For the last decade, GoTEN has been working to inform the Church of God’s strategic movement of people, bringing the nations to us here in the United States. While embracing this opportunity and leading local UPG engagement remains a core part of our organization’s heart and drive, going to the nations beyond our boarders is also a key part of our effort to love God, love people, and help others do the same. 

With that in mind, GoTEN is excited to introduce Maeson Gardiner, who will be serving as our Short-Term Trips Coordinator! Maeson’s journey started several years ago, when he heard about an opportunity to help out with English class. What enticed, and maybe even intimidated Maeson, was the unique opportunity to connect with someone who grew up in a completely different cultural background than he did. With the encouragement of a mentor, Maeson stepped out in faith, began serving in English class, and quickly found himself visiting refugee homes with GoTEN staff. What started as the simple acceptance of a challenge became the pursuit of a new passion, and Maeson began developing his own relationships in the refugee community. 

The trend of being attentive to God’s direction and accepting challenges continued as Maeson joined his church on a trip to an unreached area, spending several weeks immersed in new cultural experiences. When he returned home, Maeson took part in leading his church’s global efforts, challenging and encouraging students to take the same steps he had taken. 

Several steps of obedience later, Maeson has excitedly taken on a full time role with GoTEN. His new challenge will allow him to embrace God’s strategic movement of unreached people to Phoenix, continuing to encourage English learners and fostering discipleship relationships outside of the classroom, but will also allow him to continue leading other Christians to accept challenges of their own, stretching beyond borders and barriers to provide needed support to teams serving in remote areas. 

In the first several months of 2026, Maeson will either lead or help facilitate 5 global trips and several local experience-based trips that will allow church groups to see and participate in the work that GoTEN is doing in unreached communities! Whether it’s leading a group on a trip to South Asia in May to experience a variety of cultures and world views amongst UPGs in Asia, or leading a June service outreach trip amongst refugees in the Middle East, or warmly hosting a group desiring to see and feel refugee ministry in action in the Valley, Maeson is excited to embrace trip leadership — his latest missional challenge. 

We are extremely thankful for Maeson, his obedience to God and his place on our team. Connect with him to set up your next missional adventure, local or global!