Rancho Sordo Mundo, established in 1969 by the Everett Family, was Mexico’s first free boarding school for deaf children. In the past, the school provided language and education services and introduced them to the love of Jesus Christ.
In recent years, Rancho Sordo Mundo has evolved from a boarding school to an organization supporting an additional five ministries for the deaf in their home cities. This enables children to remain in their homes and still receive an education.
Located in the beautiful Guadalupe Valley northeast of Ensenada, Rancho Sordo Mundo has converted many of its former dorms and staff housing to AirBnB rentals. They also rent out their facilities to Christian organizations for use as a retreat center and run a nearby campground. The income generated supports the other ministries to deaf people throughout Mexico and Latin America.
In addition to providing housing and food as needed for local deaf people, Rancho Sordo Mundo has established a training center to equip others to create and sustain like ministries throughout the region. A primary objective is to encourage the deaf community to step up and follow Jesus.
Manuel and Laura Vivanco serve in church planting and leadership
development in Southern Mexico, primarily in Mexico City’s
greater metropolitan area. In addition to the main church in
Chiconautla, where Manuel is senior pastor and from which
church-planting teams are sent, their network includes churches
in La Presa, Tizayuca, Héroes Tecámac, Zumpango, and Nicolás
Romero. We also have an active church plant in the Mixtec area of
Puebla, Mexico. Key leaders from network churches meet
regularly with the Chiconautla staff for prayer and study.
Leadership interns shadow experienced leaders and gain hands-
on experience in ministry before taking on any particular leadership role. Manuel also spends part of his time encouraging and counseling other pastors and leaders within the Mexican
church.
The Vivancos have five children: Emily and Caleb (graduates of Biola University), Kelly (Westmont student), Nicolas, and Bethany. The kids are also active in ministry and the younger two do school at home.