Gospel of Jesus both in Mexico and the United States. “The door to God’s mission in Mexico is open!”

Celebrating the blessings of VBS and the faith of our children!

KIMA Newsletter - September 2025 Email from Koinoneo Independent Mission Agency Let the children come to me. Vacation Bible School In August, with materials purchased from Concordia Publishing House, KIMA was blessed to provide a Chr

See what's been happening at KIMA!

KIMA Newsletter - August 2025 Email from Your Giving Is Changing Lives Youth Congress - Jóvenes SLM Thanks to your generous support, over 100 young people gathered at a recent Youth Congress in Mexico to grow in their faith and de