Ministry Review

Here's a quick review of how the Poes have worked to serve the Lord with their lives:

Pre-field (1998-2001)

John and Debbie were active members in their local church where they participated in children's and youth ministries, Sunday school and evangelism.  After joining Baptist Mid-Missions and attending candidate school they were able to promote missions and the work in Peru by ministering and speaking in about 75 churches during deputation.  After completing deputation in 2000 they headed to Edinburg, Texas where they studied Spanish for eleven months at the Rio Grande Bible Institute.

First Term (2001-2005)

During their first term in Peru most of the Poe's work revolved around their church-planting ministry.  They had an active ministry with children and youth, evangelism and discipleship.  They were able to go into public schools to conduct evangelistic programs where numerous children were able to hear the Gospel.  In 2003 they were able to help with the founding of the Iglesia Bautista La Fe (Faith Baptist Church) in a part of Lima called Ate-Vitarte.  The church has grown and now has its own building and more importantly has called its own national pastor.  The church continues to grow, sending out workers to Lima and to other parts of Peru.  During their first term John and Debbie were also involved in the Fetzer Memorial Christian Academy, a school for missionary children.

Second Term (2005-2010)

During their second term the Poes continued to see the Lord blessing their ministry.  After returning from furlough they began visitation and evangelism in a new part of the city.  After much prayer and searching the Lord led them to a Peruvian couple that would serve as their co-workers.  In 2006 they were able to start another church in a part of Lima called Viña Alta.  The new work was called the Misión Bautista (The Baptist Mission).  They used numerous public campaigns and events to promote the ministry in this new area. Many people were saved as many families heard the Gospel. During their second term the Poes were able to host over 100 short-term visitors that came to work and see mission in action.  The Poes continued their ministry at the Fetzer Academy.

Third Term (2010-2014)

John and Debbie returned to the states for their second furlough in the summer of 2010.  During their time in the states they were able to minister and promote the Peru ministry in over 50 churches.  They had planned to return to Peru by August 2011 but had to extend their furlough to seek needed medical treatment for Olivia who developed epilepsy.  The Poes returned to Peru in January of 2012 and continued the work in Viña Alta.  After much prayer the Poes felt that their ministry in Viña Alta had come to an end and they began searching for a new area of ministry in mid 2014.  A life threatening incident left Debbie in the hospital in June of 2014. This forced the family to return to the states earlier than planned.

Medical Treatment & Furlough (July 2014-July 2016)
In June of 2014, Doctors confirmed that Debbie had a previously undiagnosed liver disease.  The long term outlook meant that returning to Peru was not a safe option.  A short term medical plan of action was started by the doctors and Debbie's health was strong enough to allow the Poes to visit their supporting churches and promote missions during her treatments.  After several visits to Sebring, Florida, the family felt led to transition to a new ministry with Editorial Bautista Independiente, the Spanish literature and theological training ministry of Baptist Mid-Missions. In January of 2020, Debbie was able to have a life-saving liver transplant. 

Ministry with EBI (July 2016-Present)

In July of 2016 the Poe family moved to their new home in Sebring.  Here they serve with Editorial EBI.  EBI strives to provide doctrinally sound, theologically profound materials that are needed for the growth of churches and ministries in the Spanish-speaking world.  In addition, the staff at EBI works to provide onsite and virtual classes for pastors, teachers and others that are interested in increasing their effectiveness in ministry through theological training. Since joining EBI John has had the privilege of traveling to minister to several parts of the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Peru.  In 2024 the Poes will celebrate 27 years of missionary service with Baptist Mid-Missions.

EBI publishes 15-20 new titles per year. These books range from Bible commentaries, Bible study books, children's books, counseling resources, theology books, and a wide-range of Sunday School and discipleship materials. Now, EBI materials are distributed to nearly 20 nations at more than 50 distribution points. Providing doctrinally-sound, theologically-profound, Christ-centered resources to the Spanish-speaking world is the heartbeat of Editorial EBI.