The beginning of September marked two years since we moved to Peru. Two years ago, right before our move, we spent a very special week with Mark’s Uncle Larry and Aunt Mary Kay in Florida. Our beloved Uncle Larry recently passed on. Aunt Mary Kay (pictured with us) remains and continues to encourage us, as do countless family members and dear friends. Things change even as short periods of time pass by, yet our hope abounds, because our Lord is faithful. We moved to Peru because of this hope. We trust that this family interview will serve as a testimony and an encouragement to you… Read More

“Judgment.” Read More

How do we know God loves us?

Answer this question to yourself: “How do we know God loves us?” Now give another answer.

After studying the Father’s love for the Son in John’s gospel, along with our daily observations on life and mission, may we suggest some additional answers to this question. First, we know God’s love for us because He shows us what He is doing:

“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He himself is doing…” (John 5:20; NASB) Read More

“There is so much joy on the margins!” This declaration from a pastor friend of ours expresses our reflection on the past couple of months that we shared in the USA with family, friends, and new friends. We had returned to the States with stories of hardships abounding with hope, and over and over again we were encouraged by the depth of the reception, interest, and commitment we encountered from our partners. For this and so much more, we give thanks to our Lord…

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Life may be good, but is it great? What is our measure for greatness? We hope you can learn along with our family from Jesus’ ministry and teaching on what truly makes for a great life…
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Over the past month, we have experienced the many blessings of relationship in mission, as family and friends have come alongside the work here in Peru to help us advance with some needed projects while deepening connections. Enjoy the pictures and highlights from this recent chapter of our storied lives together! Read More

Within the realm of time, January marked the beginning of a new chapter called 2016. Years are marked by holidays, seasons, and major events in life that are met with celebration or sorrow. These events give shape to the stories of families, communities, and even nations. In many ways, our identity is based on the occurrence of these events and our response to them. Though happy moments occur, as the years go by, there seems to be a general sense of “everything getting worse.”

Outside of this realm of time, “January” was full of eternal moments called the New Creation. Eternal life is marked by rescue and restoration that are met with gratitude and hope. Such dynamics create the stories of families, communities, and even nations. In every way, our identity is formed by these realities which compel our response toward others. Suffering occurs, and as His Story continues, there is an overall sense of “everything being made new.” Read More

The tables in our homes are regularly set for meals, then cleared and cleaned, before being set again for the next meal. It is a constant and often ordinary routine. Perhaps for this reason, table fellowship remains one of the most formative contexts in the kingdom of God. Jesus focused on people through His table fellowship, and we are compelled by hope for that day when we will be seated with Him at His table in a new heaven and new earth. Kids Alive Peru, in the Andes Mountains (Andahuaylas), the Amazon Jungle (Pucallpa), and the Pacific Coast (Lima), continues to provide “table service” through its children’s homes, care centers, and educational programs…because of our hope in Him – all-year-long. Celebrate with us the faithfulness of God, whose presence makes it table “fellowship;” and whose mission provides places for “royalty” around His table, from “the least of these” who have no such place in a fallen world.

In November, the senior class choir from Lancaster County Christian School shared this message through a song, “Love Like This.” In this video (see lyrics below), they sang (under the direction of Mrs. Jenna Hege) in the new dining facility at the Kids Alive Care Center in Pucallpa, where God’s love is served all-year-long. Read More

View this video for an overview of our work with Kids Alive International as Missionaries of Discipleship and Development. Many thanks to Stephen Lewis, our new friend and long-time partner with Kids Alive Peru, who made this video possible. Enjoy!

cote final from Mark Cote on Vimeo.

Together for His glory,

Mark, Kristin, Caleb, Jacob, and Rachel Coté

Missionaries of Discipleship and Development based in Pucallpa, Peru

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Our mailing address:

Apartado 25
Pucallpa, Peru

After a period of adjustment, exploration, and confirmation, we are ready to share our defined roles and
responsibilities as Missionaries of Discipleship and Development with Kids Alive International. A new video featuring the ministry of our family here in Peru will provide an  overview of our job in Part 2. For Part 1, we have approached many of our partners for input as to why, how, or what compelled them to partner with our family. Completely based on their feedback, we have synthesized a statement of being and doing for our family, “a job description” entrusted to us by those sending us. Read More