Shawn and Karen's adventure began with a short term mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico, over Thanksgiving of 2004. During the week long trip, their hearts were especially touched by the genuine warmth of the people at the church Dios es mi Refugio (God is my Refuge) and the needs of the children. Shawn felt God's call to return to Mexico full time, and in January he shared God's call with Karen. They decided together to heed the call of God to be full time missionaries to the people of Mexico.  They joined MGF in March of 2005 and in June with their house sold and their jobs left behind, they said goodbye to family and friends in Livermore, California, and headed for Mexico. 

Shawn and Karen worked until February 2008 with Dave and Debbie Tazelaar at Dios es mi Refugio . In January 2008 the Lord called them to work with Horizonte Ministries in Ensenada. Horizonte Ministries has a vision to train and raise up lay people and missionaries to spread the gospel to all of Mexico, South America and "to the ends of the earth". The first phase, opening in August of 2008, is an extension of Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, Ca.

The Evangelistic School of  Ministry, planned to open in the fall of 2009, will focus on teaching/training  Mexican Nationals as missionaries. There is also ongoing outreaches in the Ensenada area from the school. Shawn is the Sub Director of Operations and is teaching bible courses, and Karen is using her skills in school administration.