Pastor Valleskey was born in Blantyre, Malawi (Africa) to Missionary Stephen Valleskey and Sally Valleskey. Having mission work in the family was a big influence on him wanting to do the same. He graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, and from 2005-2015 was blessed to serve the Hispanic congregations of Christ and St. Peter Lutheran churches in the inner city of Milwaukee. He’s grateful God has now given him the opportunity to continue preaching the Word on the southern end of the beautiful Caribbean coast of Mexico, based out of the town of Mahahual. In his free time Pastor Valleskey enjoys outdoor activities and smoking meat, and is currently learning some new ocean sports. His prayer is to share with the people around him salvation in Jesus through a “righteousness that is by faith from first to last” (Romans 1:17). 

Karen is a member of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Brookfield, WI. She retired a year ago after teaching Spanish for 42 years at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. She is putting retirement on hold for a year while serving at Cruz de Cristo. Karen has visited Mahahual several times with student mission teams. She comments, "I feel honored to have the opportunity to do what I can to help grow this ministry. I've had the privilege of visiting Cruz de Cristo in the past, and I'm very excited to return in this new role." 

As our new Director of Education, Karen will be developing our education program in preparation for a permanent worker we hope the Lord will provide next year. Her extensive experience in leading mission groups to Latin America has prepared her beautifully for this task. We thank and praise our LORD for moving her heart to serve with us.