Bring Hope. Build Futures.
We bring Christ-centered outreach, encouragement, and support to Mayan villages so people can thrive, not just survive.
Welcome to Ek Balam
Deep in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the indigenous Mayan community of Ek Balam thrives with tradition and resilience but faces economic and spiritual challenges.
Founded in 1971 by 12 families
~450 Indigenous Mayans today
Limited Water & Medical Access
Why We Serve
To bring hope through sustainable programs that empower families, uplift children, and share the love of Jesus.
Faith
Christ-centered discipleship and worship.
Health
Nutrition, health, and water initiatives.
Education
Support from Pre-School to Adult.
Following God's Call
In 2004, Debi Morris first discovered Ek Balam. Years later she became a Mexican citizen and founded Hope for Ek Balam to serve her neighbors with dignity and the love of Jesus.
"God doesn't call the qualified — He qualifies the called."
Life verse: Micah 6:8 — To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Special Message from Pastor Ronnie Holderby
Pastor Ronnie Holderby shares his heart for the people of Ek Balam and an update on what God is doing through the House of Light.
Watch Pastor Ronnie's Message
The House of Light – Zacil Naa Outreach Center
A permanent home for worship, learning, and healing.
Kitchen & Pantry
Community kitchen, pantry, and storage for meals.
Open-Air Worship
Thatched roof for gathering space.
Garden & Grounds
Tool shed, gardens, and small group areas.
Programs We Offer
Spiritual Outreach
Bible studies, puppet shows, discipleship, and guitar ministry.
Medical & Home Care
Widow care, first-aid training, hospital visits, at-home physical therapy, and prayer.
Nutrition & Health
School feeding, healthy cooking, solar cooking classes, and compost gardens.
Economic Development
Hammocks, needlework, soap-making, and trades skill-building.
Youth & Education
School bus, books, sports camps, and drama outreach.
Hope in Action
See the beautiful community and ongoing work in Ek Balam
See Hope in Action
Mission
Community Outreach
House of Light
Hands That Build Hope
A team of IronMen Disciple's Path members serve each year with their hearts and tools, building infrastructure that transforms lives.
Our Toolbelt Team brings skilled volunteers to Ek Balam each year, working alongside local community members to construct and improve vital facilities.
From building the House of Light to renovating homes for widows, these dedicated volunteers use their construction skills to create lasting change.
Join Our Next Mission Trip
- Construction experience desired
- Trips typically last 6 days
- All ages welcome on most missions (18+ or with parent/guardian)
- Experience the joy of serving alongside the Ek Balam community
September 25-30, 2026
Construction & Evangelistic Outreach
What to Expect
Each trip includes:
- ✓Construction projects alongside local workers
- ✓Community engagement and cultural experiences
- ✓Shared meals with local families
- ✓Daily devotionals and worship
Cost
$1,200 per person
(includes lodging, meals, ground transportation, and project materials)
Interested in joining?
Email Ronnie Holderby
A Letter from Rick & Ronnie Holderby
IronMen Disciples Path Ministry — 2026 Update
Greetings from Anna, Texas,
We are writing to you from Anna, Texas, where Teresa and I now reside. My brother Rick and his wife Darlene have also moved here. The IronMen Disciples Path Ministry is now a 501(c)(3) in the state of Texas, and by God's grace, doors of opportunity have opened up. We are obeying God's calling to make disciples of men who follow Jesus — here in Texas and through our online IMDP ministry website, ministering to men and their families throughout the nation.
The Mission in Ek Balam
The IronMen Disciples Path Ministry has come alongside two missionaries: Debi Morris and Omar Hernandez. Debi was called to the mission field in 2006 to a Mayan village in the jungle of Yucatan, Mexico called Ek Balam. The Lord placed on her heart a calling to build the Hope of Ek Balam "House of Light" worship center. She is now a Mexican citizen and ministers to the Mayan people living in the village and surrounding communities.
Omar was called to help Debi build the "House of Light" about 9 years ago. He is the project manager with a crew of Mayan men. In 2025, our Toolbelt Team went in March to help Omar build the septic tank and sewer system — pouring 26 yards of concrete. We returned in October to continue working on the Outdoor Kitchen and Multi-purpose building, and blessed Omar's crew with cordless power tools provided by the Dewalt tool company.
Next Trip: September 25–30, 2026
We will be returning with our IMDP Toolbelt Team September 25–30, 2026 to continue building the Palapa worship structure. Please pray for God's provision. Do you want to help support the project in Ek Balam or support the IronMen Disciples Path Ministry? You can partner with us in prayer and, if led by the Holy Spirit, support financially.
How to Pray
Please pray trusting with us for God's grace and mercy on the IronMen Disciples Path Ministry in 2026.
- Pray for the Mayan people of Ek Balam and surrounding villages to be saved
- Pray for Debi and Omar — provision, health, and steadfastness
- Pray for the Toolbelt Team traveling September 25–30, 2026
- Pray for travel mercies and safety
- Pray that God provides the $1,200 per person needed for each team member
- Pray that God provides the $25,000 construction budget for the Palapa Worship Center
How to Give
All donations are tax-deductible and a detailed budget is available on request.
- Mail a check to: IronMen Disciples Path Ministry, 1005 Holly Street, Anna, TX 75409 (Attn: Ronnie Holderby)
- Note on the check: "IMDP Ministry" or "Ek Balam House of Light"
- Donate online at ironmen-disciples.com
- Donate online at ekbalammexico.org
"But now faith, hope, love abide these three, but the greatest of these is love."
— 1 Corinthians 13:13
Trusting in Him,
Ronnie Holderby
Support Omar Hernandez
Help Our Faithful Project Manager
Omar was called to the mission field and to Ek Balam to help Debi build the Hope of Ek Balam 'House Of Light' about 9 years ago. He is the project manager and has a crew of Mayan men who are helping him build the 'House Of Light.'
This year the IronMen ministry toolbelt team went in March to help Omar build the worship center by installing the septic tank sewer system with his team building the forms and pouring 26 yards of concrete. Rick and I with other men are returning September 25th to 30th, 2026 to continue our work helping build the 'House Of Light.'
Omar and Debi both rent and live in homes of very humble means. Omar's home has a roof that needs repair. Rick and I sense the Lord's prompting to help him by raising the funds for 1-year's rent and to provide the funds to do the roof repair needed.
The cost is $1,350.00. We want to ask you to consider partnering with us in prayer and if led by the Holy Spirit help support financially to the 'House Of Light' project by giving to provide the funds to pay for Omar's rent and repair of the roof.
Special Thanks to Those That Gave:
Ask God what you can give!
How to Give
- Mail check to: IronMen Disciples Path Ministry, 1005 Holly Street, Anna TX 75409 (Memo: Omar Support)
- Online at ironmen-disciples.com donation portal
- Online donation link (above button)
Join the Toolbelt Team
Ready to serve? Fill out this form to express your interest in joining our next mission trip.
Give Hope
Every gift transforms lives.
School supplies for a child - backpacks/uniforms.
One week of nutrition for a family.
Bible distribution & discipleship (Spanish solar audio Bibles needed).
Construction support for the community kitchen.
Daily worker support: $100/day funds for laborers.
Other Ways to Help
Volunteer Your Time
Join a mission trip (construction experience desired but not required).
Donate Supplies
Generator (top need), tools, cooking supplies & food, school & hygiene items.
Spread Awareness
Share testimonies in your small group. Follow and share on Facebook.
Contact & Stay Connected
We serve in areas with slow and unreliable internet, electricity, and cell coverage — replies may be delayed.
General Contact
We do not maintain a newsletter list; for updates, please use Facebook or WhatsApp.